Report from Wrekenton

SALTWELL SERVE UP AN EXCELLENT FIRST COURSE

HOW do you improve an event that is already accepted as being five-star? Only the Start Fitness Harrier League committee have the answer to that for the attraction for fast and not-for-fast runners to line up their production continues to grow at an alarming rate.

Who could have envisaged a few years ago that well over 600 would face the starter in the senior men's run and 499 senior women would want to race over the country.

It's a truly amazing statistic which is great for the region and, of course, the governing bodies, who play the numbers game in search of funding from government departments.

And while it is encouraging to see so many 'mature' competitors now coming into the sport what stands out equally is the number of runners at the other end of the age scale who are tackling the mud and hilly terrain for the very first time. During the 2012-13 season the committee introduced a 'Try Cross-Country' for under-11s leaving it to the promoting clubs whether to host a non-league break into the sport, some supported the idea some were hesitant to say the least and those who 'pushed the boat out' put on a combined boys-girls event which, in it's infancy saw between 60 and 70 taking part. 

Move on a few years and we have a situation that 97 boys and 80 girls completed the course at the league's opening fixture hosted by Saltwell Harriers at Wrekenton. Figures like that can only be good for the sport especially here in the North East where football still reigns so, for those who had the foresight seven years ago to give youngsters a 'Try Cross-Country' session for the very first time should be very proud of their actions. Well done.

PLAY IT AGAIN SAM

A FEW weeks short of his 18th birthday Sam Charlton, the National, Inter-Counties and English Schools' Cross-Country under-17 champion, opened up the campaign just as he closed out last season by winning the opening Start Fitness NEHL fixture at Wrekenton.

Heavy morning rain made for good running conditions which attracted a record field of 666. However, that didn't deter the triple champion from shooting off from the start of his first cross-country race against senior opposition over a distance - 10k - alien to him.

At the completion of the first of three tricky circuits, Sam was over 200 metres clear of his nearest rival, Northumbria University's Chris Larkin with another teenager, Josh Fiddaman (Blyth) in close attendance followed by Northern Ireland international Ryan Holt (Tyne Bridge) 30 metres or so further adrift in fourth place. The lead extended over the ensuing two laps with Sam weaving his way through lapped athletes as Ryan moved into second place on the final circuit.

The smile on the winner's face as he crossed the finish line told it all for it was Sam's first outing for over three months after having nursed an ankle injury picked up in the early part of the track season and his early reaction after receiving his medal was of jubilation.

''I didn't feel any pain at all which I'm delighted to say. I set off with a plan and everything fell into place. I can't believe that I've run so well with so little training under my belt. Having said that I know I'm nowhere near where I want to be but I have to continue being patient and hopefully everything will be all right when it comes to the important fixtures later in the season.

''I had intended to run Druridge Bay next week but I'm going to Loughborough to a training camp so it's disappointing for I really enjoyed my first harrier league outing as a senior but there are other fixtures, hopefully I can turnout at Lambton, I want to do to help Wallsend in the league.''

While Sam was running away from the opposition at the head of the field the seasoned fast pack runners were doing there utmost, from a five-minute penalty, to haul in as many rivals as possible. At times, on the narrow sections of the course, it proved quite difficult due to the huge numbers ahead but Gateshead's inform Conrad Franks dug deep to eventually work his way through to finish 17th, in an actual time of 31min 05secs, which was eight seconds slower than the winner. Jordan Bell (Blackhill), after working his way through to 32nd was next quickest on 31:48.

While it's only right to highlight the leading performers, on the day everyone who turned out had the satisfaction of knowing that they were part of a continuing growing master stroke, the Start Fitness NEHL!

While it's early days a rejuvenated Blaydon top the first division after earning promotion from division two last term while it's Birtley and Jesmond Joggers who head division two and three respectively.

