Articles from the local press - submitted by Keith Willshire
News Post Leader - December 03 -
Blyth Running Club recently organised the annual ‘Sands
Race’, which runs form South Beach, Blyth to Seaton Sluice and back. This
was the 44th running of the race and conditions this year were ideal with a low
tide and very little wind. The run is a handicap race, with the handicap based
on sex and age, this meant that the last group of runners were set off 12
minutes after the first age group. This years race produced one of the most
exciting finishes in the history of the run, when Archie Jenkins of Morpeth
produced a strong finish to overtake lone time leader Yvonne Swinhoe of Elswick
in the final 50 metres. Archie, a long time supporter of the race, was second
in 2002 and had managed to make up a deficit of seven minutes on Yvonne. It was
a similar story for third position when former winner Steve White of Elswick,
overhauled Cath Young of Blyth in the final strides, although Cath did have the
satisfaction of leading Blyth to the team prize.
Fastest on the day was Ian Twaddle, of North Shields Poly, who finished 14th,
giving up to 12 minutes to most of the field. Fastest lady was former Gosforth
Harrier Gillian Adams who was 20th. The fine weather and firm conditions meant
times were the quickest for some years.
Prizes were awarded in all age categories and were:
Under 18’s Boy: Sean Kirtley (Morpeth)
Under 18’s Girl: Gillian Barry (Houghton & Peterlee)
Senior Man: Ian Twaddle (North Shields Poly)
Senior Woman: Gillian Adams (Unattached)
Over 35 Woman: S. Hunter (Concordia Runners and Pedlars)
Over 40 Man: Tony Mellor (North Shields Poly)
Over 40 Woman: Helen Morris (Blyth)
Over 45 man: Martin Gaughan (Blyth)
Over 45 Woman: Cath Young (Blyth)
Over 50 Man: Rob Hall (Blyth)
Over 50 Woman: Christine Willshire (Blyth)
Over 55 Man: Brian Hume (Low Fell)
Over 55 Woman: Jackie Smith (Elvet Striders)
Over 60 Man: Roger Wilson (Sunderland)
The team prize was won by Blyth Running Club, with Cath Young, Rob Hall, Helen
Morris and Anne Potts comprising the team.
On the Wednesday night following the Sands Race, Blyth organised the third race
in their Winter Series. There was another good turnout of 40 club members who
took part in the 2.5 mile race around the Kitty Brewster Trading Estate.
Although it was another mild night, the runners had to run out into a breeze,
which would help them on the return journey. The first runner back was Ian
Bates who was running the race for the first time, while 14-year old Raymond
Kirkup finished in second place, four seconds in front of Stevie Gillespie,
Gareth Hope was fourth while Leane Pringle was the first Lady in fifth place.
For the third race running, Leanne set the fastest time by a Lady, while
17-year old Sean Kirtley had the satisfaction of again setting the fastest
time.
Blyth Running Club are well established as one of the leading clubs in
the area and as well as the running they also arrange various social nights/activities.
Blyth welcome any new runners of any age/ability, so if anyone is interested in
coming along to training nights, or learning more about the club, then leave
your name and contact number at Blyth Sports Centre and a member of the Club
will contact you to discuss. We also have a small Junior section and are
looking for new members, so if anybody between the ages of 12 and 17 are keen
then they can either turn up at Blyth Sports Centre on Monday nights at 18:45
or e-mail the following address enquiries@blythrunningclub.org.uk and somebody
will contact them.
News Post Leader - December 03 - Winter Series 2
For the second race in Blyth Running Club’s Winter Series, there
was an excellent turn-out of 46 runners. Once again the weather conditions were
ideal for running and this was reflected by the fact that nearly all the
runners ran faster than in the previous race. Amongst the 46 runners, there
were four under the age of 18 running, and 12-year old Alex Crate was the first
runner off and she was followed by a steady stream of runners until eight
minutes later 17-year Sean Kirtley set off in pursuit of the 45 runners in
front of him. The first runner home was Keith Robson, with Garry Potts in
second place just in front of Dale Smith. Sean Kirtley again set the fastest
time of the night and managed to pass over 30 runners who had set off before
him. Again, Leanne Pringle set the fastest time by a Lady.
