NECAA XC Championships 2023

 MUD FEST FOR LATEST EDITION OF CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

OVER 800 hardy souls supported the 117^th North Eastern Counties Cross-Country Championships hosted by Sunderland Harriers at Temple Park, South Shields. While the weather was miserable throughout the day, especially for the young athletes’ contests, those who ploughed their way through ankle-deep mud and sometimes even deeper on a course not for the faint-hearted, will remember their exploits for many a year to come and can only now reflect and say proudly: ‘I ran the North Eastern’s in 2023 when conditions were horrendous.’

 

SENIOR MEN (11.9k)

With eight events already completed the course was now like a quagmire in places and while the driving rain had ceased conditions underfoot were at best slippery and worst gruesome. However, it didn’t deter the 250 or so starters setting off with utmost enthusiasm. 

The contestants quickly settled and, with the field already well strung out by the completion of the first of three circuits a bunch of five or six had already taken up the charge with in-form Chris Coulson (Houghton) prominent at the head of affairs despite making his debut in the senior age group. Also in the group were his Houghton team-mate Cameron Allan, Morpeth pair William Cork and Sam Hancox, Blyth’s Ellis Hetherington, Sunderland’s Liam Taylor and Middlesbrough and Cleveland’s Greg Jayasuriya. 

Tail-enders were beginning to be lapped as the leaders entered the final lap and the leading group was now down to three Allan, who last ran the championships in 2019 at Alnwick when he finished in fifth place, and the Morpeth duo with Coulson digging deep to hang on 10 metres or adrift. 

Allan, whose only other NE Championship encounter was as an under-13 in 2012 where he finished 13^th at Hartlepool, decided it was time to push on and while Cork and Hancox tried desperately to stay in touch Allan managed to pull away and win comfortably by 41 seconds. Cork won the Morpeth bragging rights to hold off Hancox to claim second place by just one second. Coulson can be pleased with his fourth place after just moving up from the junior ranks while Hetherington, in fifth, produced arguably his best-ever run though he maybe argue the fact for 16 years ago he finished sixth and ahead of Allan in the under-13 Championship at Hartlepool! 

It was pleasing to see former GB junior international Josh Cowperthwaite back in action and finishing 10^th after being sidelined for sometime. With Connor Marshall (11^th), Tom Balsdon (15^th) Robert Balmbra (16^th) and Peter Smallcombe (23^rd) backing up Cork and Hancox it was another resounding team victory for Morpeth. Sunderland finished in second place and Gateshead third followed by Tyne Bridge, Darlington and North Shields Poly.

 

SENIOR WOMEN (8.2k)

Philippa Stone certainly likes the Temple Park course for she had no difficulty in retaining her title she won 12 months ago though the conditions were slightly better on that occasion. The Middlesbrough Mandale athlete set out her stall from the off and quickly opened up a good lead as dusk was rapidly approaching. Morpeth’s Catrriona MacDonald was a lonesome second going into the final lap of two with Durham City’s Louise Mitchell in third followed by Shona Haston (Gateshead), Molly Pace (North Shields Poly), Anna Pigford (Houghton), Wallsend’s Jenny Berry and Durham City’s Nicole Burlinson. 

On the run for home, Stone extended her advantage to cross the line over a minute-and-a-half clear of MacDonald who had to be content with another silver medal to add to her gold she won at Sedgefield in 2021 and bronze she won at Alnwick a year earlier. Haston moved through into third place to receive the bronze award after overtaking Mitchell who just missed out on a medal in fourth. Pace finished fifth, followed by Burlinson, Berry and Pigford. Good packing by Jessica Eaton (9^th)’ Hannah Stewart (10^th) Kathryn Stevenson (11^th) and 15^th-placed Alison Dargie saw Tyne Bridge claim team victory ahead of Durham City and Morpeth with Jesmond Joggers a close-up fourth ahead of North Shields Poly and South Shields.

JUNIOR MEN (8.2k)

Gateshead’s Josh Blevins, who just missed out on a place in the GB&NI team for the European XC Championships, retained his title comfortably and topping the podium for the third year running having won the under-17 title at Sedgefield in 2021. At the line Blevins, now based in Leeds, came home 38 seconds clear of Morpeth’s Joe Dixon with Luke Davis (Weston Tempo) a further 12 seconds adrift in third place. Morpeth, with four athletes in the first seven were easy winners of the team title with Liam Roche (5^th), Ethan Phillips (6^th) and seventh-placed Bertie Marr backing up Dixon. Durham City finished in second place led home by 15^th-placed Joshua Wraith.

 

UNDER-17/20 WOMEN (5k)

Houghton’s Charlotte Dillon had no difficulty in retaining her under-17 title after coming home in first place in the combined age group. It was Dillon’s third championship win in a row having also won the under-15 title at Sedgefield in 2021. 

