Articles from the local press - submitted by Keith Willshire
News Post Leader - December 07 - Blyth
Sands Race
Blyth Running Club recently organised the annual ‘Sands
Race’, which runs from Seaton Sluice to the South Beach at Blyth and
back. This was the 48th running of the race and the weather conditions were
practically ideal for running, although the runners had a slight headwind to
contend with on the return journey. The tide was receding as the first runners
were set off by starter Dave Kitching, under the unique handicap system based
on age and sex these runners had 12 minutes start on the senior men runners.
The height of the tide meant that some runners did run part of the race on the
promenade as they were unable to climb over the groynes on the outward journey.
Blyth runner Cath Young was a long time leader of the race but was passed in
the last fifty metres by Morpeth veteran Archie Jenkins who was winning the race
for the second time. In third place was North Shields Poly runner Leslie
Miller, with Blyths evergreen Rob Hall in fourth place. The team prize was won
by Blyth, with Cath Young leading Rob Hall, Helen Morris and Dave Cox to first
place.
Fastest on the day was Lucas Longman of Heaton Harriers, who finished in 21st
position overall, giving up to 12 minutes to most of the field, the fastest
time by a Lady was set by Julia Atkinson on Newton Aycliffe, and there were 111
finishers.
Prizes were awarded in all age categories and were:
Winner: Archie Jenkins (Morpeth) Second: Cath Young (Blyth)
Third: Lesley Miller (NSP)
Under 18’s Boy: Liam Baister (Gateshead)
Senior Man:
Lucas Longman (Heaton)
Senior Woman: Kirsty Mason (Blyth)
Over 35 Woman: Amanda Watson (Elswick)
Over 40 Woman: Julia Atkinson
(Newton Aycliffe) Over 40 Man: Dave Young (Wallsend)
Over 45 Man: George Harden (Sunderland)
Over 45
Woman: Lynne Marr (Tynedale)
Over 50 Man: Peter Grey (Alnwick)
Over 50 Woman: Linda Charlton (low fell)
Over 55 Man: Rob Hall (Blyth)
Over 55 Woman: Janette Kilgour (Claremont)
Over 60 Man: Dave Cox (Blyth)
Over 65 Man: Reg Checkley (Heaton)
On Saturday 15th December, Blyth Running Club are organising a cross country
race at the East Cramlington Nature Reserve. Most of the regions top athletes
will be competing and there will be Junior races as well. Walkers and dog
owners should be aware that there will be over 300 runners using the area, with
the first race at 12:30. Blyth Running Club apologise for any inconvenience
that this may cause regular users of the Nature Reserve.
News Post Leader - November 07 - Gibside
Trail Race
27 members of Blyth Running Club recently competed in the tough 7.5 mile
Gibside Trail race, which is run on paths and trails around the Gibside Estate
at Rowlands Gill. Stewy Bell of Chester Le Street won the race for the fourth
successive year, the first Blyth runner was Paul Whalley who finished in fifth
place with Leo Talbot the next Blyth runner in sixteenth place. The evergreen
Rob Hall showed that he is beginning to regain some of his form and fitness by
finishing as the first in his age category and 36th position overall. Other
prize-winners from Blyth were Kevin Freeman and Joe Frazer who both finished
second in ther respective age categories. Kirsty Mason was the first Blyth Lady
back.
On the same days as the Gibside race, Davina Lonsdale was running her first
marathon in New York and she completed the course in a very respectable time of
four hours 30 minutes. Two weeks earlier Gary Jones was also competing in his
first marathon in Amsterdam and he had an excellent run to record a very impressive
time of 2 hours 45 minutes.
Sunday 2nd 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. Runners and spectators should be aware that the race now starts
at Seaton Sluice and the runners head towards Blyth harbour and then back to
Seaton Sluice, an approximate distance of five miles. The first runners will be
off at 11am. Entry forms are available at Blyth Sports Centre, although entries
will be taken on the day at Seaton Sluice Community Association, Taylor
Gardens, Seaton Sluice.
News Post Leader - October 07 - Autumn
Relays
Blyth Running Club recently held their Annual Autumn
Relay races around the Blyth Industrial Estate. Running conditions were ideal
for the 21st running of the relays and there was a total of 12 teams. As the
first runners finished their leg of 2.3 miles, the leading runner was 16 year
old Adam Smith who passed onto Terry McCabe. Terry managed to hold onto first
place and he then handed the baton onto Robbie Barkley who was never passed and
won the race with a healthy winning margin.