SENIOR WOMEN
AGE is certainly no barrier these days when it comes to winning races. North Shields Poly's Katherine Davis competes as an over-50 athlete but she managed to show a clean pair of heels to all of her 500 rivals to claim victory in the two-lap 6.5k contest.

Just like young Sam in the men's race once the gun went Katherine went straight into the lead and was never headed throughout. Gateshead's Gillian Manford tracked the Poly athlete throughout the first circuit followed by Sunderland's Gemma Frost, Alex Sneddon (Jarrow and Hebburn) and Wallsend's Jennifer Berry at variant distances. All the while the medium, who were set off 1min 15secs behind and the fast pack a further 1min 45sec later, were making steady headway cutting back the deficit.

Entering the final stages Katherine showed no signs of slackening and came home to win by 30 seconds in a time of 25min 02secs which when the results were checked equated to the third fastest time of the day, a truly unbelievable run. Gillian held onto second place as fit again Jane Hodgson moved in third place running from the medium pack and in doing so recording the second fastest overall time. The fastest athlete on the course was Jane's Morpeth team-mate Rachelle Falloon who cut through the field from her five-minute penalty to finish in 10th place in actual time of 24:28.

North Shields Poly were comfortable winners of the division one team race - title holders Gateshead finished fifth - while Jesmond Joggers certainly mean business this term by topping division two. Division three sees Jarrow and Hebburn in pole position closely followed by Claremont and Newcastle University.

JUNIOR RACES
CHARLIE DALEY was another athlete who led throughout on his way to success in the under-17 men's contest. Taking full advantage of his 2min 30sec start the Tynedale athlete had five seconds in hand over Durham City's Joshua Wraith at the line. Morpeth's Euan Duffin finished a close-up third. An excellent run by Morpeth's Rowan Bennett saw him cut through the field to finish in 15th place from the fast pack recording a time of 16:52 leaving Charlie the second quickest on the day.

In a tight team race Gosforth, led home by fourth placed Kieron Mutch, had their three counters accumulating 23 points while Morpeth finished one point adrift in second place.

In the combined under-17/20 women's race over the same 5k course as the under-17 men, Gateshead's Ines Curran had no difficulty moving up an age group winning by 23 seconds from Chester-le-Street's Emily Chong with Tynedale's Kate Salthouse a similar distance back in third place. Eli Barnbrook (Newcastle University), who finished in fourth spot was the first under-20 athlete home. Ines' winning time of 19:32 proved to be the quickest under-17 time of the day with Morpeth's Robyn Bennett the best of the under-20s as she worked her way through from a 2min 30sec handicap to finish ninth overall in 19:33.

Emily was second fastest under-17 and Kate third while Gateshead's Chloe Wellings was the second best under-20 on the day with Houghton's Eva Hardie third quickest.

The under-15 boys faced one circuit of just over 3k and it was Morpeth's Joe Dixon who triumphed winning in 8:32 14 seconds clear of Blackhill's Tom Slane who beat off the challenge of Ryan Davies (Morpeth) to claim the runners-up award. Fastest on the course was Birtley's Chris Perkins who, from a 1min 40sec handicap worked his way through the field to finish 11th in an actual time of 8:02. Joe was second quickest with Gateshead's Theo Barron third best with 8:45.

With two finishers in the top three it wasn't surprising that Morpeth were easily winners of the team stakes finishing with just nine points - Bertie Marr was their final scorer - Durham City were second and Gateshead third.


The under-15 girls also faced a distance of 3k and it was a success for Chester-le-Street's Freya Clarkson who won by 12 seconds in 9:54. Blackhill had their second runner-up of the day through Hannah Bowyer while North Shields Poly's Katie Joslyn completed the one-two-three a further 12 seconds adrift. Fastest on the course was 
Alnwick's Millie Breeze and North Shields Poly's Holly Waugh who worked their way through the field from a 1:40 handicap to finish 13th and 14th respectively in identical actual times of 9:28. Just two seconds adrift of the fasest pair came another North Shields Poly athlete Ellie Van Dere Merwe.