Millie Breese (Morpeth), just as she did last year, followed Dillon home in second place to claim the under-20 gold medal. Crossing the line in third place was Birtley’s Katie Francis to receive the under-20 silver medal. Fourth athlete home was Darlington’s Zara Jones to claim the under-17 runner’s up award; next home was third under-17 Blaydon’s Ellie Fellows and third under-20 Jess Sails (Tynedale). 

A pleasing figure for the under-17 contest was that there were record number of 37 finishers. North Shields Poly with the trio of Poppy Old (7^th), Mili Didi (14^th) and Darcey Tullis (16^th) won the team race ahead of Gateshead and Tynedale.

 

UNDER-17 MEN (6.6k)

Morpeth’s Elliot Kelso proved the strongest with a superb judgement of pace to come home 12 seconds clear of Blaydon’s Maximus Murray with Alnwick’s Liam McDonough a further eight seconds adrift in third place. North Shields Poly’s Daniel Watson was fourth and it was pleasing to see a Crook athlete come home fifth in a junior race at the NE Championships. Morpeth, with Oliver Tomlinson (6^th) and Joseph Close (15^th) backing up Kelso won the team race ahead of North Shields Poly.

 

UNDER-15 BOYS (4.5k)

Runner-up last year and under-13 champion in 2021, Dawit Asmelash (TS Harriers) added a second NE title to his name with a comfortable 18-seconds victory over New Marske’s Zander Gribbon who was chased home to claim the silver medal by Tynedale’s Magnus Riddell who was just two seconds adrift at the line with Alfie Cooke (Gateshead) unfortunate to miss out on a podium place finishing in fourth spot one second behind Riddell. Riddell, backed up by Arthur Di Lullo (5^th) and Morgan Vincent (16^th) led Tynedale to team victory ahead of Darlington and Tyne Bridge.

 

UNDER-15 GIRLS (4.5k)

It was a Houghton one-two with victory going to Holly Robison who pipped team-mate Kathryn Pye by just three seconds to claim the gold medal. It wasn’t surprising the black and gold-vested pair claimed the major honours as Robison was quickest in both Wrekenton and Druridge Bay harrier league fixtures while Pye was fastest at Thornley Hall. The pair were pushed all the way to the line by North Shields Poly’s Anna Johnson who finished just two seconds adrift of Pye with Durham City’s Grace Carter a further five seconds behind in fourth place. Despite having the first two runners home Houghton missed out on team medals as they didn’t have a third counter which left the door open for Durham City, led by Carter to take the team award ahead of Darlington and Gateshead, the Tyneside club being awarded the bronze medals on countback ahead of North Shields Poly who totalled the same number of points.

 

UNDER-13 BOYS (3.6k)

Middlesbrough Mandale’s Thomas McCartie, runner up in the latest North Yorks South Durham Harrier League, got the better of Elswick’s Dominic Kelso, younger brother of under-17 winner Elliot, by just six seconds with Morpeth’s Ewan Line finishing a close-up third a further three seconds behind. Darlington, led home by ninth-placed Ollie Curran, won the team race ahead of Elswick and Morpeth.

 

UNDER-13 GIRLS (3.6k)

Birtley’s Oliver Murphy retained her title she won last year over the same course though it was a much closer affair this time round as she only had three seconds in hand at the line over New Marske’s Gabrielle Pinder. Alnwick supporters cheered home Emilia Waugh in third place. Birtley, with Izzy Hall (5^th) and Kitty Graham (7^th) backing up Murphy were comfortable team winners ahead of Elswick and Gateshead with Alnwick a close up fourth.

 

UNDER-11 BOYS (1.6k)

As he has done this season and last North Shields Poly’s Noah Penfold led from gun to tape to knock up another success. Alnwick’s Finlay Waugh finished runner-up with Allerton’s Alfie Clarkson finishing in third position followed by Darlington’s Acer Tarn and Prudhoe Plodders’ Zach Harrison. Good to see the Prudhoe outfit now attracting quite a number of youngsters to their fold.

 

UNDER-11 GIRLS (1.8k)

Ada Penfold made it a family double with a 29-seconds victory over Gosforth’s Ruby Collins with Wallsend’s Isla Aiston completing the one-two-three a further nine seconds back. Good to see around ninety youngsters testing themselves out in the ‘Try Cross-Country’ contests which have been going for nearly 10 years now.

 

**A huge thank you to Sunderland Harriers for hosting the Championships supported by Houghton Harriers, the two clubs supplying all of the marshalls around the course; to all the technical officials who were also at their posts for close on six hours; to South Tyneside Council for the use of the land and the adjoining facilities and to the first aid teams who thankfully weren’t called upon too often despite the awful conditions. Also to Start Fitness; the NECAA sponsors; NECAA President Mick Fraser for being on hand to present the awards and to Past President and Commonwealth marathon gold medallist, Jim Alder, who proudly presented the awards to his Morpeth squad for winning the senior men’s team race once more. We return to Temple Park at the turn of the year for the Sherman Cup/Davison Shield where, hopefully, the weather will be a little kinder!

