Thornley Farm NEHL Fixture 1
The long awaited cross country season got underway at the weekend. The weather gods were in our favour this year as the fixture went ahead without any issues.
Big thanks to Mike, Bella and George for putting the tent up and giving everyone somewhere to store their bags.
With 124 (50 juniors, 31 women and 43 men) of our athletes registered for the season plus others waiting in the wings it’s likely to be an exciting one.
On the day, our 33 juniors got us off to a flyer.
It was then our ladies turn, with 13 in action, there was enough for 3 counting teams. It was good to see XC debuts for Mathilde Barker and Tracey Beaumont as well as seeing Sydney Bungay stepping up to the senior ranks.
Imogen Bungay, running from the medium pack was our first counter, finishing 10th overall, Justina, Jude and Sarah our next counters putting the team in a good position to top the Division 2 table – Jude and Imogen will be rewarded with a promotion to fast pack after super runs.
Our men’s section had 18 runners, Nigel Hollier opted for the 2 lap race and finished 10th overall. Our other 17 lads put on a good show, we were 1 short of fielding 3 full teams but everyone played their part in taking points from our opponents…
Our first runner over the line was Kirk Haddon, finishing 13th place, that lure of cupcakes brought the best out of him… Sean Mennim and Gary Young weren’t far behind and they’ll all be promoted to the medium pack for the next race. Danny Spoor, Ben Ward and Joe Green made up that first counting team, all scoring very well – possibly securing 2nd place on the day.
It was a fine XC debut for Gary who secured a promotion, Ibraheem Mahoodi marked his first NEHL appearance with a solid performance too. Others making their Elswick debut at XC were Kirk Haddon, Ben Ward and Jon Bateman – great to see new names on the results and some returning ones that missed big chunks of last year due to injury.
Next time we need to get a team photo of everyone!!
Not long to wait until the next one at Druridge Bay, a cracking course for those who haven’t done it – see you all there!!
England Masters Selection Races – Crewe
Rob Lambert was also in XC action, travelling down to Crewe for a chance to be selected to represent England at cross country.
It looks like the race was split into two, with the North East contingent running in the 2nd wave.
Rob certainly threw his name in the hat by finishing 62 overall and 10th in his age category.
7 Valleys Ultra
A race not for the faint-hearted Dave Allan took on a dooza of a challenge.
Competitors can pick from 2, 5, 7, or 13 valleys, it was 7 for wor Dave. 110.50km (~70 miles) and 3780 meters (~12,400ft) elevation gain awaited him…
The race starts at 6am (ideal for Mary Hall) and route looks a nice one taking you through Langdale, Rydal and Grasmere but doubt there was much sightseeing on this journey.
Dave done an amazing job completing the 70 mile ultra in 19 hours 47 minutes in unfavourable weather too.
Nottingham Half Marathon
Roland Brown doubled up on races this weekend – running the Thornley on the Saturday then knocking out a half marathon on the Sunday.
Despite being under the weather all week, Roland rounded the week off with a 1:45 half marathon in Nottingham – not too shabby!
Information Notice:
Norman Woodcock Relays – 2nd November
Our annual Norman Woodcock race is taking place on the 2nd November at the Racecourse.
For the event to be a success we’ll be needing volunteers to help marshal, runners will also be needed, but marshalling will the priority.
Please keep this in mind as we’ll be coming out for volunteers soon.
English XC Relays – Mansfield 1st November
Are juniors will be out in force at Mansfield, it would be brilliant if our Seniors could get a few teams out too.
Women will run in teams of 3 running a 3km lap. The men will be in teams of 4 running a 5km lap.
Check your calendars and comment on the facebook post if you’re interested when it’s advertised.
Track and Field Training – Saturday’s at Wentworth
Andrea, Simon and others continue to hold track and field sessions on Saturday morning at Wentworth Leisure Centre.
There’s lots of events to try, all supported by our wonderful coaches, it’s a perfect introduction to track and field and boost that speed for the road events.
Open to all ages, members and nonmembers, everyone is welcome so please don’t be shy give it a try… If you want more information, feel free to ask any of the coaches. All we ask for is £2.50 donation, paid online before or after you take part.
Sunday Long Run
A reminder we have two regular groups running from the leisure centre on a Sunday heading out for long social runs. Everyone is welcome to these, even nonmembers, so if you have family or friends that wants company on a long run bring them down. Again, speak to your coaches for more information.
Future Fixtures:
Relays
1st November – English XC Relay (Mansfield)
2nd November – Norman Woodcocks (Road)
Cross Country – NEHL Fixtures
Winter is coming…so we’ll be looking to register people for the forthcoming NEHL season. Let me or Felicity know if you want to be registered.
SAT 27-SEP-25 Thornley Hall Farm
SUN 12-OCT-25 Druridge Bay Country Park
SAT 25-OCT-25 Lambton Estate
SUN 23-NOV-25 Wrekenton
SAT 17 or SUN 18-JAN-26 Lemington
SAT 31-JAN-26 Temple Park
SAT 28-FEB-26 Alnwick Castle Pastures
SAT 21-MAR-26 Eltringham Farm
NOTE: Dates are subject to change…
XC Championships Races
SAT 13-DEC-25 North Eastern Champs – Middlesbrough
SAT 24-JAN-26 Northern XC Champs – Pontefract TBC
SAT 21-FEB-26 National XC Champs – Sedgefield
Club Champs:
15th March – Cowbell 5km – COMPLETED/RESULTS
6th April – Blyth (10k) – COMPLETED/RESULTS
18th May – Pier to Pier (off road) – COMPETED/RESULTS
June – Rest
2nd July – Pie and Peas (10km) – COMPETED/RESULTS
10th July – Sunderland (5km) – COMPLETED/RESULTS
August – Watergate (5km) – Completed – click for results
September – Rest
October – to be used if any fixtures are cancelled
9th November – Heaton Memorial (10km) – Click to enter
16th November – Gibside Fruit Bowl (off road) – Click to enter
January – Rest
February – Sherman Cup/Davison 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