Once again mention must be Ken Gibson, Jimmy Jones, Sandra Gaughan and Dave
Kitching who ensure that the races go ahead smoothly without any problems, also
to handicapper Andy Brown.
News Post Leader - November 03 - Brampton to Carlisle 10m
Just over thirty runners from Blyth took part in the recent Brampton to
Carlisle ten mile road race. Although this is usually a fast course, times were
down this year as the 490 runners had to run into a strong westerly wind for
the entire ten miles. The race was won by London based Dave Wardle, finishing
thirty seconds in front of second placed Alan Adams. The first Blyth runner
back was Robbie Barkley who finished in 55th position, while Rob Hall was
thirty seconds behind Robbie in 64th position, the evergreen Rob Hall finished
3rd in his age category, with Adam Robinson the third finisher for Blyth. The
first Blyth Lady to finish was Leanne Pringle who was running the race for the
first time and managed to finish 22nd Lady overall, Cath Young was the next
Blyth Lady, with Jacqui Lumsden the third. Leanne, Cath and Jacqui took the
third placed Ladies Team prize
This Sunday (7th December) sees the Blyth Sands race, which is unique in the
north east for the handicapping system it uses. Runners receive handicaps
according to age/sex ie ladies over 50 years of age will receive 12 minutes
start on the men under 40. The race starts on the sands at the south beach of
Blyth and the runners run to Seaton Sluice and back, an approximate distance of
five miles. The first runners will be off at 10am. Entry forms are available at
Blyth Sports Centre, although entries will be taken on the day at the Wellseley
School.
Also, on Sunday 7th December Blyth Running Club are holding their Annual
general Meeting, all members are invited to attend the meeting, which starts at
19:00 at Blyth Sports Centre.
News Post Leader - November 03 - Winter Series 1
Blyth Running Club recently held the first race in their annual Winter
Series, which is a series of seven handicap races around the Kitty Brewster
Trading Estate. The first race over the 2.5 mile course had a healthy turn-out
of over 40 runners who were all looking to win one of the coveted ‘Yellow
T-shirts’ awarded to the race winner.
Race organiser Dave Kitching was out early setting up the start/finish areas,
while handicapper Andy Brown had used previous race times to set the handicaps.
The weather conditions were ideal for running as 12-year old Alex Crate was the
first runner to be set off followed by a steady stream of runners until seven
minutes twenty seconds after her Robbie Barkley set off in hot pursuit of the
43 runners in front of him. The first runner back was Steve Bangs who finished
11 seconds in front of 17-year old Sean Kirtley, who was three seconds in front
of third place Mark Martin. The closeness of the handicapping meant that the
next 35 runners all finished within one minute of each other. Although he did
not win the race, Sean Kirtley set the fastest time of the night, while Leanne
Pringle, who finished in fourth place, set the fastest time by a Lady.
The date of the next race in the series is Wednesday, December 3rd. The runners
would like to thank all the marshals and officials who ensured that the race
took part.
Sunday 7th December sees the Blyth Sands race, which is unique in the north
east for the handicapping system it uses. Runners receive handicaps according
to age/sex ie ladies over 50 years of age will receive 12 minutes start on the
men under 40. The race starts on the sands at the south beach of Blyth and the
runners run to Seaton Sluice and back, an approximate distance of five miles.
The first runners will be off at 10am. Entry forms are available at Blyth
Sports Centre, although entries will be taken on the day at the Wellseley
School.
Also, on Sunday 7th December Blyth Running Club are holding their Annual
general Meeting, all members are invited to attend the meeting, which starts at
19:00 at Blyth Sports Centre.