 

BILL McGUIRK

 Results

 Photos: Stuart Whitman Photography

NEHL Aykley Heads - The final hurray

A FINAL HURRAY AS ATHLETES HEAD FOR AYKLEY IN THEIR HUNDREDS

AFTER the postponement of the Start Fitness Harrier League fixture at Lambton competitors couldn’t wait to don their spikes for a final time at Aykley Heads despite it being one of the toughest courses on the North East Harrier League circuit. Once again hosted superbly by the Derwentside, Durham City and Elvet Striders’ clubs it proved to be a true test of character for young and old and the crisp Autumn day did help considerably to keep athletes on the move.

 

UNDER-11 BOYS

With victories already under his belt in the previous two fixtures at Wrekenton and Druridge Bay it was no surprise that North Shields Poly’s Noah Penfold knocked up another success this time coming home 15 seconds clear of Alnwick’s Finlay Waugh with Zach Harrison (Prudhoe Plodders) a further seven seconds adrift in third place to give his club it’s first ever a ‘Try Cross-Country’ award. Sixty competitors finished with representatives from 24 of the region’s clubs.

UNDER-11 GIRLS

Once again Ada Penfold made it a family double with an even more convincing victory coming home 21 seconds clear of Gosforth’s Ruby Colins who finished nine seconds ahead of Sedgefield’s Jess Davis. It was pleasing to see a representative from Corbridge Middle School among the 59 finishers and hopefully she will not be put off by the severity of the conditions and will be on the start line in future events.

UNDER-13 BOYS

For the majority of the contest it looked as though Rodrigo Ribeiro would claim victory thanks to his 1min 40secs start over the fast pack as the Derwentside athlete took an early lead from the gun. However, after hitting the brow of the hill with around 600 metres to go Morrpeth’s Ewan Line, running from the fast pack, managed to overhaul the leader to claim victory by eight seconds. Tynedale’s Wilfred Pugh, also worked his way through the 61-strong field to finish in third place two seconds adrift of Ribeiro. Third quickest on the course was Elswick’s Dominic Kelso. Morpeth came out on top in the league stakes with Elswick second and Blaydon third.

 

UNDER-13 GIRLS

It was good to see a Phoenix Flyers athlete crossing the line in first place as Evie Kleiser took advantage of her 1:40 start to hold off Birtley’s in-form Poppie Phillipson who had worked he way through the 55-strong field to finish second with the day’s fastest time. 

Ella Harwood (Tyne Bridge) claimed the bronze medal with Izzy Hall (Birtley) and Emilia Waugh (Alnwick) the second and third quickest respectively, Birtley came out on top in the team event with Elswick edging out Newcastle rivals Gosforth by one point to claim second spot.

 

UNDER-15 BOYS

Sunderland’s William Young led from gun to tape to take full advantage of his 1:20 handicap and break the tape 14 seconds ahead of Gateshead’s Alfie Cook who found the handicap just too great as he crossed the line in second place eight seconds ahead of Jake Parker (Tyne Bridge) with Magnus (Tynedale) and fifth-placed Arthur Di Lullo, also Tynedale, posting the second and third quickest times respectively behind Cook. Tyne Bridge won the team race with Low Fell second and Tynedale third.

UNDER-15 GIRLS

North Shields Poly’s Maeve Taggart was a clear winner by 15 seconds with Gateshead’s Emily Collinwood finishing runner-up as the duo took advantage of their 1:20 start. Durham City’s Grace Carter just failed to overhaul the Gateshead athlete to finish in third position from the fast pack in the 32-strong field to post the quickest time of the day. Team-mate Evie Hall was second quickest and Darlington’s Matilda Owens third. Durham City held off North Shields Poly by two points to claim team victory with Elswick in third place.

 

UNDER-17 MEN

The 3:10 handicap proved to be too much for the fast pack as the medal positions were all filled by slow pack athletes. Victory wen to Crook’s Rory Hart who crossed the line in 18:28, nearly a minute clear of Tynedale’s Joe Elsob (19:32) with North Shields Poly’s Matthew Maley completing the one-two-three a further eight seconds back in third spot. 

North Shields Poly’s Daniel Watson was quickest on the course working his way through the 33 starters to finish in sixth place closely followed by Blaydon’s Maximus Murray who was second quickest and Alnwick’s Liam McDonough who was third best one place further back. North Shields Poly were comfortable winners of the team race followed by Birtley and Morpeth.

 

UNDER-17/20 WOMEN

Durham University’s Kate Sutcliffe was never headed as she cut out a lone furrow thanks to the generous handicap of 1:25 and 2:50 over the medium and fast packs respectively.