The fastest runner on the night was Paul Whalley,
while Kirsty Mason was the fastest Lady. The evergreen Rob Hall showed some
glimpse of his form returning by being the fastest vet runner as he pulled his
team from 9th position to 4th. 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.
The first race of the Clubs popular Winter Series will be on Wednesday 21st
November, further details are on the Clubs web-site and on the Notice-board at
Blyth Sports Centre. Sunday 2nd 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. Runners and spectators should be aware that
this years’ race will now start at Seaton Sluice and run to Blyth harbour
and then back to Seaton Sluice, an approximate distance of five miles. The
first runners will be off at 11am. Entry forms are available at Blyth Sports
Centre and on-lien at the Clubs web-site, although entries will be taken on the
day at Seaton Sluice Community Association, Taylor Gardens, Seaton Sluice.
News Post Leader - September 07 - Tynedale
10m – Sunday 9th September
There was a record turn-out of over 500 finishers in this years Tynedale
10 Mile Road Race, with 19 from Blyth Running Club. On a tough hilly course
from Hexham to Ovingham, with weather conditions cool and breezy, several of
the Blyth runners managed to set personal best times for the distance of 10
miles. The race was won by Jon Archer of Low Fell, with Paul Whalley the first
back for Blyth in tenth position overall, Paul managed to knock ten minutes off
his previous best time for ten miles. Leo Talbot was the next Blyth runner back
and he also set a PB, as did the third Blyth runner home Iain Singer. Joe
Frazer was running his first race as a sixty year old and managed to win the
first prize for the age category, with many a younger runner behind him. Also
in the over 60 category Dave Cox finished third. The first Blyth lady was Cath
Young who finished in third place in her category.
News Post Leader - September 07 - Blyth
Links 10K – Tuesday 28th August
Every year Blyth Running Club organise a 10K race and they invite runners from
other clubs in the region, this year’s race attracted a record entry of
over 220 finishers and the clubs represented included Morpeth, Alnwick,
Blackhill, Blaydon, London , Elswick, Claremont and North Shields Poly. 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. Running conditions were practically ideal on although there was a slight
drizzle at times. The race was won by Morpeth runner Ivan Hollingsworth who set
a record time for the course of 31 minutes 50 seconds. In second place was Ryan
Stephenson of North Shields Poly, with Mick Fenwick of Wallsend in third place.
The first Blyth runner was Leo Talbot in fifth place.
The first lady home was Angela Hibbs of Claremont, while Helen Morris was the
first Blyth Lady home. Helen is busy training for the Veterans World
Championships which take place in Riccione, Italy where she will be running the
5000 metres.
Every body in Blyth Running Club would like to thank the marshals,
time-keepers, stewards etc who ensured that everything went according to plan
and without whom no race could take place.
News Post Leader - August 07 - Morpeth
10k, Jarrow 10k and others
Over 20 runners from Blyth took part in the recent Morpeth 10K which
attracted ober 270 finishers, in good conditions on a testing course there were
some excellent runs from the Blyth contingent. Leo Talbot was first Blyth
finisher in 5th place and setting a PB for the distance, Paul Whalley was next
Blyth runner to finish in 11th place. First Blyth lady was Jacqui Lumsden who
was third in her age category, followed by Kirsty Mason, while Julie Lemin and
Kersten Heckelsmuller both set PB’s. Joe Frazer and Dave Cox were both
second finishers in their age categories. One week after running the Morpeth
10k, John Mallon ran the Helsinki Marathon and finished in an excellent time of
3 hours 28 minutes.
Six runners from Blyth ran in the Jarrow 10k and over a new course Paul Whalley
finished in 4th position out of over 170 finishers. Joe Frazer was third in his
age category.
At the recent Helensburgh half marathon, club member Gary Jones finished in
11th position in an excellent time of 1 hour 17 minutes
On Saturday 1st September, Blyth Sports Centre are holding an open day to mark
the opening of the new facilities available. Officials and Club coaches from
Blyth Running Club will be available to give advice to anybody interested in
joining the Club, both Juniors and Seniors, or if anybody is doing the Great North
Run then the coaches will also be able to offer some advice and tips.
News Post Leader - July 07 - Tynedale
10k, Coastal Run and others
Runners form Blyth running Club have had a busy time lately and have
been competing over a variety of distances and terrains. In early July, 20
runners took part in a field of over 570 finishers in the popular Tynedale 10k
race and in bright, humid conditions Gary Jones was the first Blyth runner home
in 15th position, with Leo Talbot the next Blyth runner in 19th place. Cath
Young was the first Blyth Lady home and was second lady in her age category.