North Shields came out on top in the team stakes finishing with 30 points with Durham City second (48pts) and Gosforth third with 53pts.

The under-13 boys also tackled 3k and it was Zac Brannon (North Shields Poly) taking the honours in this first race in the age group after moving up from under-11. Zac finished  14 seconds clear of Morpeth's Oliver Tomlinson with Arran Head, also of North Shields Poly, claiming the bronze award a further four seconds back. Zac's time of 9:38 proved to be the best of the day as William Wells (Gateshead) moved through from his 1:40 penalty to finish in 27th place in 9:39, just one second adrift of the race winner. Third fastest on the course was Gateshead's Matthew Das who recorded 9:43.

The Poly were comfortable team winners totalling nine points with Alnwick (23pts) second and Elswick third with 43.

Elswick's Poppy Wilde had half-a-minute in hand when winning the under-13 girls 3k contest Her winning time of 10:06 was the fasest of the day. Isabel Swanston claimed Blackhill's third silver medal of the day while Jarrow and Hebburn's Darcy Tullis claimed third place just one second behind Isabel. Second quickest was Crook's Leah Aldworth (10:15) when finishing 23rd from the fast pack. Next best was Gateshead's Annabel Milburn who posted a time of 10:16. Elswick celebrated winning the team race with 29 points, Gateshead were second with 39 and Gosforth third with 40.

The under-11 'Try Cross-Country' events were over a distance of just over a mile with Durham City's William Jardine crossing the line in first place ahead of a trio of Gateshead runners in the boys contest. William won in 5:54, Alex Leornard was second (5:59), Harry Garrett was third (6:03) and Harry Hunter fourth in 6:04. In the girls race it was even better for the Durham City club as they fielded the first two runners home. And it proved to be a family double as Alexandra Jardine claimed victory (6:38) ahead of team-mate Grace Carter who finished on 6:48. Completing the podium places was North Shields Poly's Ruby Dunn in 6:50.

What a great day's sport enjoyed not just by the competitors but by all the family and friends who lined the course to cheer each and everyone home. It's a quick turnaround for the second fixture of the campaign when the action moves to Druridge Bay this Sunday with action once again getting underway at Noon. If you missed out at Wrekenton make sure you on the start line next weekend!

Race Report by Bill McGuirk

Full Results: http://harrierleague.com/results/

SAM'S WAY: Sam Charlton was the leading light in the senior men's race

IN A HURRY: Morpeth's Rachelle Falloon posted the fastest time in the senior women's race

SHOWING THE WAY: John Stevens who had been up at dawn helping erect the course at Wrekenton shows how to warm up for your event without being on the race line

COME ON THE POLY: Katherine Davis led the field home to win the senior women's contest

CHEERING THEM ON: The under-11 boys contest gets underway helped on by a huge group of supporters

"Right lads, it doesn't matter whether you're in the hairy pack or the baldy pack, the most important thing is we're all in the Jarra vest." 

"Big thanks to everyone at the NEHL and Saltwell Harriers for another great event yesterday. Bring on the rest of the season! I'd also like to give a big shout out to my Blaydon Harriers team mates. 3 years ago the club were regularly struggling to get 6 senior men to turn out and for several seasons had been languishing in the lower reaches of the 3rd division. This morning, after back to back promotions, we sit on top of the NEHL tree! We know we won't stay here but it's still a proud moment for the club!"
 🐝🐝🐝

One Blackhill Bounder certainly enjoyed the start of her race at Wrekenton!

Thank you from the JJs men and women! We had a stormer of a day! Our new members have been converted to XC - some have never run XC, neither at school! A big thank you to all the organisers and volunteers! #mudisgood!

NEHL 2019-20 Fixture 1: Wrekenton

Harrier League online entries are now closed.

There are 3,642 registrations, 2,813 re-registered from last season plus 829 new this season.

