Blyth Running Club in the news

Articles from the local press - submitted by Keith Willshire

News Post Leader - November09 – Heaton Harriers Memorial Races

At the recent Heaton Harriers memorial races held within the Exhibition Park and Town Moor areas of Newcastle several Juniors from Blyth competed. In the under 11’s Daniel Tait was the sixth boy home, while Chloe Young finished as 15th girl in her first race for the Club. In the Under 13 boys race, Jacob Hall was giving away two years to most of the field but he had an excellent race to finish second, only 3 seconds behind the winner, with Mark Nicholson finishing in 22nd position.  Charlotte Ramsay was the only under 13 girl from Blyth and can be well pleased with her 11th position.  The under 15 boys race was another competitive race as Blyth finished second team, with Chris Lillico  6th position, Scott Povey 8th, Jake Jansen 17th and Scott Goodfellow 24th.

News Post Leader - November09 – Winter Series Race 1

Blyth Running Club recently held the first race in their popular Winter Series, seven handicap races held over the winter months around a 2.5 mile course on the Riverside Trading Estate, the races are open to all club members and the first race had a record turn-out of 63 finishers.  The race was won by 15 year old Scott Povey, running the race for the first time  Scott gradually worked his way through the field to pass Heather Barras with about 600 metres to go and win the race, Heather managed to hold on for second place with Dave Roberts finishing in third.  The handicapping system gives all the runners a chance of winning, and the first 60 runners all finished within three minutes Scottt.  The fastest time on the night was set by Paul Whalley while Leanne Herron 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. 

Sunday 6th  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 55 years of age will receive 13 minutes start on the men under 40. Runners and spectators should be aware that this years’ race HQ will be the Dace Stephens building at the Blyth Links car park. The race will start on the beach in front of the building, run towards Blyth harbour, turn and head towards Seaton Sluice harbour and return to the Dave Stephens building finishing on the beach, an approximate distance of five miles. The first runners will be off at 11am. Entry forms are available at Blyth Sports Centre, online at www.blythrunningclub.org.uk although entries will be taken on the day at the Dave Stephens building.

Blyth Running Club are currently holding some indoor mini athletic sessions for the under 11’s. The sessions will take place at Blyth Sports Centre and the aim is to provide young children with a fun and active experience of being part of a sports club. We will introduce the FUNdamentals of the basic physical skills of running, jumping and throwing. With the main aim of all round physical development in a fun athletics setting. Children will also have the opportunity to work towards recognised UK:Athletics awards. The sessions are on Wednesday evenings at 17:00 at Blyth Sports Centre. All sessions will be held by UK Athletics qualified coaches and will last about one hour.

Anybody wishing to register or wanting more information should ring 01670-362668 

News Post Leader - October09 – Junior Relays

Blyth Running Club Juniors recently held their Annual Winter Relay races around the Blyth Industrial Estate.  On a cold night, eleven teams completed the one mile course. As the race progressed the lead changed hands several times, Emma Freeman was the first runner back on the first leg, while Mark Nicholson took the lead on the second leg and passed onto Lewis Jansen on the final leg, followed by  Joseph Dungworth, Michael Scott and Chris Lillico.  Lewis held the lead at the half way mark but was passed by Michael Scott and then Chris Lillico. Chris then managed to get past Michael to win the race for his team of Adam Swalwell and Joseph Woods. Michael Scott took second place for his team of Haydn Connelly and Taylor Glover. 

Kalvin Hurst set the fastest time on the night, while Emma Freeman was the fastest girl.

 

The full results are on-line at http://brcjuniors.webs.com/juniorresults.htm

News Post Leader - October09 – Autumn Relays

Blyth Running Club recently held their Annual Autumn Relay races around the Blyth Industrial Estate.