Competing in the older age group the student finished in 21:53; Elswick’s Erin Bright (under-17) finished runner-up in 23:00 while Houghton’s Charlotte Dillon (under-17) defied the 2:50 handicap to claim third place and the fastest overall time of the day. Second quickest under-17 was Darlington’s Zara Jones followed by Tynedale’s Ania Stobbart. Morpeth’s Millie Breese was the quickest under-20 on the course followed by Sutcliffe and Blaydon’s Ellie Fellows. Tynedale topped the league placings followed by Elswick and Newcastle University.

 

SENIOR MEN

Durham University student Jack Casalino took the honours after tracking early leader Morpeth’s Peter Smallcombe before edging to the front midway through the third and final circuit as the course became congested due to the huge number of competitors being lapped.

The American-born track athlete was having his first cross-country contest in this country and defied the conditions to come home 51 seconds clear of Smallcombe with Durham City’s Tom Henson completing the one-two-three a further 16 seconds adrift. The leading finishers took full advantage of a 5min 25sec start over the fast pack which saw an intriguing contest unfold behind the pacesetters. Inform NE Counties recently-crowned 10k champion Chris Coulson (Houghton) set out his stall from the gun and for the first two laps had a slight advantage of around 15 meters over Morpeth duo Lawrence McCourt and Sam Hancox. However, the Northumbrian pair managed to reel in Coulson to go on and post the two fastest times respectively with just one second separating the pair at the line with Coulson having to settle for the third best time 10 seconds adrift of McCourt.

There were 552 finishers with last man home Peter Lowe (Prudhoe Plodders) still finding the breath to thank the officials as he crossed the line. Good on you Peter! In the team stakes, Morpeth came out on top in Division One finishing ahead of Sunderland and Tyne Bridge; Tynedale led home Heaton and Jesmond Joggers in Division Two while Gosforth held off Newcastle University and Derwentside in Division Three.

 

SENIOR WOMEN

Druridge Bay runner-up Louise Mitchell went one better on this occasion despite running from the medium pack and giving the slow pack a 2min 25sec start. Mitchell quickly set about winding her through the athletes ahead and she was already at the head of affairs early on the second circuit. Despite hitting the front the Durham City athlete ploughed on relentlessly and by the finish she had opened up a gap of two minutes over Durham City team-mate Alison Thompson with Carrie Collins finishing just two seconds back in third place. 

Morpeth’s Catriona MacDonald once again led the charge from the fast pack’s 2:25 handicap, working her way through the 400-strong field to finish an excellent sixth. Morpeth team-mate Jane Hodgson (9^th) was next quickest on the course 17 seconds behind MacDonald with Mitchell being rewarded with the third best time two seconds slower than Hodgson. 

In the team contest Jesmond Joggers celebrated victory in Division One over Morpeth and Tyne Bridge; Elvet Striders came out on top in Division Two ahead of Sunderland and Sunderland Strollers while Crook led the way home in Division Three finishing ahead of Birtley and Blyth. The over-65 men once again lined up with the senior and masters women to cover two laps of the course and it was former Olympian Ray Smedley (Ponteland Runners) who was first home finishing just six seconds clear of Durham City’s Clifford Feathersone with Crook’s Geoff Hewitson completing the one-two-three. Durham City won the team race finishing ahead of Crook.

**ONCE again a huge thank you to the Derwentside, Durham City and Elvet Striders for hosting a superb fixture, the marshals went above and beyond to give competitors encouragement throughout the day; to Durham County Council for the use of the land and parking facilities; to the HL committee and technical officials who were at their posts until the final competitor finished and to the first aid team. It’s just a pity we can’t all return next year!

 

by Bill McGuirk

Photos: Stuart Whitman

Results: North Eastern Harrier League 2023/24 Sponsored by Start Fitness

NEHL Aykley Heads 2023

 Aykley Heads SFNEHL FIXTURE  25/11/23

Hi all, we look forward to seeing everyone for the final 'hurrah' at Aykley. It's been a great fixture over the years and the course should be in good 'Aykley' shape by the image below from Mark Davinson and group recce earlier in the week. Also see attached image re course map and event site layout.

PARKING: Parking is at the old County Hall site (DH1 5UQ). There is no charge for parking (landowners don't charge us for use), but PLEASE USE THIS CAR PARK AND ACCESS FROM THE ROUNDABOUT AT THE JUNCTION OF A691 AND B6532. ANYONE PARKING ELSEWHERE (EG UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, DURHAM CONSTABULARY) IS LIKELY TO BE TOWED AWAY.

TENT DROP: Tent drop is at the edge of the event site across from Durham Constabulary HQ (DH1 5TT).

REGISTRATION: THE REGISTRATION TENT WILL BE OPEN FOR COLLECTION OF NUMBERS AND REPLACEMENT OF LOST NUMBERS 1100-1300.

FINISH FUNNEL: When finishing, please keep walking through the funnel and clear the finish area. Your result isn't registered until you pass the 2nd chip reader past the funnel. Officials will offer 'encouragement' to clear the area. They are not getting on your case or being insulting - it gets quite congested at times, particularly in races with larger fields, which doesn't help results recording.