News Post Leader - November 03 - Busy Time For Runners
In the past few weeks the cross country season has started and in the
first race at Durham, Robbie Barkley had an excellent run and managed to finish
in a very creditable 11th position out of over 260 runners. In the Junior race,
Raymond Kirkup had a very encouraging debut and finished in 17th position. The
following week, Rob Hall proved that he is returning to fitness by finishing in
21st position (and second in his age group) in the seven mile run around the
Gibside estate. Steve Walker was the next Blyth runner home in 41st position
out or over 340 finishers. Cath Young was the first Blyth lady, with Trish
Goodwin next followed by Louise Farmer.
The next few weeks will prove a busy time for runners from Blyth running club,
first the next event in the clubs Grand Prix is the Brampton to Carlisle Ten
mile road race which takes place on Saturday 15th November. On a traditionally
fast course Blyth runners will be hoping to record a fast time. Transport has
been arranged and details are on the clubs notice-board at Blyth Sports Centre.
Then, on Wednesday 19th November the first race in the clubs Winter Series
takes place. The Winter Series is a series of seven handicap races around the
Kitty Brewster Trading Estate, over a 2.5 mile. The races are open to club
members who must enter before the night.
Sunday 7th December sees the Blyth Sands race, which is unique in the
north east for the handicapping system it uses. Runners receive handicaps
according to age/sex ie ladies over 50 years of age will receive 12 minutes
start on the men under 40. The race starts on the sands at the south beach of
Blyth and the runners run to Seaton Sluice and back, an approximate distance of
five miles. The first runners will be off at 10am. Entry forms are available at
Blyth Sports Centre, although entries will be taken on the day at the Wellseley
School.
News Post Leader - October 03 - Autumn Relays
Blyth Running Club recently held their Annual Autumn Relay race around
the Kitty Brewster trading estate. Handicapper Dave Kitching had his work cut
out to ensure that all the teams had an equal chance to win. The weather
conditions were dismal with a threat of rain for the 17th running of the
Relays, and the runners had to run into a light breeze on the outward trip.
There were 13 teams and the first 13 runners were set on their way by starter
Dave Kitching. Just under 15 minutes later, Mal Derbyshire returned first just
in front of second placed Kenn Reay. Second runner Eddie Stott had a five
second lead over Barry Metcalfe for the second leg, but Barry overtook Eddie to
hand over to club secretary George Young for the third leg. George had a four
second lead over Ralph Dickinson while third place runner Ian Richardson was 45
seconds further back. However, Ian managed to overtake the two runners in front
of him and lead his team to victory.
The winning team was: Dave Bradley, Gareth Hope and Ian Richardson
followed in second position by Mal Derbyshire, Eddie Stott and Ralph Dickinson,
while the third team comprised Kenn Reay, Barry Metcalfe,and George Young.The
fastest runner on the night was Robbie Barkley, covering the two and a quarter
mile course in 12 minutes 40 seconds. The fastest lady was Helen Morris who
recorded 15 minutes 39 seconds. The fastest Vet on the night was the evergreen
Rob Hall who returned a time of 13 minutes 39 seconds. Although not a
prizewinner this time, special mention must be made of Stevie Gillespie, who is
the only person to have run in all the autumn Relays since the event started.
The runners would like to thank all the marshals and timekeepers who
ensured that the event went off smoothly and without whom no race could take
place.
News Post Leader - October 03 - Tynedale 10m Race
Twenty-nine runners from Blyth took part in the recent Tynedale 10 Mile
race, which is a tough hilly course from Hexham to Ovingham. The weather
conditions were warm, with bright sunshine at the start and this accounted for
over 100 runners entering on the day, with 249 people finishing the race. The
race was won by Morpeth Harrier Mark Hudspith, who covered the first five miles
in twenty five minutes and won in a time of 49minutes 53 seconds, 50 seconds in
front of second place runner Andy Caine of Tynedale Harriers. Robbie Barkley
was the first Blyth runner home in 20th position overall with a time
of 61 minutes 31 seconds, with Dale Smith the second Blyth runner home in 43rd
position, Joe Frazer was the next Blyth runner and Joe finished second in his
age category. The woman’s race was won by Judith Nutt of Elswick, with Claire Smallwood of Jarrow in
second place. The first Blyth lady was
Leanne Pringle who was the 13th lady overall, Leanne’s
splendid run ensured, that with Jacqui Lumsden and Sharon Percy, the Blyth
Ladies won the Senior Ladies Trophy. The second Blyth lady was Cath Young who
finished third in her age category.