The website has been updated with the new information: http://harrierleague.com/runners/2019-20/registrations.htm

Check it and let Paul know if you think there is a problem.

If there is a race number next to your name then you're registered for Wrekenton on Saturday.

If there is a zero next to your name or your name is not shown then you are not registered.

People not registered by their team manager will have to hope entries are available on race day and pay £5.

This year there are 6 sets of numbers across the categories.

Want to be number 1?
Number 1 has been withheld from all 6 sets.

If you wish to be number 1 in your category then you can buy it for £20.
First come, first served. See race HQ on the day.

Considering it only costs £3 for the 7 races in the Harrier League, 43p per race, you might consider offering more than the £20 and the season would still be cheap.

All money raised will be donated to charity.

U11 - Blue

U13 - Green

U15 - Yellow
U17 & 20 - White
Men - Orange
Women - Purple

also in the bottom right of each number is category code:
U11, U13, U15, U17&20, M, W

On the back of each number is your chip.

Do not run in hand written or photocopied numbers, it will not be timed, your chip is recorded by the scanners as you pass through the finish, if it's not on the number it will not be recorded.

Team managers must collect the full pack of numbers, we will not split packs, or remove individual numbers, so your team manager must be there in time to collect numbers for the U11s or juniors depending on who is registered.

When numbers are collected team managers must provide payment which is £50 + £3 per runner, and a contact telephone number.

It is the responsibility of the team managers to take emergency contact numbers for their club's athletes. The league do not hold information on individual athletes contact information.

All competitors: If you have a medical condition which may affect your ability to take part, or which you think we should know about you must let your team manager know and you must fill in the details on the back of the number.

This includes any kind of heart or lung condition, and related medication If anything happens we need to be able to pass on information as soon as possible.

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 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 **new** NEHL Tent (get us eh) next to my Yeti 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 after 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.



Quick reminder of the rules.

You must start in the pack you have been allocated. If you don't we'll cover you in tar and feathers (and DQ you)

You must wear your club's team vest or tshirt (or you will be DQd & won't count for team points)

RACE ORDER & TIMES for the coming season

1200 Under 11 Boys (1.5k)
1205 Under 11 Girls (1.5k)
1215 Under 17 Men (1.5 laps approx. 5k)
1220 Under 20 & Under 17 Women (1.5 laps approx 5k)
1235 Under 15 Boys (1 lap approx. 2 miles - 3.2k)
1240 Under 15 Girls (1 lap approx. 2 miles - 3.2k)
1250 Under 13 Boys (1 lap approx. 2 miles - 3.2k)
1255 Under 13 Girls (1 lap approx. 2 miles - 3.2k)
1305 Senior Women (2 laps approx. 4 miles - 6.4k)
1350 Senior Men (3 laps approx. 6 miles - 9.6k)

Age restrictions as follows:

Under 11 - must be age 9 on the day of competition
Under 13 - must be 11 on 31st August 2019.  U11s turning 11 during the season may move up to the U13s
Under 15 - must be 13 on 31st August 2019.
Under 17 men - must be 15 on 31st August 2019.
Under 17 & 20 women - must be 15 on 31st August 2019.
Senior Men - must be 17 on 31st August 2019.
Senior Women - must be 20 on 31st August 2019.

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.



Fixture #1 - NEHL Wrekenton - Saturday 28th September

Use postcode NE9 6RZ for SAT NAV

Parking:

I’m sure you are all aware and very excited for the 1st XC at Wrekenton this Saturday.

Like most clubs who hold an xc event we couldn’t go ahead without the support of the local community and as most clubs can testify parking can be a real issue.

With this in mind, we at Saltwell, would be grateful if you could use the free parking facilities at the moss heaps nhs park and ride area (circled in green).

Cardinal Hume school car park will only be used as an overflow and only when the moss heaps car park is full.

We would also like to remind people not to park on the grass opposite cardinal Hume school or down moss side road (marked in red).

