Weekly Race Report – Monday 24 – Sunday 30 June
Monday 24 June – Anita Nott 5km – Heaton Harriers – Jesmond Dene
The only all-female road race in the Northeast, or the sexist race as Jonny Lowes prefers to call it, the Anita Nott 5km is a challenging course set in Jesmond Dene. The race commences on the Armstrong Bridge, heading sharp left and downhill into the Dene. The pathway narrows as the runners skirt through a darkened tunnel and continue to meander over a bridge, up uneven stone steps and back uphill towards Armstrong Bridge before heading through the Heaton end of the park.
We had a spectacular turn-out for what has now become the annual celebration of our June birthday girls (Joanne and Debbie). The appeal of the post-race bubbles, nibbles and Mary’s Jelly Tot cupcakes are enough reward to entice everyone around the course in what were hot conditions – the first and only hot evening of the summer so far.
Of our 25 participants, Justina Heslop (4th, 1st V45), was first home, followed closely by Imogen Bungay (7th], Hazel Bough (11th). and Erin Blight (12th/ 3rd U18 )and Felicity Smith (26th). Having four runners in the top twelve, we easily scooped the team prize for first place team. Susanne Stephenson had a super run finishing in 55th place taking the prize for second V55 . In spite of several stops to walk, Louise Allen took the third V55 prize.
Sydney Bungay was delighted with her time of 22.48 finishing just behind mum Susanne. It was great to see so many ladies from all of our senior training groups – well done to Rachel Doods, Cath Lowes (4th V40) Joanne Forster, Lindsey Grant, Sara Blight (actually running a race other than a relay!), Mary Hall, Kisi Hardman, Laura Stephenson, Imogen King, Jayne Cuskern, Joanne Webber, Bella Pearce, Caroline Johnson, Kate Taylor and Maxine Cottam.
Look forward to doing it all again next June.
See full results here:
https://heatonharriers.org.uk/anita-nott-2024-results/
Wednesday 26 June – Weetslade Relays – Claremont Runners – Lockey Park, Wideopen
In spite of clashes and close proximity to other sporting fixtures (including the Anita Nott two days earlier), we were able to field four teams. The rules stipulate that each team of three must consist of at least one veteran and one female; the veteran can be male or female. Each runner completes the 2.65 mile course which consists of one hell of a hill. It’s a hotly contested event with clubs attempting to create the dream team of their speediest two men and woman. Thanks goes to Felicity who had the job of creating our four teams.
56th Roland Brown, Louise Allen, Daniel Nettle
45th Richard Houghton, Sara Blight, John Rippon
32nd Simon Allen, Felicity Smith, Paul Taylor
8th Mark Crowe, Justina Heslop, James Douglas
Tyne Bridge took first place, in 43.37 followed closely by Sunderland Harriers in 43.55 and Morpeth were third in 45.38.
Keeping up her impressive record in these relays, Justina finished with the fastest female time of 15.55, 10 seconds clear of the first senior woman. She was awarded the prize for fastest veteran woman.
https://www.claremontroadrunners.co.uk/weetslade-relays/
We love having a variety of our runners participating in the team relays. If you haven’t tried one, please pop your name down when these races are advertised. The next relay event is the Gosforth Relays on Sunday 4 August which is a very relaxed race on paths and grass within Great Park. There’s usually a well-stocked fundraising cake stall at the finish and the venue is perfect for a bit of socialising whilst you wait for the results. This is a good relay race opportunity for first timers.
Saturday 29 June – Northeast Senior Development League (Track and Field league) – fixture number 3 – Whitley Bay
Working busily behind the scenes (no social media, only direct calls and messaging), Eric managed to conjure a super team of athletes, helpers and officials for this fixture which Elswick was hosting.
As evidenced by Su-Wan’s team management white board, we were able to cover a plethora of events. The more events you can compete in, the higher the points you will score. Stepping out of their comfort zones, we had athletes branch out into events other than distance running.
Justin Durham had a satisfying race in the 400m hurdles, improving on his performance at the last fixture in a time of 69.71. Paul Taylor continues to expand his range of events by competing in the long jump, (3.76m) and hammer (14.38m). Eric’s influence is obviously rubbing off on him. Jonny Lowes returned to the track, taking part in the 400m in 69.69 as well as acting as event announcer. Hazel Bough’s endurance knows no bounds – she competed in the 800m (gaining a PB of 2.21), 1500m, 4 x 100m relay and 4 x 400m relay. Multi eventer Grant Henderson took the prize for the greatest number of events – triple jump, high jump shot putt (9.22m 2nd) discus (28.21m, 2nd), javelin (37.13m, 2nd), 100m, – all this despite a long-term injury.
Great performances by James Douglas in the 1500m, Jon Rewcastle and Scott Brady in the 5000m, Eric in the triple jump and hammer. Heather Donald was also showing her multi event skiils by competing in the 100m, long jump and shot putt as well as the 4 x 100m relay. Joanne Forster tried her hand at the 100m and 200m, Bella Russell did the 800m and javelin, and Su-Wan the discus. A big well done to Sky Lewis, returning to competition after major surgery on her knee taking part in the high jump, shot putt, discus and hammer in which she threw 26.79m to achieve the second longest throw.
The team finished in third place with 304 points behind Darlington (405 points) and Gateshead (381points).
Full results below:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aAgSCOv_AFQxzIk_jD7kbNykA1bMdjsOR-3ZoEkwBJI/edit?gid=736862437#gid=736862437
The fourth and final fixture takes place in July – look out for information from Eric. If you fancy trying an event, this is your last chance for 2024. We should finish the season in the top three which would be an amazing achievement for our joint team (Elswick/Blaydon) given the size and resources available to our competitors in the top division. So please consider giving it a go and helping the team to finish strongly.