With no races to report on i’d like to rally the troops for our forthcoming Cross Countries and Relay fixtures.
Firstly, i’d like to pay tribute to Dave Jardin who sadly passed away on Thursday following illness.
Dave was a running man – he travelled all over for races running superb times and making many friends along the way. He was an excellent ambassador for the club encouraging everyone and offering advice.
He loved cross country and was cross country captain when I first joined – he had an uncanny knack of getting people to the start line and always finished the muddiest out the lot of us. To this day, I don’t know how he managed to get the big marque tent in his little car.
His singing in training was unique but there was method to the madness as it controlled his breathing. He loved the 80’s style short shorts, they did the trick as he ran some fabulous times over all distances.
Dave was a guy that was liked by all, always smiling and always happy to have a chat. Even in the recent years where his health deteriorated, he still smiled, still chatted and always encouraged runners as they passed.
He went on to leave Elswick Harriers and run for our neighbours, Newburn Running Club who are raising money for the MSA Trust to help support those that suffer with the same illness as Dave – Stephen Irons will be running an epic 7 Ultras in 7 days click here to find out more.
Dave will be a huge miss to the running community, and at Denton Dene Park Run this showed as many turned up to honour him, a Park Run he volunteered at regularly.
Dave’s funeral will be held at the West Road crematorium on Friday 16th February, 12:30.
Future Fixtures:
With three XC fixtures still to go of the season, our men’s team have a chance of getting promoted but we need to get a big turn out in the next fixtures. Our women are in danger of relegation from Division 1 so equally need a big turnout.
10/2 Thornley Farm
2/3 Alnwick
17/3 Lambton
If you’re not already registered and want to run let me know.
Relays:
17th Feb – Hetton (see Felicity’s post on facebook)
29th March – GFR (we need runners and helpers for our relays)
8th May – Wallsend (limited to 10 teams per club)
Presentation night:
23rd March – St James’ Park (see Mikes post on facebook)
Club Champs:
April – Blyth 10km entries are open and selling fast
May – Pier to Pier Sold out but transfers are allowed