The forecast for Saturday is 7C, NW wind 10-15 Km/h with rain likely. Sunset is at 1549.

The event referee has asked me to notify that in the event of poor conditions and deteriorating light, may require a decision to be taken regarding those runners towards the rear of the senior men's race whether they proceed to complete the third lap or not.

Even in relatively decent conditions, host clubs are usually taking the course down in fading light this time of year, and we dont want (in poor conditions) marshals out on the course for longet than is absolutely necessary.

Thank you.

Look forward to a great event on Saturday. with many thanks to host clubs: Derwentside, Durham City, Elvet.

UPDATE FOR TRAVEL TO/FROM AYKLEY HEADS 25/11/2023

Road Closure At Aykley Heads

The B6532 road between the hospital roundabout and County Hall will be closed on Saturday. This does not affect the entrance to our car parks but a diversion will be in place and it is expected that traffic will move more slowly in the area. Please allow more time for your journey. Diversion signs should be in place.

From the city centre there will be no difference to your normal route to use the main car park. For officials and tent drop off you will need to turn left at the roundabout and go up the the A167 before coming back down to the usual roundabout.

From the north the route the the officials car park/tent drop off will remain the same with the main car park accessed by turning left at the A167 roundabout and driving past the hospital to the usual roundabout.

Post code for County Hall DH1 5UQ

Post code for tent drop off DH1 5TS

The diversion (traffic depending) should take no longer than 5 minutes. Leaving the site may also be delayed due to traffic conditions.

The race schedule will be as at the Harrier League website http://www.harrierleague.com/ As for Wrekenton we are trialing amendments to start times for U17 men race through U13 girls (add 5 mins to website times), and the senior women will start at 1320. Senior men as advertised at 1350.

What3Words

Aykley Heads (car park)
films.mice.risen

Aykley Heads (tent drop)
moth.grape.ducks

Aykley Heads (course)
went.tasty.jumps

 Timetable

12.00 Under 11 Boys

12.05 Under 11 Girls

12.20 Under 17 men

12.25 U17 and U20 women

12.40 Under 15 Boys

12.45 Under 15 Girls

12:55 Under 13 boys

13:00 Under 13 girls

13.20 Senior & veteran women

13:50 Senior & veteran Men

Course Map

Do not use the time table on the map, use the timings listed on the timetable above.

Guests may run in the league at a cost of £5 for the whole season. This is a one off charge. They must register on the day, and let us know if they competed last season (and if they did we can check the pack).

Guests must be members of a EA or SA, or similar affiliated club.

Second Claim runners may not count for team points. They can either run for their first claim club as a guest, or if they come and register on the day they can take part as a non-counting runner in their second claim vest.

Guests & Second claim runners do not accumulate team points, but do get individual grand prix points.

Race HQ will be at the NEHL Tent next at the start area.

Reminder to ALL competitors. We do not split race packs. Your team manager needs to collect and pay for your team entries. I have a list of who owes what, we will not take individual numbers out of the packs, we are far too busy. Find out who your team manager is and make sure they have a cheque or cash with them to cover the club's entry fees.

Costs are £50 + £3 per runner for clubs

£5 for guests

If by some unknown reason you manage to lose your number on the day you've collected it from your team tent, you can buy a new one for £5. I know it sounds daft, but it has happened before.

RACE HQ OPENING TIMES: 1100 to 1300 

On the day entries 

I'll be taking limited entries on the day from clubs - DO NOT expect to rock up with 20 juniors and have them all sorted.  Race HQ will be extremely busy.  
Remember I need Name, Club, Date of Birth, and Sex (if it's not obvious).
If you have this pre-written on a bit of paper that would be great.

No DoB - No entry

Guests - register on the day as per normal



Quick reminder of the rules.

You must start in the pack you have been allocated. (You will be DQd for running from the wrong pack)

You must wear your club's team vest or t-shirt, and all vests must be of the same design (or you will be DQd & won't count for team points)

As per league rules you CANNOT wear headphones

Age restrictions as follows:

Under 11 - must be aged at least 9 on the day of competition
Under 13 - must be 11 on 31st August 2023.  
Under 15 - must be 13 on 31st August 2023.
Under 17 men - must be 15 on 31st August 2023.
Under 17 & 20 women - must be 15 on 31st August 2023.
Senior Men - must be 17 on 31st August 2023.
Senior Women - must be 20 on 31st August 2023.

Athletes may NOT move up or down age categories

Masters men aged 65 may (if they wish) run in the 2 lap Senior Women's race, they register as per normal in the men's race, then come to race hq for a replacement number.  Masters wishing to do this must stay in the 2 lap race all season.

M65+ Team Competition.

It was proposed and agreed to at the AGM that the M65 runners choosing to compete in the 2 lap shorter race with the ladies could have their own team competition.