We have previously had complaints by residents and the local community of inconsiderate parking. I appreciate this is limited to a few people but unfortunately the few spoil it for the many.

Other than that we hope that you enjoy our course at Wrekenton and hopefully the weather will stay as lovely as it is today and give you all a big of sludge to wade through.

Thank you

Darren
On behalf of Saltwell Harriers

Route Map:

Handicaps:

U11s - 1 mile, no handicap
U13s - 2 miles, fast pack 1:40
U15s - 2 miles, fast pack 1:40
U17&20 Women - 3 miles, medium pack 1:15, fast pack 2:30
U17 men - 3 miles, fast pack 2:30
Women & M65+ - 4 miles, medium pack 2:20, fast pack 5:00 
Men - 6 miles, medium pack 2:30, fast pack 5:00

Strava event: https://www.strava.com/clubs/493637/group_events/570385

Royal Signals Road Relays

 SIGNALS ROAD RELAYS
(Incorporating the North Eastern Counties Championships)

HETTON LYONS COUNTRY PARK, SATURDAY, AUGUST 31
(Hosted by Houghton Harriers)

As you are well aware that the event due to take place earlier in the year didn't go ahead due to ongoing discussions with Sunderland City Council over insurance arrangements. However, after members of the NE Counties Road Running Committee met up with Council officials and after a lot of toeing-and-throwing, a draft was finally accepted by both parties together with England Athletics.

Houghton Harriers, and particularly, Peter Dodsworth, worked tirelessly to ensure the long-standing 'Signals' went ahead.

So can I appeal to all club secretaries/team managers to try and support the event. With the closing date for entries rapidly approaching (August 19) up to date only three clubs: Washington, Saltwell and Houghton - have entered and no late entries will be accepted. Entry information is on the NECAA website. 

Clubs who entered for the original date all have to re-enter once again.

Thank you, Bill McGuirk, Chairman NECAA

Start Fitness North Eastern Harrier League 2019-20 Season

Good Morning cross country runners & team managers,

Following last night's NEHL AGM I'd like to thank Start Fitness for their continued support, and I'm  happy to confirm dates for the upcoming 2019-20 harrier league season.

28/09/19 - Wrekenton.  Hosted by Saltwell Harriers
06/10/19 - Druridge Bay. Hosted by Blyth RC (this is a Sunday fixture)
26/10/19 - Venue to be confirmed*
23/11/19 - Aykley Heads.  Hosted by Derwentside / Durham City / Elvet Striders
04/01/20 - Temple Park (Sherman Cup & Davison Shield).  Hosted by South Shields
08/02/20 - Thornley Hall Farm.  Hosted by Blackhill Bounders
29/02/20 - Alnwick Castle.  Hosted by Alnwick Harriers

*There are several options in the pipeline for the late October venue. John Stephens has been working with the landowners to try and get this sorted.

At the moment the possible options are:

Lambton Estate (near Washington/Chester-le-Street)
Allendale Estates
Hexham Racecourse
Townmoor

Derwent Reservoir was also an option, but there was not enough space to get the course in without a long road section, which made it more of a trail race than xc.

If all else fails we will have Thornley Hall Farm as a second fixture in the season.

Usual NEHL rules apply

Fees for the upcoming season

The committee opted to freeze fees so they are the same as last season.

This is a club competition, so you must be a member of a club to take part. This includes guests from other areas. Affiliated clubs pay £50 for the season plus £3/runner. Guest runner numbers cost £5. You keep your number for the whole season, so your £3/£5 covers all 7 fixtures.

If you lose your number it's £5 for a replacement (regardless of whether you're local or a guest)

Entries will open in September, club managers will receive their new login details shortly before the entries open.

Look forward to seeing you all in September!

