It’s been a busy little week for our members with two midweek races and plenty events over the weekend.
Dalton Park Easter Races
The week got off to a flyer with Imogen Bungay finishing first lady and 7th place overall at the Dalton Park 10km and good to see Sarah Muparutsa back in the results with an impressive 5th place finish in her age category and 37th overall at the 10km.
Quayside 5km
A now very popular event and what looks to be a quick course that is attracting the best local athletes from around the region.
With junior races and two options for the adults, we had 17 athletes running across the 3 races. 7 in the first 5km, 5 in the second 5km, 3 in the junior 3km and 2 in the 1km junior race.
In the 3km Ayla Blight finished first in her age category and 19th overall. Zach Harrison was 3rd in his age category and 24th overall. Millie Robson finished 7th in her age category and 48th overall. Harry Robson and Ella Pickett competed in the 1km race finishing in 6th and 10th place.
Super running from our talented youngsters!
In the first of the adults 5km races. Luke Hillard had a great run to be the first Elswick home, an impressive pre London Marathon warm up, finishing 20th on the night.
Sophie Pickett continues her impressive return to running following the birth of little Leo, Sophie topped the podium on the quayside once again with a superb run.
There were PBs for Callum Eldridge and Joe Horner and an impressive 2nd place age category finish for Mike Russell.
Jonathan Rewcastle and new boy Joe Green also had cracking runs.
In the second 5km race of the night, Danny Spoor was on pacing duties as he continues his return following a long time out injured.
Finishing 1st in their age categories, Bella Russell and evergreen Mark McNally ran great races. Rosie Winter and Malcolm Liddle were next home to seal off a great night for Elswick.
European Duathlon Championships
David Bell made the trip over to Poland for the European Duathlon Championships, competing in the GBR vest for the first time.
David had a cracking international debut in the 45-49 age category finishing 7th overall and clocking the 2nd fastest run time on the day, an impressive 16.30 5km before getting on the bike.
It’s all looking good for the Bell brothers as they gear up for the World Championships in Australia.
NESDL Summer Track & Field – Shildon
Eric Lewis rallied the troops for the first fixture of the year.
It looked to be a good turn out with a few new faces taking part. Eric thought we were leading at the halfway point thanks to everyone taking part in various events and several volunteers/officials chipping in.
We continue to compete as a composite team with Blaydon and do very well given we don’t have a track.
If you would like to get involved in the future fixtures – dates below, speak to Eric or your team captains.
Click for information and results
Burnsall Trail Half Marathon
Fior Sayer took on the challenging Burnsall Trail Half Marathon finishing 61st and 6th in her category.
Three Peaks Fell Race
Pete Dawson was back on the fells this time taking on the 26 mile Three Peak Fell Race.
Celebrating its 70th year of running the event, Pete done amazing to run a nice PB over the very tough course.
Manchester Marathon
On his marathon debut David King had a cracking in morning in Manchester, breaking 3 hours was the goal and he done it in style, finishing with a superb time of 2.57 – amazing marathon debut!
London Marathon
We had 4 athletes running the iconic marathon.
Regulars Jason Old and Debbie Spoor made their annual trip to the capital and come away with great times. Jason ran 3.18 and Debbie 3.54.
It’s been a few years since Susanne Stephenson done a marathon, but she was back at it this weekend. An amazing achievement following her accident and sciatic problems over the last few weeks. Susanne ran a brilliant race, finishing with a time of 3.36.
Finally, another excellent performance from Luke Hillard, he really does put it all out there and comes away with some excellent times. He finished with an incredible time of 2.30.
Marató del Mediterrani
On the outskirts of Barcelona, Joanne Brown combined a trip to see her son with a half marathon – the art of multitasking is strong with this one…
It was touch and go whether Joanne was going to do this one, but she battled through her injury woes to finish in a great time of 1.43.
Hamsterley 10km
Heather Donald took to the trails of Hamsterley Forrest, completing the undulating 10km course.
Heather finished 2nd in her category and 16th overall.
Well done to all our athletes!
Information Notice:
The Pier to Pier has sold out but are allowing transfers; keep an eye out on Facebook as numbers will become available.
Future Fixtures:
Track and Field Fixtures:
North East Senior Development League:
Match 1: 26th April
Div 1 – Whitley Bay – North Shields Poly to host
Match 2: 17th May
Div 1 – Shildon – Darlington to host
Match 3: 15th June
Div 1 – Whitley Bay – Wallsend to host
Match 4: 19th July
Div 1 – Shildon – Gateshead to host
Open to all ages, speak to Eric Lewis, Ben or Felicity if you’re interested.
If you’re over 35 and want additional track and field experience have a look at the 2025 NEMAA fixtures – Click here.
Relays
30th April – Neptune (Mixed)
7th May – NEMAA Jarrow (Road) – taking names now
14th May – Wallsend (Road) – taking names now
June – Weetslade (Road)
July/August – Gosforth (Road)
September – Farringdon (Trail)
November – Norman Woodcocks (Road)
Club Champs:
15th March – Cowbell 5km – COMPLETED/RESULTS
6th April – Blyth (10k) – COMPLETED/RESULTS
18th May – Pier to Pier (off road) – Sold out
June – Rest
2nd July – Pie and Peas (10km) – Click for updates
10th July – Sunderland (5km) – Click for entry
August – Watergate (5km) – Click to enter
September – Rest
October – to be used if any fixtures are cancelled
November – Heaton Memorial (10km)
November/December – Gibside Fruit Bowl (off road)
January – Rest
February – Sherman Cup/Davision Shield (off road)
We’ll look to add an internal race (probably a 5km) if any races are cancelled.
Rules:
best x2 results from each race category (5km, 10km and off road)
Useful website for races: http://www.northeastraces.com