Blyth are currently arranging their annual Autumn
Relay races which take place on Wednesday 22nd October. Any members
interested in taking part should see the club notice-board for further
details.
News Post Leader - August 03 - Blyth Links 10k Race
Every year Blyth Running Club invite runners from other Clubs in the
region (Morpeth, North Shields Poly, Blackhill and Blaydon) to a social night,
which includes the Links 10K run. On a warm, sunny night conditions were ideal
for running and there were over 150 runners who took part in this year's run.
Club Official Dave Kitching had marked out an accurate 10K course which used
the path through the sand dunes, up to Collywell Bay, along the cliff top path,
past the Delaval Arms pub and then back down Collywell Bay Road onto the dunes
path. The first five runners home were all from North Shield Poly, with Terry
West leading them home in a very impressive time of 32 minutes 36 seconds,
while Rob Walker was the second runner home six seconds behind, for the second
year running Ian Tweddle was third. The first Blyth runner home was Robbie
Barkley in ninth position, the first Blyth vet home and winner of the
‘Brian Stringfellow’ trophy was Martin Gaughan. The first lady home
was Morpeth runner Gloria Cavill, six seconds in front of Katherine Davis of
North Shields Poly, the first Blyth Lady was Helen Morris who was the third
Lady on the night.
After the race all runners were invited to Blyth Sports Centre where Blyth had
provided a buffet for everybody. Everybody from the Club would like to thank
the marshals, timekeepers, stewards etc who ensured that everything went
according to plan and without whom no race could take place.
Blyth runners have a busy few weeks ahead, on Sunday 7th September the next
event takes place in the annual Running Club Grand Prix and it is the Tynedale
10 mile run, starting at Hexham and finishing at Ovingham. Then on Sunday 21st
September, it is the largest race in the North East calendar – the Great
North Run. Transport has been arranged for the Tynedale 10 mile, details are on
the Club Notice Board at Blyth Sports Centre.
Blyth Running Club are well established as one of the leading clubs in the area
and as well as the running they also arrange various social nights/activities.
Blyth welcome any new runners of any age/ability, so if anyone is interested in
coming along to training nights, or learning more about the club, then leave
your name and contact number at Blyth Sports Centre and a member of the Club
will contact you to discuss, or Blyth Running Club can be contacted by e-mail
at enquiries@blythrunningclub.org.uk
News Post Leader - June 03 - Blaydon
Race
There was over a record 3,540 finishers in this years Blaydon Race on
June 9th. The race started at the bottom of the Bigg Market and then went along
Collingwood Street towards Scotswood Road, finishing at Blaydon shopping
precinct. Weather conditions were not quite ideal for running, as although
there was no wind, it was very warm and humid. The race was won by
Switzerland-based Ethiopian Tesfaye Eticha with Ethopian Julius Kibet taking
second place with Ian Hudspith of Morpeth in third place. The first lady was
Russian athlete Yelena Burykina who set a course record time of 29 minutes 18
seconds. Although the winners were international athletes, the vast majority of
runners were from the North-east region and over 60 runners from Blyth took
part this year. The first runner back for Blyth was Andy Brown who finished in
57th position, with Robbie Barkley next back in 63rd position. Running her first
Blaydon was Leanne Pringle who was the first Blyth Lady back and also finished
in the top fifty Ladies, next Lady back for Blyth was Cath Young. Two people
not running their first Blaydon’s were two of the oldest members of Blyth
Running Club: 75 year old Dennis Moss and 76 year old Bob Soulsby. Both these
runners managed to finish in front of hundreds of younger runners and Dennis
Moss was the first Over 75 runner back, while Bob was the third.