Joe Frazer continued his good recent form by finishing third in his age
category.
The ten days later over 20 runners form Blyth competed in the Beadnell to
Alnmouth Coastal run. The weather was warm and sunny for the 800 finishers as
they followed the coastal path from Beadnell, through Embleton, Craster and
onto Alnmouth for a distance of approximately 14 miles. Once again Gary Jones
was the first Blyth runner back in 8th place, with Leo Talbot the next Blyth
runner in 30th position. Julie Lemin was the first Blyth lady. Dave Cox was the
second over 60 male finisher.
Three days later, over 20 runners then took part in a 5K race at Sunderland.
Leo Talbot was the first Blyth runner back in 25th position, with Robbie
Barkley the next Blyth runner four place further back. Helen Morris was the
first Blyth Lady and was third in her age cathegory, while her brother Kevin
Freeman was second in his age category as was Club Chairman Ralph Dickinson,
with Dave Cox third in the over 60’s.
Just to show their adaptablity, 15 runners form Blyth then took part in the
James Herriot Trail race in the Yorkshire Dales. The stunning scenery, steep
hills and hot weather combined to ensure that it was a hard race. Paul Whalley
was the first Blyth runner home in a very creditable 9th positions (out of 285
finishers), with Leo Talbot the next Blyth runner in 19th place. Julie Lemin
was again the first Blyth Lady.
News Post Leader - July 07 - Barclays
Kit Boost for BRC Juniors
Barclays has come to the aid of a Blyth sports club by donating a complete set
of coaching kit and equipments to the junior section of the local running club.
The award to the junior section of Blyth Running Club, has been made as part of
the £30 million grassroots sports programme, Barclays Spaces for Sports. The
donation is one of 1,200 packs being awarded each year to ensure teams across
the UK will benefit from the three year scheme.
Although, the seniors have just celebrated their 25th anniversary as a club,
the Junior section has only been running for about three years and any new
equipment is always welcome as this helps to keep their subscription fees as
low as possible.
Club Chairman Ralph Dickinson said “The number of Juniors are always
increasing and the equipment will help the coaches to plan and implement their
training nights. The coaching pack from Barclays is brilliant and will really
help the club to progress”
Andrea Brown, Team Leader at Barclays North East Regional Services Centre, said
“Barclays are delighted to be supporting the Juniors of Blyth Running
Club and hope this coaching kit will encourage their interest in sport and lead
them to greater success!.
Barclays Spaces for Sports, a partnership between Barclays, Football Foundation
and Groundwork, will create sustainable sports sites and provide coaching kit
and equipment to communities in most need of help across the UK.
News Post Leader - June 07 - Club
Handicap Races
Blyth Running Club Juniors recently held their Annual handicap race of 2
miles which was based on a 2 lap course using the beach path and finishing on
Blyth promenade. The runners were all handicapped according to their age and
ability so that anyone of the runners could win. Over twenty five juniors lined
up at the start, with the youngest runner on the night, Ryan Martin the first
runner off. Young Ryan was never passed and led the whole race to win the
trophy and shield. In second place was 12 year old Kane Spirit, with another of
the younger runners Justin Hall in third place. Stacy Robinson set the fastest
time by a girl, while Ellis Hetherington set the fastest time on the night.
Shortly afterwards, the Seniors held their Annual handicap on a 6.5 mile 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. On the outward stage, the runners had to contend
with a stiff breeze but this didn’t seem to affect Julie Lemin who had a
large lead by the halfway mark and managed to hold on to the lead and win the
race by over a minute from second placed John Mallon, with Dave Roberts in
third place. Andrew Henderson set the fastest time of the night, while Helen Morris
set the fastest time by a lady.
On Saturday June 16th, Blyth running Club are organising some Junior races for
children under the age of 15. The races will all be held on Blyth Beach and the
first race will be at 10:3000 and the categories will be: UNDER 9’s will
run 800 METRES - UNDER 11’s will run ONE MILE - UNDER 13’s will run
ONE MILE - UNDER 15’s will run ONE AND A HALF MILES.
There will be separate races for both boys and girls in each category, with
trophies for the first placed runners in each race while all runners will
receive a medal.. All ages will be as on the day of the races. It is hoped that
as many children as possible will turn up and they just need to turn up at the
Mermaid Car-Park to register and receive their numbers before the start of the
race. There will be a charge of £1.00 to enter Anybody requiring further
information can ring Keith on 01670-362668.