Running conditions were ideal for the 23rd running of the relays and there were a total of 13 teams, each with three runners. As the race progressed the lead changed hands several times and Dave Bradley was the first runner away on the final leg, with Leanne Herron second off, followed by Dave Logan and Steve Gillespie, then Adam Smith, Chris Stone and Craig Birch. Dave managed to hold off Leanne until just after the half way mark when she passed him, with Adam Smith making steady progress though the field he passed Leanne with one mile to go and was never in any serious trouble as he led his team of Richard Shillinglaw and Graeme Stewart to victory. Meanwhile, Leanne was in a tight struggle with Craig Birch to see which team would finish second, which saw Craig pass Leanne in the final 300 metres to take second place for his team of Terry Hart and Gareth Hope. Leanne had enough strength left to hold off a fast finishing Paul Whalley as she led her team of Aynsley Herron and Terry McCabe to third position. Paul Whalley had set off in 12th position on the final leg and just failed to finish in the medals although he did set the fastest time on the night. Leanne Herron was the fastest Lady and smashed the course record for a lady.

Although not a prize-winner 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 4th November, further details are on the Clubs web-site and on the Notice-board at Blyth Sports Centre

Sunday 6th December sees the 50th running of 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.

News Post Leader - October09 – SummerCup Race 6

Blyth recently held the last race in their second Summer Cup competition, a series of seven handicap races held along the dunes beach path over a distance of 2.5 miles. The races proved extremely popular with club members as over 70 ran in at least one of the races. Running conditions were ideal, especially for Joanne Straughan who won the race and set her fastest time of the series. In second place was Steve Bush, while Scott Povey was third. Another runner who found the conditions to his liking was Paul Whalley, who set a course record, while Leanne Herron set the fastest time by a Lady. Once again the handicapping was exceptional with forty runners finishing within two minutes of the leader.

The overall winner of the league was Wendy Herron, with Sharon Richardson in second place and Richard Shillinglaw in third. The team prize was won by “Bush Pounders”; Graeme Stewart, Robbie Barkley, Steve Bush, Paul Whalley, Chris Stone and Paddy Brolley. Race winners were; Aynsley Herron, Jake Jansen,  Amanda Johnson, Sarah Herron, Sharron Richardson and Joanne Straughan

 

Once again the runners would like to thank all the marshals and officials who ensured that the races took part.   

Evening Chronicle – Thursday 1st October 09 – Northern Road Relays

IT WAS a red letter day for Blyth Running Club when they lined-up a women's team in the Northern Athletics Road Relay Championships for the first time in Leeds last Saturday.  The Northumberland club, formed in 1981, the year of the first Great North Run, made their debut in the championships and though they finished closer to last place than first, the quartet of Helen Morris, Julie Lemin, Lisa Dean and Leanne Herron thoroughly enjoyed the experience and eagerly look forward to taking part in future years.  Morris, whose brother Kevin Freeman is the club president and whose father, Gordon Freeman, once got the better of former World one mile record holder, Derek Ibbotson, over two miles at Tynemouth Cricket Ground in 1959, said the team was apprehensive before hand but once it was over they felt they had nothing to be concerned about.  "It was a wonderful experience competing against the big clubs in the championship,'' said Morris, Blyth's captain, who ran the first leg for the Northumberland outfit."  I think we were a little surprised at how strong the other clubs were but one thing for sure it hasn't put us off and we'll certainly have an entry in next year.  "The club has to start somewhere and the ambition is to build up and then enter the National Relays in the near future.”  While being one of the youngest clubs in the region, Blyth is an ambitious club with press officer Keith Willshire stressing that the women's section is just starting to expand again which is a step in the right direction.  "The men have contested the Northern Relays a few times now and it's only right that the women should follow suit,'' said Willshire.  "We've always had a women's section since the club was formed but it's only now that we are targeting more championship-type races."I know the four girls who ran in Leeds really enjoyed the experience and hopefully, that will rub off on to the rest of the club."Now that we have broken the ice, we are hoping that we will be in the starting line-up for many years to come.''

News Post Leader - September 09 – Junior Great North Run

Several Blyth Juniors took part in the recent Junior Great North Run at Newcastle Quayside. Following on from his win in the recent Farringdon Cross Country, Blyth’s Jacob Hall had an outstanding run to finish second in the Under 12’s race. In a field of over 1000 finishers, this was an exceptional run by Jacob.  Another Blyth runner, James Young had a strong run to record a top 100 finish, with Daniel Tait the tjird Blyth runner home.