Royal Signals Relays

After weeks of toeing-and-throwing between the interested parties-Sunderland City Council, England Athletics and the North Eastern Counties AA-the Signals Relays have now been given the green light to go ahead.
Once again Houghton Harriers, thanks to the tiring efforts of Peter Dodsworth, will host the event at the regular venue, Hetton Lyons Park on the new date of Saturday, August 31.
A revised prospectus will be sent to all clubs who are asked to re-enter the event as there have been a few minor changes. Clubs who sent entries in for the original date will receive their cheques back in due course.
As you can imagine, finding a new date in the calendar has proved extremely difficult but the Road Running committee felt they had to act swiftly before the onset of the winter fixtures.

Bill McGuirk

NECAA Royal Signals Relays Update

A meeting to discuss the problems relating to the Signals Road Relays was held at Sunderland City Council offices between four representatives of the Council and Peter Dodsworth, Alan Elders and Bill McGuirk acting on behalf of the NECAA.

After putting the points across forcibly why the NECAA were not in a position to sign the document in front of them for the event to go ahead at Hetton Lyons Country Park the council's representatives agreed to take our points on board and redraft the agreement.

This was indeed what happened inside a few days and a new agreement was drawn up which was then forwarded on to UKA for it's lawyers to give it their approval.

However, UKA were still not happy with the new wording and, after sitting on it for a few weeks, replied to the council with their reservations.

It is now back in the council's hands and while time is running out the NECAA are hoping for an early decision so that the event can go ahead albeit at Hetton or at another venue.

Bill McGuirk
NECAA

Terry Scott Interview by Bill McGuirk

Not being a Social Media fan, I was amazed to be informed that the article on Sam Charlton posted on the NEHL website had received hundreds and hundreds of 'hits' and it then came as a bigger surprise when the informant suggested, because of the success, I do a few more pieces now that the Chronicle have decided they do not need my services any more. So what better way to take up the challenge than to speak to the new British Masters' 10k Road Race over-45 champion, the unassuming Terry Scott.

JUST like fine wines, adopted Geordie Terry Scott has matured over the years so much so after moving into the over-45 age group he is now lying second in this year's Power of 10 rankings over the 5k distance and joint second over 10k as his times continue to come tumbling down.

A 'fun' runner just seven or so years ago Terry has improved dramatically since linking up with Tyne Bridge Harriers and is now a regular in the England team for the Masters Cross-Country International.

His most recent success was a gold-medal performance at the British Masters' Port of Blyth 10k before going on to post one of the fastest times in the Elswick Good Friday Relays and it was at Newburn where I caught up with him and suggested doing a question and answer piece for the NEHL website which, I'm happy to say, he willingly agreed to.



Q: Terry, you're not from this neck of the woods so tell me a bit about yourself and where you are from and how you have made a home on Tyneside?
A: I am originally from Barrow in Furness, but lived and worked in Warrington as a Logistics Operations Manager for a large tissue manufacturer before moving to the NE to manage a large project, and remained here after its completion. I love it in this area.  

Q: As a youngster athletics and running doesn't seem to figure on your cv so how did you come about making the decision to give the sport a try?
A:I never did anything to keep fit as an adult. Then after some bad luck within the family, I decided I needed to get fit. So at 37 I joined a gym, lost some weight and got myself into some shape just lifting weights, eating a bit better and reducing alcohol intake. Then when I was 40, a friend asked if I wanted to do a race which was in 4 weeks time. I jumped on the internet, found myself a 4 week plan (yes, they actually exist) and started doing some more running. People said it was a decent time so it opened my eyes to taking it more seriously. 

Q: Your first entry on Power of 10 is 36th place in the Newburn River Run in 2011. What are your recollections of that night?
A: I’d completely forgotten I’d done that. I think I just did it as a little run in amongst the competitors but it didn’t give me any desire to enter more races. Not at that point anyway. 

Q: The following year parkrun was a big attraction for you though you started to dabble in the NE 'bigger' events, ie: the GNR, the Blaydon Race and North Tyneside 10k which must have encouraged you further?
A: When I ran the North Tyneside 10k, I think I finished it in about 39 minutes. People were telling me that it was a decent time, so I started to take things a bit more seriously and train properly. I also entered the Blaydon Race and have loved that race ever since. 

