NEHL Fixture 1 – Thornley Farm
The eagerly return of cross country and back at Thornley for the first time since 22/23 season was just too much for me, having not slept for the excitement of it all…
And the weather gods were upon us as our many runners were treated to sunshine and a dry conditions underfoot for the first time ever at Thornley. The course was slightly different to previously years as we didn’t have to navigate the jump before the trees and sharpe downhill section, it was a welcome change and made free flowing throughout.
With 27 juniors showing us adults how it should be done. Our fabulous ladies team set off on time at 13:20, 11 in total, and it was Bella Russel who was first home, stepping up to the senior race for the first time, Bella ran a superb race finishing 16th overall and will be rewarded to a promotion to medium pack for the next race – a battle between mum and daughter to look forward to…
Our first 4 ladies over the line count for the team points, and next ones push other teams down the pecking order so it brilliant to have so many running.
| Pos | Name | Time (Net Time) |
| 16 | Isabella Russell #220 U20 | 00:29:01 (00:29:01) |
| 41 | Justina Heslop #226 Vet45 | 00:30:30 (00:25:29) |
| 71 | Mary Hall #233 Vet45 | 00:31:24 (00:31:24) |
| 94 | Sara Blight #236 Vet45 | 00:31:48 (00:31:48) |
| 110 | Judith Nutt #225 Vet45 | 00:32:04 (00:27:03) |
| 116 | Felicity Smith #214 Vet45 | 00:32:12 (00:27:11) |
| 142 | Laura Shepherdson #230 Vet40 | 00:32:54 (00:32:54) |
| 144 | Andrea Banner #207 Vet50 | 00:32:55 (00:30:35) |
| 164 | Gillian Johnson #215 Vet35 | 00:33:19 (00:30:59) |
| 221 | Caroline Johnson #209 Vet40 | 00:35:23 (00:35:23) |
| 289 | Kate Taylor #227 Vet40 | 00:40:20 (00:40:20) |
Like the races before them, the men’s race went off on time at 13:50, not to be outdone by our ladies, our men’s team also had 11 runners.
It was brilliant to see Andy Bell back in his cross country spikes for the first time in about 5 years and a debut for Joe Horner.
Adam also returned after an injury impacted his season last year, and it was our talented Bell brothers who led the way with Andy finishing 9th overall and Adam 16th, both will be rewarded with a promotion to the medium pack at the next outing.
Our first 6 men count towards the team with the next runners pushing other teams down the pecking order and you can see there was a good battle to feature in the first 6. This is exactly what is need for cross country – well done fellas!
| Pos | Name | Time (Net Time) |
| 9 | Andrew Bell #1131 Vet40 | 00:34:46 (00:34:46) |
| 16 | Adam Bell #266 Vet40 | 00:35:29 (00:35:29) |
| 136 | Ben Hall #267 Vet40 | 00:39:59 (00:39:59) |
| 149 | Mike Russell #290 Vet55 | 00:40:21 (00:40:21) |
| 196 | John Rippon #284 Vet60 | 00:41:35 (00:41:35) |
| 199 | Paul Taylor #293 Vet40 | 00:41:41 (00:41:41) |
| 201 | Roland Brown #300 Vet50 | 00:41:44 (00:41:44) |
| 226 | James Sunley #280 Senior | 00:42:44 (00:42:44) |
| 258 | Joe Horner #282 Senior | 00:44:19 (00:44:19) |
| 339 | Rob Lambert #299 Vet55 | 00:48:04 (00:48:04) |
| 389 | Eric Lewis #277 Vet60 | 00:53:24 (00:53:24) |
Big thanks to Andrea and George for bringing the tent again, Mike and George for taking home. Also, thanks to all our bakers, the sweet treats are a welcome reward for getting through the run!
Huge well done on all your runs – cross country is never easy, but it is rewarding and will do wonders for your overall fitness.
Overall team and individual standings will be published on the NEHL website, the site has more information about Cross Country. If you want to be involved in future events please let us know so we can register you.
Click here for the NEHL website
Berlin Marathon
Tony and Andrea Banks are fond of a marathon and took on the Berlin this time round.
Both running incredible times, Tony running 2.42 and Andrea 3.05.
Amazing running by both of them!
England Masters Cross Country Team Selection 2024
Thornley Farm wasn’t the only cross country this weekend. Simon Allen travelled to Betley to grab a chance of England selection.
The route was an 8km for Men 35 to 64 with the first 3 athletes in categories M55 and M60 guaranteed selection in the England Team for the British & Irish Masters Cross Country International being held in Belfast on 16 November 2024.
Simon ran a great great, finishing 9th in his age category and 66th overall. I think he’s due a rest after Sydney Marathon and this event in his legs.
| Pos | Time | Gender | Cat pos | Name |
| 66 | 00:39:44 | Male | 9 (M 60-64) | Simon Allen |
Well done Simon!
Other Achievements
Congratulations to Jayne Cuskern who ran her 150th parkrun at the weekend.
Future Fixtures:
Club Champs:
5th October – Internal 10 miler. We’ll pop a post out asking for your estimated finishing times, this will help calculate your starting time.
10th November – Heaton Memorial 10km – enter online now
Useful website for races: http://www.northeastraces.com
2024 North East Harrier League:
Sunday 1/9 – Farringdon Sunderland XC Relays
Saturday 28/9 NEHL – Thornley Farm
Sunday 13/10 NEHL – Druridge Bay
Sunday 20/10 NEHL – Lambton
Saturday 23/11 NEHL Course Nr Prudhoe NEW COURSE
Saturday 14/12 NE XC Championships
Saturday 4/1/25 NEHL Wrekenton
Sunday 2/2/25 NEHL Sherman Cup/Davidson Shield – Temple Park
Saturday 1/3/25 Alnwick Castle
See facebook posts if you want to be registered or speak to Ben and Andrea.
2025/2026 Club Championship races to be announced soon.