In the under 17’s race, Scott Povey was first back for Blyth, with a top 100 finish. Next back for Blyth was Scott Goodfellow, followed by Joseph Dungworth and Mark Nicholson.

 

Blyth Running Club will be holding their Annual Autumn Relay races around the Riverside Industrial estate on Wednesday 7th October.  There will be 3 members per team, with the first runners off at 19:15 over a 2.5 mile course. The event is open to all Senior Club members, further details are available on the Club Notice-Board at Blyth Sports Centre.

 

Blyth provides opportunities for young athletes between the ages of 8 and 17 years to receive coaching in endurance athletics events and also sprints, throws & jumping events. All coaching is by qualified UK Athletics coaches who are trained and have been screened for their suitability for working with young people. Anybody interested can ring Keith on 01670-362668 for further details or they can turn up at Blyth Sports Centre on Monday nights at 18:45

 

If anybody who completed the recent Great North Run wishes to continue running they should contact Blyth Running Club where they can take advantage of the Club coaching structure and be made aware of the other races in the region that they may like to enter. 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 wants to join Blyth then they just need to turn up at Blyth Sports Centres on one of the Club nights which are Monday and Wednesday at 6:45pm  enquiries@blythrunningclub.org.uk and somebody will contact them or ring 01670-362668.

News Post Leader - September 09 – Tynedale 10Mile

Paul Whalley of Blyth Running Club continued his good run of form in the recent Tynedale 10 mile road race. In overcast and showery conditions and on a testing, hilly course he once again set a personal best time for the distance, finishing 9th out of over 530 runners. Paul has now set Pb’s in his last three races, and was the first of thirty Blyth runners to finish. Peter Brown was the next Blyth finisherand he was another runner to set a personal best time for the distance and can be very pleased with a top thirty finish.  Other Blyth runners who enjoyed success on the day were Joe Frazer, Cath Young and Dawn Palmer who were all second in their respective age categories. Leanne Herron was the first Blyth Lady home, finishing as 15th lady overall.

Blyth provides opportunities for young athletes between the ages of 8 and 17 years to receive coaching in endurance athletics events and also sprints, throws & jumping events. All coaching is by qualified UK Athletics coaches who are trained and have been screened for their suitability for working with young people. Anybody interested can ring Keith on 01670-362668 for further details or they can turn up at Blyth Sports Centre on Monday nights at 18:45

News Post Leader - September 09 – Blyth Links 10k

Every year Blyth Running Club organise a 10K race and they invite runners from other clubs in the region, this year’s race attracted an entry of over 200 finishers and the clubs represented included Morpeth, Alnwick, Blackhill, Blaydon, Elswick, Claremont  and North Shields Poly. The course 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 and then return to the beach car-park. Although th wet and wind conditions were not ideal for running, they did not prove a barrier for the host clubs Paul Whalley as he became the first Blyth member to win the race in over ten years.  Paul had a slight lead over Norh Shields Poly Ian Twaddle at the half way mark but managed to pull away over the final two miles to win by nearly thirty seconds, with Paul Waterson of Morpeth in third place.  Susie Rutherford of Darlington was the first Lady home in an impressive 15th position overall. The first Blyth Lady home was Leanne Herron who was fifth Lady overall.

 

Every body in Blyth would like to thank all 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 09 – SummerCup Race 5

For the fifth race in Blyth Running Club’s Summer Series there was another excellent turn-out of 48 finishers. The handicapping system gives all the runners a chance to win and the weather conditions were quite kind as 12 of the runners set their fastest times so far. Sharon Richardson improved on her time in the previous race by over one minute and was a convincing winner of the race. Leading for the majority of the 2.5 mile race, Sharon won by over ten seconds from second place Terry Hart. In third place was Alison Lowes, who finished one second in front of Aynsley Herron, while Paul Whalley again set the fastest time of the night while finishing in fifth place. The first five all recorded their fastest times so far. The fastest time by a lady was run by Dawn Palmer. Once again the handicapping was extremely tight as all runners finished within two minutes of the winner. The next race in the series is Wednesday September 9th and is open to all Club members.