News Post Leader - June 07 - Keswick Half
Marathon
Over 25 runners travelled to the Lake District from Blyth to compete in
the recent Keswick half marathon. The weather conditions were atrocious, with
heavy rain for most of the race. On a difficult, hilly course they enjoyed some
success with Paul Whalley finishing in sixth place, while Club chairman set his
fastest time ever for a half marathon. Nearer to home, Andrew Henderson
finished in second place in the Les Alcorn 10K at Alnwick. Andrew was only two
seconds behind the winner Dave Kirkland of Alnwick. Paul Whalley finished in
fourth place and with Gary Jones finishing in sixth it meant that Blyth won the
men’s team prize. During the winter several members of Blyth ran in North
Shields Poly Winter Series and it was a team from Blyth who finished as the
eventual winners. The team comprised Mark Walbank, Gary Jones, Iain Singer,
Robbie Barkley, Louise Rawlinson, Peter Brown, Julie Lemin and Michael Brown.
News Post Leader - June 07 - Blaydon
Race
One of the most popular races in the North East, is the annual Blaydon Race
which is held every year on June 9th. This year’s race was over
subscribed, and there were over 30 runners from Blyth in the field of 3338
finishers. In hot and humid conditions Paul Whalley finished in 42nd position,
with Gary Jones finishing 51st. Club Chairman Ralph Dickinson was the first
finisher in his age category and veteran runner Joe Frazer was third in the
same category. The first Blyth female finisher was Cath Young and she was also
the first finisher in her age category.
Another popular race in the North east calendar, is the Newburn River run which
was also over subscribed and in a field of 330 finishers, Martin Gaughan was
the first Blyth runner home in 21st position and was third in his age category.
Cath Young was the first Blyth lady home, while Jacqui Lumsden was first in her
age category.
News Post Leader - May 07 - Junior
Beach Races
For the third year running, Blyth Running Club recently held some races
for young runners and a record turnout of over 120 children took part, with the
ages ranging from 2 years old to 14 years old.
All the races were on the beach and this year there was a shorter race for the
Under 6’s. Croftway first school and New Delaval Middle School were
particularly well represented and it was two children from Croftway who won the
Under 6 races, with Calum Gray winning the boys race and Jade Stephenson the
girls. The under 9’s ran a distance of 800 metres and Darcy Falconer was
the first girl, while Cameron Blackett was the first boy. In the under 11
categories the youngsters had to run 1 mile and for the second year running
Sarah Wilkes was the first girl, while George Skirrow of Alnwick was the first
boy. The under 13’s also ran a distance of one mile, with Sophie Taylor
from Birtley winning the girls race, while the organising Club’s Ellis
Hetherington was the first boy. The Under 15’s ran a distance of 1.5
miles and the Girls race produced the closest finish of the day with Kirstie
Johnson and Erin Rodgers getting the same time, and Erin was adjudged the
winner on the line, while Scott Jenkinson of BCC won the boys race. Everybody
who ran the race was given a medal and the race winners were presented with
trophies.
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 11 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. Further details are available on-line at www.
blythrunningclub.org.uk
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Under 6's - 400 Metres |
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Girls |
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Boys |
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Jade Stephenson |
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1 |
Callum Gray |
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Katelyn Joice |
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2 |
Daniel Robson |
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Eleanor Gray |
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3 |
Darren Docherty |
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Lucy Anderson |
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4 |
Spencer Manning |
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Sophie Sewell |
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5 |
Cole Williams |
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Ellie McDowell |
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Katelyn Willshire |
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Under 9's - 800 Metres |
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Darcy
Falconer |
03:50 |
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1 |
Cameron Blackett |
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Rebbecca
Stoker |
04:02 |
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2 |
Jack Earle |
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Jade
Farrer |
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3 |
Justin Hall |
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Xara
Barbour |
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4 |
Harry Davey |
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Errin
Robertson |
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5 |
Lewis Whalley |
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Cary Anne
Whalley |
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6 |
Edward Stoker |
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Laura
Smith |
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7 |
Matthew Morgan |
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Claire
Brown |
04:44 |
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8 |
Kieran Taylor |
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Emily
Walbank |
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9 |
Jame Loud |
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Olivia
Weston |
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10 |
Daniel Brennard |
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Tia
Holroyd |
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11 |
Josh Coe |
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Georgia
Brown |
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12 |
Jack bell |
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Kirsty
Palmer Kay |
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13 |
Michael Wilkinson |
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Beth
Davison |
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14 |
Jack Walbank |
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Courtney
Denton |
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15 |
Jamie Holroyd |
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Neave
Herridge |
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16 |
Brandon Morris |
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Tyler
Doherty |
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17 |
Alex Trinder |
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Ellen
Riley |
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18 |
Thomas Brown |
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Amy
Sewell |
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19 |