Q: In 2012 your half-marathon debut saw you post 80min 10sec in the GNR, that must have been a kick-start to thinking 'that was pretty good and maybe I should take running a bit more seriously'?
A: Having got myself an entry to the GNR, I focussed all my training around that for the preceding 3 months. Being fairly new to the North East, and running in general, I had never paid much attention to this race but I knew it was a big event. As the weeks went on I just kept revising my target, then on the day I aimed for 90 mins, so when I finished in 80 mins I was really happy. People more familiar with half marathons were sounding impressed at the time. It was probably at this point that I started to think about whether to join a running club.  

Q: Unfortunately, the following year despite following a similar pattern to 2012 you were three minutes slower in the GNR while you knocked three minutes off your Blaydon and North Tyneside times. Can you pin-point the any reasons for the mixed performances?
A: I think the positive times were because I was getting fitter and training well, but then in July I got sciatica. GNR was my big target so I was wanting to do anything to get to the start line. I spent a small fortune on different treatments to try to get rid of the sciatica. Nothing was working. As a result, I ran about 4 times between July and the GNR in September. Such was the determination, I got to the start line but clearly not fit. By the time I got to the end of the Tyne bridge I was hugely regretting it. I wanted to drop out but realised I would not be able to get a message to my family at the finish line, so I spent the next 12 miles suffering, but ploughing on. Eventually finishing 3 minutes slower than the previous year. Happy to finish though. A little mental victory.

Q: That GNR result didn't deter you having another go 12 months on which resulted in a superb 77:21. However, while all of your running had been on the roads you started to dabble in cross-country which came about I presume after linking up with Tyne Bridge Harriers.
A: This was in 2014, two years after my first proper race. I decided to join Tyne Bridge Harriers after Kenny Mac and Sparrow Morley were individually encouraging me to sign up. The Elswick Good Friday Relays was my first event in the vest. This then led to all the other events like cross country. I was really enjoying running as part of a club. Good camaraderie, and clearly helped me improve. 

Q: You were now certainly 'up and running' competing most weekends and in 2014 what stands out for me is your ninth place finish - third over-40 - in the Tees Pride 10k in a time of 33:51. How did you feel after dipping under 34 minutes for the first time?
A: The sub 34 for 10k was something that I was really aiming for. I just missed out at the Darlington 10k - 34:02, then at Tees Pride I knew after 5 miles, the pace was close to breaking 34. However, coming into what I thought was the final straight, and seeing what I thought was the finish line, I did the usual emptying of the tank towards the finish line. Anyway, it turned out it wasn’t the finish line. That was around the corner and another couple of hundred metres away. I literally crossed the finish line on my haunches, then collapsed in a heap. 5 more metres and I’d have been crawling  across on my elbows. After pulling myself round and realising I’d made it in under 34, I was elated. So happy. 

Q: 2015 was a hugely successful year where, after some eye-catching performances over the country you made your debut in the Home Nations Masters Cross-Country International in Dublin finishing in 12th place. How exciting was it to earn England selection after just a few active years in the sport?
A: I couldn’t quite believe I’d been selected to represent my country. All I could think at the time was I wish my parents and brother were still around to witness this. I was so proud and so would they have been. The whole event was such an amazing experience. We also managed to pick up team silver, and I counted for the team, so to get a medal was really exciting.

Q: As well as securing your first international vest, the year also saw you compete abroad for the first time where you posted a huge half-marathon pb of 74:35 in Amsterdam. What stands out for you on that performance?
A: Here I wanted to right the wrong for the previous year in the same race where I was chasing sub 75. Just after 9 miles, I started swaying and collapsed into the barriers. Got back up and fell back down. My first DNF. Coincidentally, it also happened at the GNR, painfully this time I was 200m from the finish and on for a time of about 74 minutes. So a month after GNR, and the year after my Amsterdam dnf, this third attempt at sub 75 HM was on. The race went to plan and when I saw the clock in the stadium and realised I’d done it, I was so so happy. I’d realised I’d got the time to get me a championship entry for the London Marathon. 