Blyth Running Club are starting some indoor mini athletic sessions for the under 11’s. The sessions will take place at Blyth Sports Centre and the aim is to provide young children with a fun and active experience of being part of a sports club. We will introduce the FUNdamentals of the basic physical skills of running, jumping and throwing. With the main aim of all round physical development in a fun athletics setting. Children will also have the opportunity to work towards recognised UK:Athletics awards. The sessions will start on Wednesday 16th September at 17:00 at Blyth Sports Centre. Anybody wishing to register or wanting more information should ring 01670-362668 

News Post Leader - August 09 – SummerCup Race 4

Blyth Running Club recently held the fourth race in their Summer Series, a series of handicap races designed to give all the runners a chance to win.  On a bright, breezy night there was another excellent turn-out of 49 finishers. Sarah Herron was the first runner off and she was never passed on the 2.5 mile course as she set her fastest time of the series so far. Sarah won by a mere four seconds from her father Aynsley in second place, with Peter Brown in third place. Both Aynsley and Peter recorded their fastest times so far. Once again the handicapping was extremely tight as all runners finished within two minutes of the winner. Paul Whalley set the fastest time of the night, while Leanne Herron was again the fastest lady. The next race in the series is Wednesday August 26th and is open to all Club members.

News Post Leader - August 09 – Morpeth 10k

Over 40 runners from Blyth took part in the recent Morpeth 10K which attracted a record entry of 350 runners. In warm and humid weather conditions on a testing course the race was won by Mongolian international athlete Serod Barochir running for Morpeth. In a high class quality field the first Blyth runner home was Paul Whalley in an excellent 12th position, while Robbie Barkley and Peter Brown both had top thirty finishes. The first Blyth lady home was Leanne Heron who was 9th lady overall. Other notable Blyth performances were Martin Gaughan and Joe Frazer who were both second finishers in their age categories, while Terry McCabe was third over 60.

 

Blyth have just finished their first season in the North East Track and Field League and finished a creditable third in the League. In the four matches they finished third in every fixture. Many of the Club members were trying events for the first time in both the field events and on the track. Hopefully, the experience gained this year will see them improve in the league next year.

 

Blyth provides opportunities for young athletes between the ages of 9 and 17 years to receive coaching in endurance athletics events and also sprints, throws & jumping events. All coaching is by qualified UK Athletics coaches who are trained and have been screened for their suitability for working with young people. Anybody interested can ring Keith on 01670-362668 for further details or they can turn up at Blyth Sports Centre on Monday nights at 18:45

News Post Leader - July 09 – Coastal Run / Junior Beach Races

One of the most popular runs in the North East is the Northumberland Coastal Run and has been voted one of the most scenic races in England. The race is mainly off-road, along beach and cliff-top paths from Beadnell Bay finishing on the beach at Alnmouth, a distance of approximately 14 miles.  This year’s race attracted over 800 finishers, with 30 of them from Blyth Running Club. Weather conditions were very warm and the runners had to run into a headwind for most of the 14 miles and was particularly strong on the last beach along Alnmouth. The race was won by Alnwick’s Dave Kirkland, while Paul Whalley was the first Blyth runner back in 21st position, two places in front of the next Blyth runner Peter Brown. The first Lady back for BRC was Leanne Herron. In the Over 60 category Joe Frazer was second while Dave Cox was third

On Saturday July 25th, 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 10:30 and the categories will be:

UNDER 6’s will run 400 METRES

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 Beach Car-Park to register and receive their numbers before the start of the race. There will be a charge of £2.00 to enter. This years race is being generously supported by Herron’s the Jewellers of Blyth. Anybody requiring further information can ring Keith on 01670-362668

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  provides opportunities for young athletes between the ages of 8 and 17 years to receive coaching in endurance athletics events and also sprints, throws & jumping events. All coaching is by qualified UK Athletics coaches who are trained and have been screened for their suitability for working with young people. Anybody interested can ring Keith on 01670-362668 for further details or they can turn up at Blyth Sports Centre on Monday nights at 18:45

News Post Leader - July 09 – Summer Cup 2/ Young Athletes League

In the latest Young Athletes League meeting Blyth finished third despite leading for the majority of the match. As well as the usual excellent track performances several Blyth athletes again shone in the field events with Dan Trousdale, and Bethan Sproat winning their respective High Jumps as did Matthew Jackson who also finished second in his long jump, while Kalvin Hurst won his the Long Jump. On the track, Matthew Jackson finished second in his 1500M race as did Scott Povey in the 400m, Emma Freeman and Kirstie Johnson both won their races and they were backed up by the rest of the Juniors, the majority of whom were trying new events for the first time and gained good points for the team. Blyth are currently second in the league and promotion to division one is a distinct possibility.