The format will include 3 runners from the same club forming a team, and the runners must be M65+

At the moment this is a manual process (i.e. I'll be pulling the information from the results and posting an update once it's ready), and there's no prize unless someone wants to donate a cup, although I'm sure I can rustle up a few bottles of wine for the winning team.

It's a little something to keep our running legends motivated and competitive.

So - You guys normally in the 2 lap race don't need to do anything different to normal (just keep on running), and any Masters 65+ fellas who feel like they'd prefer to give this a go instead of slogging it round 3 laps need to come and swap out their numbers at race HQ.

I'll hopefully have a M65+ team update after Druridge Bay fixture

Results will be available on the usual link http://www.harrierleague.com/results/2023-24/

NEHL - Lambton Castle Estate - fixture postponed

LAMBTON ESTATE FIXTURE 28/10/2023 POSTPONED

Hi, I met with the Estate manager earlier today and next week's fixture is cancelled for 28th October, due to storm damage to the land and parking area. The landowners are keen to have us there, and we are working on possible dates in March 2024. Will keep you informed of updates and any confirmed date.

John Stephens

NEHL Sec.

Druridge Bay Race Report - by Bill McGuirk

 BAY OF PLENTY AT DRURIDGE

THE second fixture of the Start Fitness North Eastern Harrier League saw another huge turnout on a cold but sunny Autumn day at Druridge Bay. Close on 1,500 competitors lined up with many new faces testing themselves over a cross-country course for the very first time and judging by the smiles after crossing the finish those debutantes will be back again though the weather may not be so favourable as winter draws on.

UNDER-11 (1.5k)

Once again the Under-11 youngsters opened the day’s action in the ‘’Try Cross-Country” event and it was a triumph once more for the Penfold household with Noah winning the boys contest and Ada coming out on top in the girls race just as they had done at the opening fixture at Wrekenton. In fact, in the boys’ event Low Fell’s William McClean followed Noah home in second place at both Wrekenton and Druridge Bay. Jarrow and Hebburn’s Jacob Hopper claimed the third place award on this occasion after just missing out on a medal at Wrekenton. Meanwhile, in the girls’ event Chester-le-Street duo Joy Hunter and Faye Evans followed Ada home in second and third place respectively with Prudhoe’s Martha Carr, who was runner-up at Wrekenton, just missing out on this occasion in fourth place. There were 61 finishers in the boys race and a massive 82 in the girls event which is 22 more than the figure for Wrekenton.

 

UNDER-13 BOYS (3.3k)

Victory went to Elswick’s Ethan Eland who had a 15-seconds cushion over Morpeth’s Jacob Thompson at the line with Thompson’s team-mate Evan Laude a further four seconds back in third place. Fastest on the course, just as he was at Wrekenton, was Wallsend’s Kasper Pearson who worked his way through the 65-strong field to finish fourth from a 1min 40secs penalty. Morpeth came out on top in the team contest with sixth-placed Liam Jackson backing up Thompson and Laude as Elswick finished second ahead of Blaydon.

 

UNDER-13 GIRLS (3.3k)

Birtley’s Poppie Phillipson claimed a superb victory crossing the line 19 seconds clear after leading throughout the contest. Blackhill’s Annabelle Stead finished runner-up holding off Morpeth’s Zoe Tomlinson by three seconds. Phillipson’s 13:12 proved to be the quickest of the day with her Birtley team-mate Izzy Hall – winner at Wrekenton - second fastest after working her way through the 63-strong field to finish in sixth place from a 1:40 handicap. Third quickest was Durham City’s Ellie Bradley. Birtley won the team contest with 11^th-placed Poppy Graham backing up Phillipson and Hall, while Newcastle outfits Elswick and Gosforth finished second and third respectively. After two fixtures Elswick lead with three points, Birtley are on five and Morpeth on seven.

UNDER-15 BOYS (3.3k)

Wallsend’s Joseph Duthie-Brown took full advantage of a 1:40 handicap to claim the honours with a 16-seconds victory over Durham City’s Harry Mason as Finn Pentland-Rice (Darlington) completed the one-two-three a further 10 seconds behind. Despite posting the fastest overall time Gateshead’s Alfie Cook just missed out on a podium place finishing in fourth place just three seconds adrift of Pentland-Rice. Second and third quickest on the course was Freddie Palmer (Tyne Bridge) with Tynedale’s Magnus Riddell next best. After two fixtures Heaton head the table on four points, Tynedale are second with six and Tyne Bridge third with seven.

 

UNDER-15 GIRLS (3.3k)

Another Phillipson celebration, this time it was Niamh who claimed victory over 42 rivals taking advantage of a 1:40 start as she was closed down all the way to the line by Houghton’s Holly Robison who cut back the deficit to within 18 seconds of the Birtley athlete. Morpeth’s Emma Tomlinson claimed the third-place award with Durham City’s Grace Carter second quickest on the course and Anna Johnson (North Shields Poly) third fastest. In the team contest North Shields Poly came out on top with 17 points followed by Morpeth (35) and Durham City (39) with the Poly heading the table after their second place at Wrekenton.