The Blaydon race has a unique award called the ‘Me and Wor Lass
Trophy’, where the combined times of a couple produce the winners. Two
excellent runs ensured that the trophy this year was won by Andy Brown and his
wife Angie.
News Post Leader - June 03 - Club
Handicap Race
Blyth Running Club recently held their Annual handicap on a new,
slightly shorter course and the date was changed to midweek. Over 30 runners
ran the new 6.5 miles route which started at the Beach Car Park, along the
beach path, up Collywell Bay road, past the Delaval Arms pub and then back
along the cliff tops and then along the road back to Blyth.
Handicapper Andy Brown had produced the handicaps based on past
performances of the runners and race organiser Dave Kitching had been at work
very early putting the mile markers in place. The race marshals of Jimmy Jones,
Sandra Gaughan, Steve Gair, Jocelyn Smith, Ken Gibson and Ron Hope were all in
position by 19:15 to ensure that no runner took the wrong course. Starter Dave
Kitching and time-keepers Sandra Gaughan and Eddie Woods set the first runner, Sue
Walker, off at just after 19:15 and from then on it was a steady procession of
runners until over 23 minutes later 16 year old Sean Kirtley was the last
runner off. The conditions were ideal for running and the first runner home was
the 2001 Personality, Pauline Cunningham. After finishing second in 2002,
Pauline went one better this year and won by 200 yards from Louise Farmer.
Louise had been in the lead at Seaton Sluice but Pauline overtook her in the
last mile, but they both managed to hold off Malcolm Derbyshire who finished in
third place. The fastest time of the day was set by Rob Barkley, while Cath
Young set the fastest time for a lady.
News Post Leader - May 03 - Pier
to Pier and WoW races
SEVENTEEN runners from Blyth took part in the 7.5 mile run from South
Shields Pier to the Pier at Roker.
The field of nearly 600 runners had to run into a strong headwind for the
entire race, with a heavy rainstorm in the closing stages. The race started at
South Shields Pier and passed Marsden Rock, Souter Lighthouse and along the
cliff tops to descend onto the beach at Whitburn and then along the beach to
the Pier at Roker.
The race was won by Chester-le-Street runner Simon O'Donnell. The first Blyth
runner home was the veteran Rob Hall who finished in fifteenth position and was
the first runner home in his age category. The women's race was also won by a
Chester-Le-Street runner with Alyson Dixon taking the prize. The first Blyth
lady was Angie Brown. Four days after winning a prize at the Pier-to-Pier race,
Rob Hall was again winning his age category in the WOW 10K race at Whitley Bay.
There were 22 runners from Blyth amongst the 180 finishers in the WOW, with
Robbie Barkley the first Blyth runner back in a very creditable 11th position.
Rob Hall was the second Blyth runner in 22nd position and first male in his age
category. Cath Young was the first Blyth lady back, with Helen Morris the
second Blyth lady back.
News Post Leader - April 03 - Club
Presentation Night
Blyth Running Club recently held their Annual Presentation Night at
Bedlington Community Centre. Nearly 100 members and guests turned up to show
their appreciation to the trophy winners. Every year Blyth organise their own
Grand Prix Leagues, which consist of twelve races with the runners divided into
leagues according to ability. In 2002 - 2003, the races spread from York to
Beadnell, Keswick to the Kitty Brewster trading estate and covered distances
ranging from 2.5 miles to 14.5 miles.
Division One was won by Andy Brown who was winning the award for sixth
time in ten years, second was Robbie Barkley, while Adam Robinson was third,
the Vets award went to Joe Frazer.
Division Two was won by the ever-popular Stevie Gillespie who beat Mal
Derbyshire by one point, in third position was Club Chairman Ralph Dickinson,
while John Bryan was the leading Vet.
Division Three was won by Phil Dickinson, who finished seven points in
front of Steve Kendrick, while Kevin Westwood took third position. Long serving
Club member Dave Cox won the Vets prize.