Daniel Holroyd |
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Shopna
Miah |
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20 |
Ryan Dickson |
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21 |
Jonathon Morgan |
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22 |
Jack Trinder |
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23 |
Leon Fairland |
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24 |
Jake Dickson |
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Under 11's - 1 Mile |
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Sarah
Wilkes |
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1 |
George Skirrow |
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Charlotte
Ramsay |
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2 |
James Young |
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Laurie
Robinson |
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3 |
Harley Newman |
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Caitlin
Hall |
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4 |
Reece McDowell |
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Rachel
Smith |
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5 |
Peter Skinnow |
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Jessica
Taylor |
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6 |
Daniel Murphy |
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Sophie
Lyall |
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7 |
Kyle Mills |
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Rosie
Murton |
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8 |
Luke Watson |
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Kimberley
Long |
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9 |
Thomas Oliver |
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Bethany
Jones |
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10 |
Drew Bell |
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Holly
Burt |
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11 |
Liam McNally |
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Alex Bell |
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12 |
Jonathon Blackett |
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Jessica
Vacher |
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13 |
Adam James |
10:32 |
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Laura
Burt |
10:42 |
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14 |
Alex Robinson |
11:54 |
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Claudia
Martin |
11:12 |
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15 |
Declan Walker |
11:55 |
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Chelsea
Hilbert |
11:25 |
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Laura
Pennington |
12:06 |
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Samantha
Angus |
12:58 |
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Tyler Coe |
13:01 |
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Leah
Angus |
16:32 |
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Tamzin
Carpenter |
18:57 |
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Under 13's - 1 Mile |
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Sophie Taylor |
06:28 |
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1 |
Ellis Hetherington |
06:21 |
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Sam Bell |
07:26 |
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2 |
Josh Barry |
06:31 |
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Megan
Davis |
07:49 |
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3 |
Corey Robertson |
07:02 |
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Molly
Murton |
08:07 |
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4 |
Mark Thomas |
07:21 |
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Naomi
Walker |
08:25 |
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5 |
Jake Jansen |
07:28 |
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Natalie
Cook |
08:41 |
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6 |
Kane Spirit |
07:39 |
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Jessica
Carroll |
08:52 |
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7 |
Daniel Ramsay |
07:50 |
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Caitlin
Kendall |
09:34 |
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8 |
Josh McDougal |
07:52 |
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Chelsea
Adams |
10:37 |
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9 |
Conor Cavanighe |
08:08 |
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Shannon
Wooden |
10:42 |
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10 |
Scott Lyall |
08:10 |
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11 |
Corey Newman |
08:12 |
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12 |
Daniel Hilbert |
09:08 |
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13 |
Chris Easton |
09:15 |
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Under 15's 1.5 Miles |
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Erin
Rodgers |
10:50 |
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1 |
Scott Jenkinson |
10:23 |
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Kirstie
Johnson |
10:50 |
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2 |
Sean Oliver |
11:50 |
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Stephanie
Ramsay |
13:51 |
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3 |
Anthony Vacher |
11:57 |
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4 |
Sean Parker |
15:56 |
Brown
quick to make his mark By Bill McGuirk (From
the Evening Chronicle, April 30th)
Mark brown had no trouble retaining his
Transped-supported Blyth Valley 10km Road Race title. The 27-year-old Morpeth
Harrier led throughout the race to win by more than a minute and a half, with
Heaton's John Moore getting the better of Mark McLeod (Elswick) to take second
place. Brown, who used to live in Blyth, had plenty of support as he crossed
the line in 32min 4sec, just outside his own course record time he set last
year. He said: "I was surprised I was out on my so early in the race
because I started off quite steadily. Once we turned back from Seaton Sluice,
there was quite a strong breeze in our faces so I just settled down to maintain
the pace to the finish. It was pleasing to win again for I had bit of support
seeing that I am a Blyth lad."
At the midway point a group of four were locked
together - but it was track specialist Moore who had the kick on this occasion
to take the runners-up spot from McLeod with new signing Andrew Henderson
leading Blyth to team honours. Morpeth's Paul Waterson was the leading vet to
finish, crossing the line in Blyth Harbour in seventh place. Sunderland's
Louise Noble was a comfortable winner of the women's contest, finishing in 37th
place overall in 37:59. Heaton's Jo Zoppi got the better of team-mate Helen
Astley to finish runner-up in a race which attracted nearly 400 finishers. That
was a huge improvement on the previous two years since the event came into
being after the demise of the popular Blyth 10-mile promotion.