 

UNDER-17 MEN (4.7k)

Gateshead’s Sam Punn, winner of the Gateshead 3k, claimed a 15-seconds victory over Morpeth’s Oliver Tomlinson with Alnwick’s Jack Price completing the medal placings. From a 2:30 handicap North Shields Poly’s Ben Sproats worked his way through to seventh place one place and one second ahead of Wrekenton runner-up Freddie Hall (Darlington) with North Shields Poly’s Daniel Watson a further six seconds adrift as the trio posted the fastest overall times. In a tight team contest Gateshead came out on top (44pts) with Birtley (48) second and Morpeth claiming third place on count back ahead of Gosforth who both accumulated 49 pts. After two second places Birtley currently top the league table.

 

UNDER-17/20 WOMEN (4.7k)

Tynedale athletes were visible amongst the leaders early on and Emily Lunn proved the strongest to come home a clear winner. Newcastle Universities’ Imogen Dee came through in the latter stages to claim second place and finish ahead of Tynedale duo Maria Gaines and Esme Pugh, the Tynedale trio all contesting the younger age group while Dee was the first under-20 to finish. Quickest under-17 on the course was Gateshead’s Iona Johnstone who worked her way through the 43-strong field to finish 12^th from a 2:30 handicap while the quickest under-20 was the Great Cumbrian half-marathon winner Elswick’s Imogen Bungay who finished one place and two seconds behind her younger rival. No surprise Tynedale came out on top in the team stakes with their second trio good enough to finish a non-scoring second ahead of North Shields Poly and Gateshead.

 

SENIOR WOMEN (6.5k)

Having her first cross-country outing in five years the undulating course proved no obstacle for Sophie Pikett. The Elswick athlete has a string of victories on the roads since her move to the North East and she showed she is no slouch over the country as she produced a clean pair of heels to the rest of the 454-strong field. Always at the head of affairs Pikett was well clear at the completion of the first circuit and she continued to cut out a lone furrow to come home 22 seconds clear of Durham City’s Louise Mitchell with the duo posting the two fastest overall times of the day. Mitchell’s Durham team-mate Megan Finn finished in third place while the third quickest on the course was Morpeth’s Jane Hodgson who, from a 5:05 handicap. Worked her way through to finish in 19^th place. Durham City came out on top in Division One finishing one point ahead of Morpeth in the four-to-score team race with South Shields edging out Elswick for third place; Sunderland Strollers led the way in Division Two ahead of Claremont and Ponteland Runners while Gosforth came out on top in Division Three ahead of Prudhoe Plodders with Birtley finishing in third place. After two fixtures Durham City head Division One on three points followed by Morpeth on six and Jesmond on eight; in Division Two Claremont head the table with three points followed by South Shields on five and Washington on six while in Division Three Blaydon are leading with seven points Birtley have nine and Prudhoe have 10 and Crook 11.

SENIOR MEN (9.9k)

Like the senior women’s race an athlete led from gun to tape and it was Houghton international Cameron Allan who led throughout extending his advantage over the three circuits with every stride to come home a comfortable winner by well over a minute Heaton’s Chris Larkin tracked Allan throughout to finish runner-up while Morpeth teenager William De Vere-Owen finished strongly to claim the bronze award. 

It came as no surprise that Allan was overall quickest on the course with his Houghton team-mate Chris Coulson next best after working his way through the 551-strong field from a 5:00 handicap to finish in 14^th place after getting away from Newcastle Uni’s Luke Davis on the final circuit as the student posted the third best time of the day seven seconds and one place behind Coulson. 

In the six-to-score team contests Morpeth came out on top ahead of North Shields Poly and Birtley, in Division Two Heaton led the way ahead of Houghton and Elswick while in Division Three Newcastle Uni lead from Gosforth and Alnwick. After two fixtures Division One is extremely close with North Shields Poly leading with five points followed by Morpeth on six, Durham City on seven, Gateshead on eight and Elswick on nine; in Division Two Heaton and Houghton are joint leaders with four points followed by Low Fell on five and Elswick on nine while in Division Three Gosforth lead with three points followed by Newcastle University on five, Strollers on eight and South Shields on nine.

**Thanks go to Blyth Running Club for once again hosting an excellent day’s sport, to the First Aid team and to all the marshalls and technical officials, without them all we wouldn’t have the leading cross-country league in the country!

by Bill McGuirk

Photos: Stuart Whitman Photography

NEHL Druridge Bay - 15/10/23

DRURIDGE BAY COUNTRY PARK SFNEHL FIXTURE 2 SUNDAY 15TH OCTOBER.

Hi all, details for this Sunday's second fixture of the season at Druridge Bay Country Park. Please see attached course / site map with details of laps for each event (should be self explanatory, I hope). Many thanks once again to BLYTH RUNNING CLUB for organising and hosting the fixture.