In Division Four Michael Brown was a runaway winner being first home in
eight of the races he ran, with Anne Potts taking the runners up prize, with
Terry McCabe in third position. The Vets prize was won by David Roe.
Division Five provided another run away winner in Angie Brown who had a
commanding lead over second placed Pauline Cunningham, with Dave Bradley taking
third position and Dickie Cole winning the Vets prize.
The members also voted for their Sports Personalities of 2002. Members
used different criteria for their votes: which athlete had improved most during
2002, which athlete had contributed the most to the club during 2002 or who was
the best runners during 2002. The Men’s Award was won by Ken Illingworth,
while the Ladies Trophy was won by Angie Brown.
The next major race in the Club’s Calendar is the Annual Handicap
race which is taking place on Wednesday 28th May, with the first
runner off at 19:15 from the Beach car-park. The race is only open to Club
members aged 16 and over. On Monday June 9th Blyth will be taking
over 70 runners to run the Blaydon Races, transport has been arranged and
information is on the Club noticeboard.
Newcastle Evening Chronicle - Monday 28th April - Bell
tolls for rest of field in Blyth Valley Ten
Twenty-four hours after competing in the National Road
Relay Championships at Sutton Coldfield, Stewy Bell lined up to defend his
Blyth Valley 10-Mile title against over 300 challengers. Bell used the event as
part of his build-up after long-term injury and as a contest it was all over
after two miles when a 4min 50sec second mile despatched young Kirk Wilson,
who, at that point, was his only companion. From the start, through Seaton
Delaval and Seaton Sluice, the Chester-le-Street athlete ground out the miles
relentlessly at around five minutes to come home in 50min 42sec, which was 38
seconds quicker than his winning time 12 months ago.
"My plan was to run five-minute miles but I think
I went off a bit quick," said Bell, whose next competitive action is in
Balmoral in two weeks time. "Once Kirk dropped away it was a case of
settling down and checking how I was going at each mile marker. "Though
the last two miles along the sea front were the slowest - 5:16 and 5:21 - it's
another step in the right direction so I'm quite happy the way things are
going. "It's been a long, hard slog but hopefully we are getting
there."
Gateshead's Michael Thompson finished a clear second
ahead of Low Fell pair Jon Archer and Mark McDonald with Wilson, who, for the
second year running, used the race as a solid training run, finished fifth.
Morpeth's Les Atkinson, a staunch Man Utd supporter, led the day's celebrations
by being the first vet to finish in seventh place, just ahead of team-mate Paul
Johnson. Jarrow and Hebburn's Claire Smallwood was an easy winner of the
women's section, finishing in 59min 18sec, to deny last year's champion Judith
Nutt (Elswick) of a repeat performance. With Angela Hunter in third place and
Sarah Evans, eighth. Jarrow and Hebburn were comfortable team victors.
News Post Leader - April 2003 - Blyth Valley Ten
This years Blyth Valley 10 took place on Sunday 27th April
and running conditions were good for fast times for the 328 finishers. As usual
the organisation of the race was impressive, and this is due to a lot of hard
work from the members of Blyth Running Club led by the secretary George Young.
The good reputation that the race has, ensures that a lot of runners return
every year and the 2002 winner Stewy Bell of Chester-Le-Street, returned and
won the race for the fourth time in a time of 50minutes 42 seconds. Stewy went
to the front of the pack from the gun and soon built up a healthy lead and
eventually finished two minutes in front of second placed runner Michael
Thompson of Gateshead Harriers, with Jon Archer of Low Fell in third place. The
first lady home was Claire Smallwood who finished in 29th position
overall with a time of 59 minutes 18 seconds, with last years lady winner
Judith Nutt of Elswick in second place. The first Blyth runner back was Robbie
Barkley who finished in 27th position with a time of 59 minutes 10
seconds, the first Blyth lady was Cath Young. The Men’s team prize was
won by Morpeth, who were led home by 17 year old Kirk Wilson with Over 45
winner Les Atkinson and Over 40 winner Paul Johnson making up the team. Claire
Smallwood led Angela Hunter and Sarah Evans home to claim the Ladies Team prize
for Jarrow.