RESULTS
- 1 M Brown (Morp) 32:04; 2 J Moore (Heat) 33:35; 3 M McLeod (Els) 33:44; 4 A
Henderson (Blyth) 33:47; 5 D Kirkland (Aln) 34:05; 6 P Whalley (Blyth) 34:49; 7
P Waterston (Morp, M40) 34:52; 8 G Moore (NSP) 35:07; 9 G Jones (Blyth) 35:18;
10 L Talbot (Blyth) 35:25; 11 R Floyd (Morp) 35:34; 12 P Dixon (Els, M45)
35:35; 13 A Dent (Blay, M45) 35:45; 14 A Wear (Birt) 35:47; 15 C Jackson (Sun
S) 36:04; 16 D Armstrong (Els) 36:37; 17 D Lydon (Sun S) 36:40; 18 H Matthews
(Els M60) 36:43; 19 G Perkins (Scun, M50) 36:48; 20 R Barber (unatt) 36:56.
M45: 3 S Brown (Tyne) 36:57. M50: 2 G Pemberton (NE Vets) 38:42. M55: 1 E
Wilson (SSh) 40:13; 2 I Richardson (NSP) 40:29. M65: T O'Gara (Walls) 41:02.
M70: P Bassett (Morp) 45:34. Teams:
1 Blyth 19; 2 Morpeth 19; 3 Elswick 31.
Women:
1 L Noble (Sun) 37:59; 2 J Zoppi (Heat) 39:24; 3 H Astley (Heat) 39:29; 4 M
Holt (Sun) 40:00; 5 Y Thiru (Els, W40) 40:06; 6 J Dooley (Tyne) 40:30; 7 L
Laverton (unatt, W35) 41:44; 8 E McFarlane (Els) 42:16; 9 H Morris (Blyth, W40)
42:35; 10 K Huntington (Blyth) 42:48; 11 G McKernan (Blay, W45) 43:13; 12 S
Calvert (Morp, W40) 43:28; 13 K Crowther (Even) 43:45; 14 J Kilgour (Clare,
W55) 44:12; 15 L Miller (NSP, W45) 44:32. W50: 1 L Valentine (Sun) 46:32; 2 S
Parr (CleS) 47:08. W55: 2 P Woodcock (Morp) 47:32. W60: P Gold (Heat) 51:00. Teams: 1 Sunderland 23; 2 Elswick 30;
3 Heaton 36.
News Post Leader - May 07 - Blyth
Valley 10k
There was a record turn-out of over 380 finishers at the TRANSPED BV10K,
which took place on Sunday 29th April. It was quite cool for running with a
slight easterly breeze. Last years winner Mark Brown of Morpeth was obviously
intent on keeping his crown and by the halfway mark at Seaton Sluice he had
built up a commanding lead over the rest of the field. He kept up his pace and
momentum on the return journey and managed to win by over 90 seconds from
second place runner John Moore of Heaton Harriers. Mark McCleod of Elswick
Harriers finished in third place, while Andrew Henderson, making his debut for
Blyth was fourth, with Dave Kirkland of Alnwick in fifth. 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, with over 30 members helping on the day led by
the race organisers Dave Kitching and George Young. The first Lady home was
Louise Noble of Sunderland Harriers, who finished in 37th position overall and
just missed the course record by 30 seconds. Jo Zoppi of Heaton Harries was
second while her club mate Helen Astley was third. The first Blyth lady was
Helen Morris. The Men’s team prize was shared between Morpeth (Mark
Brown, Paul Waterstone and Ross Floyd) and the organising club Blyth (Andrew
Henderson, Paul Whalley and Gary Jones). The Ladies team prize was won by
Sunderland Harriers with Louise Noble, Michelle Holt and Kathryn Watt making up
the team.
The trophies were presented by TRANSPED directors John and Tulla McSparron at
the Quay public house and the club would like to thank TRANSPED for their
sponsorship and also Alan and Christine for the use of the Quay public house.
The next major race in the Club’s Calendar is the Annual Handicap race
which is taking place on Wednesday 9th May. Both the Junior and Senior
handicaps are taking place on the night with the first Junior runner off at
18:30, while the first Senior runner will be off at 19:15 from the Beach
car-park. The race is only open to Club members, full details are on the
Club’s Notice-Board at Blyth Sports Centre.
On Saturday June 9th Blyth will be taking over 70 runners to run the Blaydon
Races, Transport has been arranged and information is on the Club notice-board.