Post code for the country park is NE61 5BX, main turning into the park is from the A1068 whichever direction you're travelling from.

** PARKING: ONCE YOU TURN INTO THE COUNTRY PARK, APPROXIMATELY 2/3 ALONG THE ENTRANCE ROAD THERE WILL BE MEMBERS OF BLYTH RUNNING CLUB TO COLLECT YOUR PARKING FEE (£2) - PLEASE HAVE CASH (COINS NOT NOTES) READY - AND THEN FOLLOW DIRECTIONS TO THE DESIGNATED PARKING FOR THE EVENT. IF YOU PARK ANYWHERE ELSE YOU MAY WELL BE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL CHARGE / PARKING FINE. ** AS USUAL THERE WILL BE LIMITED PARKING FOR VEHICLES TRANSPORTING CLUB TENTS, IN THE FIELD ADJACENT TO THE START/FINISH / TENT FIELD (SEE MAP). RALPH WILL REQUIRE EVIDENCE OF YOUR CLUB TENT!

The race schedule will be as at the Harrier League website http://www.harrierleague.com/ As for Wrekenton we are trialing amendments to start times for U17 men race through U13 girls (add 5 mins to website times), and the senior women will start at 1320. Senior men as advertised at 1350.

What3Words

Druridge Bay (entrance)
hence.canny.convinces

Druridge Bay (course)
perfectly.teamed.museum

 Timetable

12.00 Under 11 Boys

12.05 Under 11 Girls

12.20 Under 17 men

12.25 U17 and U20 women

12.40 Under 15 Boys

12.45 Under 15 Girls

12:55 Under 13 boys

13:00 Under 13 girls

13.20 Senior & veteran women

13:50 Senior & veteran Men

Course Map

Guests may run in the league at a cost of £5 for the whole season. This is a one off charge. They must register on the day, and let us know if they competed last season (and if they did we can check the pack).

Guests must be members of a EA or SA, or similar affiliated club.

Second Claim runners may not count for team points. They can either run for their first claim club as a guest, or if they come and register on the day they can take part as a non-counting runner in their second claim vest.

Guests & Second claim runners do not accumulate team points, but do get individual grand prix points.

Race HQ will be at the NEHL Tent next at the start area.

Reminder to ALL competitors. We do not split race packs. Your team manager needs to collect and pay for your team entries. I have a list of who owes what, we will not take individual numbers out of the packs, we are far too busy. Find out who your team manager is and make sure they have a cheque or cash with them to cover the club's entry fees.

Costs are £50 + £3 per runner for clubs

£5 for guests

If by some unknown reason you manage to lose your number on the day you've collected it from your team tent, you can buy a new one for £5. I know it sounds daft, but it has happened before.

RACE HQ OPENING TIMES: 1100 to 1300 

On the day entries 

I'll be taking limited entries on the day from clubs - DO NOT expect to rock up with 20 juniors and have them all sorted.  Race HQ will be extremely busy.  
Remember I need Name, Club, Date of Birth, and Sex (if it's not obvious).
If you have this pre-written on a bit of paper that would be great.

No DoB - No entry

Guests - register on the day as per normal



Quick reminder of the rules.

You must start in the pack you have been allocated. (You will be DQd for running from the wrong pack)

You must wear your club's team vest or t-shirt, and all vests must be of the same design (or you will be DQd & won't count for team points)

As per league rules you CANNOT wear headphones

Age restrictions as follows:

Under 11 - must be aged at least 9 on the day of competition
Under 13 - must be 11 on 31st August 2023.  
Under 15 - must be 13 on 31st August 2023.
Under 17 men - must be 15 on 31st August 2023.
Under 17 & 20 women - must be 15 on 31st August 2023.
Senior Men - must be 17 on 31st August 2023.
Senior Women - must be 20 on 31st August 2023.

Athletes may NOT move up or down age categories

Masters men aged 65 may (if they wish) run in the 2 lap Senior Women's race, they register as per normal in the men's race, then come to race hq for a replacement number.  Masters wishing to do this must stay in the 2 lap race all season.

M65+ Team Competition.

It was proposed and agreed to at the AGM that the M65 runners choosing to compete in the 2 lap shorter race with the ladies could have their own team competition.

The format will include 3 runners from the same club forming a team, and the runners must be M65+

At the moment this is a manual process (i.e. I'll be pulling the information from the results and posting an update once it's ready), and there's no prize unless someone wants to donate a cup, although I'm sure I can rustle up a few bottles of wine for the winning team.

It's a little something to keep our running legends motivated and competitive.

So - You guys normally in the 2 lap race don't need to do anything different to normal (just keep on running), and any Masters 65+ fellas who feel like they'd prefer to give this a go instead of slogging it round 3 laps need to come and swap out their numbers at race HQ.

I'll hopefully have a M65+ team update after Druridge Bay fixture

Results will be available on the usual link http://www.harrierleague.com/results/2023-24/