News Post Leader - April 2003 - Blyth Valley Ten
This Sunday sees the 22nd running of the Blyth Valley 10 which is
one of the top ten-mile races in the country. The Blyth Valley Ten is a
certified accurate ten mile road race starting at Concordia Leisure
Centre, Cramlington, and finishing at Blyth Sports Centre, via
Seaton Delaval and Seaton Sluice. Motororists should be aware that the race
starts on Westmoreland Way, outside Concordia Sports centre at 10:00 and the
roads around the Sports centre will be congested with runners until
approximately 10:15 and that there will be delays all along the route of the
race. The route then goes along Dudley lane until the runners turn off along
the footpath past Alexandria park. They then run along the High Pit road and
turn down past East Cramlington and along Asley Road to the Avenue, which they
turn down. When they reach Seaton Sluice they will then turn left along the
Links road towards Blyth, at the round-about they will head along Rotary Way
and then along The Broadway , turning left up to Blyth Sports Centre. It is
expected that there will be traffic delays at all the major road junctions and
round-abouts on the route, also access to Blyth Sports Centre will be very
limited from Newsham Road until about 12:30am.
Runners will be able to enter on the day at Concordia Sports Centre
until about 09:40 and the entry fee will be £9.00 for runners attached to a
running club and £10.00 for unattached runners.
Eleven runners from Blyth took part in this year’s London Marathon
and in spite of conditions being on the warm side, they all managed to finish
in under four hours. Steve Walker was the first Blyth runner home in 3 hours 5
minutes, while Mal Derbyshire was the next Blyth runner home in 3 hours 14
minutes, only two Blyth women ran this year with Sharon Percy finishing in 3
hours 48 minutes and Pauline Cunningham getting under the fours hours with a
time of 3 hours 59 minutes. See full
BRC results.
News Post Leader - April 2003 - Redcar Half Marathon
Twenty runners from Blyth joined a field of nearly 700 runners to
compete in this years Redcar half Marathon. The race was won by Rob Hand of
Durham in just under 68 minutes. The first Blyth Runner was Adam Robinson who
finished in 32nd position
with a creditable time of 1 hour 20 minutes,
while the first Blyth Lady home was Cath Young who finished second in
her age group. Cath, along with Anne Potts and Sharon Percy combined to win the
first team prize for the Ladies.
News Post Leader - April 2003 - Winter Series Races 6 & 7
Blyth
Running Club have recently held the final two races in their Annual Winter
Series of races around the Kitty Brewster trading estate. Both races had over
thirty runners taking part and the winner in race six was Tony Garrity, who
finished three seconds in front of Ian Cansfield while Adam Robinson took third
place. Sixteen year old Sean Kirtley set the fastest time of the night, while
Anne Potts set the fastest time by a Lady. One week later the seventh and final
race was won by Dave Bradley, with Michael Brown coming second in front of John
Curry in third place. Once again Sean Kirtley set the fastest time, while Helen
Morris set the fastest time by a Lady.
The
Winter Series League was based on the best five positions of each runner, and
Michael Brown’s second position in the last race ensured that he was
joint winner of the League with John Mallon who both finished on 42 points, 5
points in front of third placed 15 year old John Curry. Once again the runners
would like to thank all the marshals and officials who ensured that the races
took part.
The
members of Blyth are busy preparing for the annual Blyth Valley Ten Mile race, which
they organise. The race is probably the top ten mile race in the region and
last year there were over 350 finishers and takes place on Sunday 27th
April. The Blyth Valley Ten is a certified accurate ten mile road race starting
at Concordia Leisure Centre,
Cramlington, and finishing at Blyth Sports Centre, via Seaton Delaval and
Seaton Sluice. Motororists should be aware that the race starts on Westmoreland
Way, outside Concordia Sports centre at 10:00 and the roads around the Sports
centre will be congested with runners until approximately 10:15 and that there
will be delays all along the route of the race. The route then goes along
Dudley lane until the runners turn off along the footpath past Alexandria park.