Over 150 of the finishers at the BV10K were unattached runners and Blyth
Running Club would like anybody who is interested to try one of their training
nights and they will be made welcome. 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 - April 07 - Blyth
Valley 10k
On Sunday 29th April, the third running of the “Spirit Of The
Staithes” 10K run takes place, which is being sponsored by local company
TRANSPED. Already nearly 200 runners have entered and these include last years
winner Mark Brown. The race starts on the road at the north end of the Blyth
Enterprise Centre on the Quayside at 10:00am. As well as attracting some of the
regions top runners, the race always attract a large majority of unattached
runners who receive tremendous encouragement from the marshals and officials.
The course has been officially measured and ratified; it's very flat and will
provide an excellent chance of fast times. The last date for postal entries is
Saturday 21st April and entry forms and further details are available at Blyth
Sports Centre or online. Entry costs £8.00 for Club runners while unattached
runners pay £10.00
Runners will be able to enter on the day at ‘The Quay’ public house
until about 09:45, but the entry fee on the day is £10.00 for Club runners and
£12.00 for unattached runners. All finishers will receive a T-shirt. Walkers
and cyclists using the beach path should be aware that the runners will be
running along the path from about 10:10 but hopefully they will not be too
inconvenienced.
Members of Blyth running Club have been busy lately and have achieved some
degree of success. At the recent Good Friday races the Juniors enjoyed a
successful day, with Stacey Robinson finishing third in the Under 13 girls
race, while Kirstie Johnson was seventh and together with Sam Bell they won the
Under 13 Girls Team Trophy, in the Under 13 boys Ellis Hetherington finished in
seventh place despite tripping and falling down half way around. On the Sunday,
Paul Whalley finished a very creditable 12th out of nearly 1400 finishers in the
North Tyneside 10K. Veteran Dave Cox won the Over 60 category, while club
chairman Ralph Dickinson was second in the Over 55. Cath Young was the first
Over 50 Lady. One week later and Paul Whalley finished in third place in the
Wallsend Multi-Terrain five mile race, while Joe Frazer was second in the Over
55 category and Dave Cox again won the Over 60 category.
News Post Leader - April 07 - Blyth
Valley 10k
On Sunday 29th April, Blyth Running Club will hold the third running of their
off road 10 Kilometre run which replaced the popular Blyth Valley Ten Mile road
race. The course starts on the road at the north end of the Blyth Enterprise
Centre on the Quayside and runners then follow the road south along the
Quayside and round Ridley Park. They will then run on the pavement along
Belgrave Crescent and Wenslydale Terrace to Beach Road where they will turn
left on to the promenade. The course then follows the promenade, and onto the
dunes pathway to the children's play area opposite the Astley Arms at Seaton
Sluice. At the children's play area, runners run round the south side and
across the grass to the main road, where they turn right on to the pavement,
and follow the road back to the Mermaid car park and then on to Ridley Park.
They follow the pavement around the park, and then on reaching the Quayside
will be directed on to the pavement and the straight run in to the finish at
the 'Spirit of the Staiths' sculpture. The course has been officially measured
and ratified; it's very flat and will provide an excellent chance of fast
times.
The runners will leave Blyth Quayside at 10:00am, and all finishers will
receive a T-shirt. Walkers and cyclists using the beach path should be aware
that the runners will be running along the path from about 10:10 but hopefully
they will not be too inconvenienced.
Entry forms and further details are available at Blyth Sports Centre or online.
Entry costs £8.00 for Club runners while unattached runners pay £10.00. Runners
will be able to enter on the day at ‘The Quay’ public house until
about 09:45, but the entry fee is £10.00 for Cub runners and £12.00 for
unattached runners.
Blyth Running Club is 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 - March 07 - Winter
Series Race 7
Competition was fierce as Blyth Running Club held the final race in
their Annual Winter Series. Conditions were excellent for running and there was
another excellent turn-out of 40 runners taking part in the 2.5 mile race
around the Kitty Brewster Trading Estate, with 20 of the runners setting their fastest
times of the series. Jocelyn Smith had a slight advantage over Trish Goodwin
just after the half way mark and these two managed to hold their lead over the
fast finishing pack, with Jocelyn taking the Yellow T-shirt from Trish in
second place, with John Herron in third place. The fastest time on the night
was set by Paul Whalley, while Kirsty Huntington again set the fastest time by
a Lady.
For six races, Barry Metcalfe had been the League leader for the overall
series, however on the last race 12 year old Stacey Robinson produced her best
time to finish in ninth position on the night. Her record of four top ten
positions, with two second places, meant that she won the League by three
points with Barry in second place, two points in front of third place Shaun
Dodd. The winning team comprised: Cath Young, Dave Logan, Helen Morris, Jane
Eastham, Kerry Logan, Ralph Dickinson.