Q: The following year you tested the water in the marathon when you ran London finishing 193rd overall in 2:35.57. How did you feel afterwards, especially as you haven't done one since?
A: I’d always said if I was to do only one marathon, I wanted it to be London. The event didn’t disappoint. Amazing experience. In terms of race plan, it was all about going to pace for the first 15 miles, then if the pace starts dropping, just make sure I finish. I didn’t want to let anyone down by not finishing. I felt proud that I could now say I’d raced a marathon. I have no plans to do another one just yet. 

Q: A sixth place overall finish in the Brass Monkey Half-Marathon in York in 2017 in 70:39 and a sub 32 minutes 10k in the Leeds Abbey Dash which put you top of the UK over-45 rankings for the year, showed racing over shorter distances is more to your liking. Is that the case?
A: Yes, that was also my thinking. I tended to train quite generically at this point, trying to cover a bit of everything to do as well as possible from 5k to HM. To finish the year top of the 10k rankings for V45 was a great achievement for me. Another ‘can’t believe this’ moment. 

Q: Last year you seemed to cut back on racing - no cross-country at all - despite posting a current life-time best of 31:43 in the Trafford 10k. Was there a reason for this?
A: At the start of 2018 I suffered badly with lack of motivation. This was the first time this had happened, but I just couldn’t be bothered with running any longer. It also turned out I had low iron levels which could have explained some of it. I got going again and joined up with Lindsay Dunn’s group, and directly coached by Nathan Shrubb. They have both been a massive help. Since joining the LD group, it has been excellent and I’ve loved running again. A great group of lads, all willing each other to do well. One of the things we worked on is to be more selective with races, and training in a much more controlled way. This, along with lowering my mileage, has allowed me to stay fresh and this has led to my times improving.  

Q: This year is just a few months old but already you have stamped your name in the record books by winning the British Masters' 10k Road Race Championship at Blyth. What did that performance mean to you?
A: With my coach, we have worked on being less concerned with times and PB’s and to just ‘race’. So this is exactly what I did. I just raced the guys that were there, and was delighted to pick up the title, and also ended up running a time much quicker than I thought it was going to be. Since then, I managed to run 15:04 at the Mid Cheshire 5k. I would never believe anywhere near this time was achievable for me. Now that I have that, I have to aim to try and break that 15 minute barrier. 

Q: Finally, while you have certainly made up for lost time since you started running what advice would you give to anyone interested in taking up athletics whatever their age?
A: Just to embrace it, and if you’re going to get up at 6am for early morning runs, and running in all kinds of typical north east weather, then it must mean you want this. Therefore train hard but train sensibly. This way you stand a chance of staying injury free and going into the key sessions fresh. Keep the maximum effort for races. 

Thanks for taking the time Terry to take part in the piece however, after completing the interview it came to light that his excellent form continued when he posted a superb pb of 15:04 in the Mid Cheshire 5k, an event he described as 'his best-ever race in terms of time'.

Bill McGuirk

HARBOUR MASTER: Terry, on his way to winning the British Masters' 10k Road Race Championship at the Port of Blyth race earlier this month

SAND DANCER: Approaching the finish of his first-ever GNR in 2012

CAPITAL OUTING: Under the Shadow of Big Ben Terry takes to the streets of London for his one-and-only marathon so far

PB PERFORMANCE: Terry just misses out on dipping under 15 minutes in the Mid Cheshire 5k but is nevertheless happy with 15:04

ENGLAND EXPECTS: Mud-splattered but overjoyed on his England Masters' Cross-Country International debut in Dublin in 2015