They then run along the High Pit road and turn down past East Cramlington and
along Asley Road to the Avenue, which they turn down. When they reach Seaton
Sluice they will then turn left along the Links road towards Blyth, at the
round-about they will head along Rotary Way and then along The Broadway ,
turning left up to Blyth Sports Centre. It is expected that there will be
traffic delays at all the major road junctions and round-abouts on the route,
also access to Blyth Sports Centre will be very limited from Newsham Road until
about 12:30am. Entry forms are available from Blyth Sports Centre or online at http://www.blythrunningclub.org.uk/
News Post Leader - February 2003 - Winter Series Race 5
FOLLOWING on from his success in the recent Orlando
Half Marathon, Joe Frazer was a convincing winner of the fifth race in Blyth
Running Club's annual winter series.
Once again, while weather conditions were far from ideal with a bitterly cold,
strong northerly wind, there was still a healthy turn-out of 36 runners taking
part in the 2.5 mile handicap race around the Kitty Brewster Trading Estate. No
one runner is dominating the series and Frazer was the fifth runner to claim a
yellow T-shirt so far this series. He finished 12 seconds in front of second
placed Martin Gaughan, who finished four seconds in front of Dale Smith. For
the second race running Andy Brown set the fastest time of the night and the
fastest time so far with 13.8, while Anne Potts once again set the fastest time
for the ladies.
The date of the next race in the series is Wednesday, February 19. The
handicapping once again worked well with all the runners finishing within two
minutes of the winner. Once again the runners would like to thank all the
marshals and officials who ensured that the race took part.
News Post Leader - January 2003 - Winter Series Race 4
BLYTH Running Club recently held the fourth race in
their annual winter series. Although the weather conditions were far from ideal
with a strong northerly wind and cold showers, there was still a healthy
turn-out of 36 runners taking part in the 2.5 mile handicap race around the
Kitty Brewster Trading Estate. The runners were set off by Dave Kitching at
regular intervals, with Andy Brown, Robbie Barkley and Sean Kirtley the last
runners away, some seven minutes and forty seconds after the first runner.
Terry McCabe was the first runner back, three seconds in front of Steve Nendick
who just finished one second in front of a fast finishing Andy Brown. Andy had
the satisfaction of setting the fastest time of the night, while Anne Potts set
the fastest time for the ladies.
The date of the next race in the series is Wednesday, January 29. The handicapping
once again worked well with the first 26 runners all within one minute of the
winner and all the runners finished within two minutes of the winner. Once
again the runners would like to thank all the marshals and officials who
ensured that the race took part.
News Post Leader - January 2003 - Winter Series Race 3
On December 15th, BLYTH Running Club held the third race in their annual
winter series. On another cold, clear night conditions were nearly perfect for
running although there it was slippery in several places for the runners.
As usual there was a healthy turn-out with 37 runners taking part in the 2.5
mile race around the Kitty Brewster Trading Estate.
The runners were set off by Dave Kitching at regular intervals, with Gloria
McCabe the first runner off and Sean Kirtley the last runner away, some seven
minutes and forty seconds after the first runner. Dickie Cole was the first
runner back, four seconds in front of 14-year-old John Curry who ran a personal
best time for the series, while John Mallon was in third place. Of the first
ten finishers, three were under the age of 16, with 12-year-olds Ryan Robinson
finishing seventh and Mark Cochrane in ninth place. Sixteen-year-old Sean
Kirtley set the fastest time of the night, while Leanne Pringle was again the
fastest lady. The date of the next race in the series is Wednesday, January
22.
However, not all the Blyth members were taking part in the winter
series, as Joe Frazer was in sunnier climes running the Orlando Half Marathon
and winning his age category. Once again the runners would like to thank all
the marshals and officials who ensured that the race took part.