Each race winner won a ‘Yellow’ T-shirt and these went to: John
Heron, Joe Frazer, Aynsley Heron, Ron Ingram, Julie Lemin, Michael Brown and
Jocelyn Smith.
Once again the runners would like to thank all the marshals and officials who
ensured that the race took part.
News Post Leader - March 07 - Winter
Series Race 6
Blyth Running Club recently held the sixth race in their Annual Winter
Series. On a bitterly cold night, there was also a strong westerly wind for the
runners to contend with but there was still a healthy turn-out of over 40
runners. The handicapper had once again done another good job as the first 30
runners were all within 60 seconds of the winner Michael Brown. In second place
was 12 year old Stacey Robinson, who was the only runner to improve her time on
the previous races, with Shaun Dodd in third place. Michael is the sixth runner
to claim a yellow T-shirt so far this series. The fastest time of the evening
was set by Leo Talbot, while Kirsty Huntington again set the fastest time by a
Lady. The final race in the series is Wednesday 21st March 2007.
News Post Leader - February 07 - Winter
Series Race 5
Blyth Running Club recently held the fifth race in their Annual Winter
Series. Weather conditions were ideal for running with virtually no wind, and
this was shown in the performances of the runners, with over 30 runners setting
their fastest time so far. Once again there was another excellent turn-out of
44 runners taking part in the 2.5 mile handicap race around the Kitty Brewster
Trading Estate. The runners were set off by organiser Dave Kitching at regular
intervals, with Paul Whalley the last runner away some nine minutes after the
first runner, Sue Walker. The winner of the race and a coveted yellow T-shirt
was Julie Lemin who beat her previous time by over 90 seconds. In second place
was twelve year old Ellis Hetherington, with Jocelyn Smith in third place. Leo
Talbot again set the fastest time on the night, with Kirsty Huntington again
setting the fastest time for the Ladies.
News Post Leader - February 07 - Winter
Series Race 4
For the fourth running of Blyth Running Clubs Annual Winter Series there
was once again a strong westerly wind which the 40 runners had to run into for
the first part of the race. The strong wind obviously affected the times on the
2.5 mile handicap race, although this did not bother Ron Ingram who
convincingly won the race to claim the yellow T-shirt and set his fastest time
so far this year. For the second race running, 13 year old Kirstie Johnson was
again second, holding off Iain Singer who finished third. Although times were
generally down, Paul Whalley set the fastest time on the night while Helen
Morris the fastest time for the Ladies. The date of the next race in the series
is Wednesday 21st February. The handicapping system once again worked well with
all 40 runners finishing within 90 seconds of the winner.
News Post Leader - January 07 - Winter
Series Race 3
Blyth Running Club recently held the third race in their Annual Winter
Series. A strong westerly wind made it hard for the runners on the outward
journey, although it was on their backs for the return. Once again there was a
turn-out of over 40 runners taking part in the 2.5 mile handicap race around
the Kitty Brewster Trading Estate. The runners were set off by organiser Dave
Kitching at regular intervals, with Leo Talbot the last runner away over nine
minutes after the first runner. For the first time ever the first two runners
were given the same finishing time, with Aynsley Heron crossing the line first,
just in front of 13 year old Kirstie Johnson. This may well also be the first
time that we have had a father and son winning T-shirts in the same series as
Aynsley’s son John won the first race. Once again the handicapping was
extremely tight as all the runners finished with 90 seconds of the winner. Leo
Talbot again set the fastest time on the night, with Kirsty Huntington again
setting the fastest time for the Ladies.
News Post Leader - January 07 - Winter
Series Race 2
For the second race in Blyth Running Club’s Winter Series, there
was another excellent turn-out of 40 runners. The weather conditions were ideal
as proved by the majority of runners setting a faster time than the previous
race. The race was won by long time member Joe Frazer who finally managed to
get one of the coveted “yellow T-shirts” awarded to the winner. Joe
had to work hard in the final 100 metres to win by one second from Kirsty
Huntington, with Adam Robinson finishing in third place. As usual the
handicapping was extremely close as all fourty runners finished within two
minutes of the winner. Leo Talbot set the fastest time of the night and managed
to pass over 30 runners who had set off before him., while Kirty Huntington set
the fastest time by a Lady.
Once again mention must be made of all the helpers who ensure that the races go
ahead smoothly without any problems.
The next race in the series is Wednesday 17th January, first runner off at
19:15.