 

On the following Wednesday, 14 of the Junior section were part of a record turn out in the Club summer cup series, with 59 finishers. The race was won by 14 year old Jake Jansen with another junior member Chris Arkless in second position, with new member Lisa Dean in third place. Once again the handicapping was excellent as all 59 runners finished within two minutes of the winner. Paul Whalley again set the fastest time on the night, while Leanne Herron was the fastest lady.

 

Blyth provides opportunities for young athletes between the ages of 8 and 17 years to receive coaching in endurance athletics events and also sprints, throws & jumping events. All coaching is by qualified UK Athletics coaches who are trained and have been screened for their suitability for working with young people. Anybody interested can ring Keith on 01670-362668 for further details or they can turn up at Blyth Sports Centre on Monday nights at 18:45

News Post Leader - June 09 – Summer Cup / Young Athletes League

Blyth Running Club recently held the first race in their new Summer Cup - a series of seven 2.5 mile races following a route using the promenade and the beach path.  There was an excellent turn-out of over 50 finishers and the handicapping was extremely close with all the runners finishing within three minutes of the winner. The race was won by Aynsley Herron, with Junior member Mark Nicholson second and Aynsley’s wife Wendy in third place.  Despite setting off last, Paul Whalley passed over 50 runners to set the fastest time on the night, while Leanne Herron was the fastest lady. The next race in the series is Wednesday June 24 and is open to all Club members.

 

After the second match in the Young Athletes League, Blyth Juniors currently lead their division by half a point from Birtley. As well as the usual excellent track performances several Blyth athletes shone in the field events with Dan Trousdale, Bethan Sproat, Rebecca Nail and Kirstie Johnson all winning their respective High Jumps, while Kalvin Hurst won the Long Jump.  On the track, Emma Freeman, Kirstie Johnson and Jacob Hall all won their races and their were backed up by the rest of the Juniors, the majority of whom set PB’s for their events and gained good points for the team.

 

Blyth provides opportunities for young athletes between the ages of 8 and 17 years to receive coaching in endurance athletics events and also sprints, throws & jumping events. All coaching is by qualified UK Athletics coaches who are trained and have been screened for their suitability for working with young people. Anybody interested can ring Keith on 01670-362668 for further details or they can turn up at Blyth Sports Centre on Monday nights at 18:45

News Post Leader - May 09 – Young Athletes League

The Blyth Running Club Juniors re-cemented last year’s successful partnership with ‘Alnwick Harriers’, in order to compete in the second division of this season’s Young Athletes League. The league’s first fixture took place at Churchill Playing Fields, Whitley Bay.  A host of impressive performances meant the Alnwick/Blyth coalition finished second, just 1 ½ points behind winners Birtley AC.

 

There were strong performance from all the athletes and several showed their versatility by trying different and new events. Running the distance for the first time,  Kalvin Hurst ran a strong 400M and was an easy winner with a sub 60 second lap, he also won the Long Jump competition. New to athletics, Josh Harvey was first in the ‘B’ 100M, with Scott Goodfellow second in the ‘B’ 800M race, while Chris Arkless ran a PB in the 1500M.  Competing in the field events, Dan Trousdale won the High Jump, and was second in the Javelin. In the U13 Boys category, Jacob Hall was a convincing winner of the 1500M. For the U17 women, Emma Freeman won the 3000 meters, while Stephanie Ramsay finished third in the 100m and shot. Another newcomer to the sport, Rebecca Nail finished fourth in both the 100 and 75M hurdles and third in the Long Jump. Bethan Sproat won the High Jump, while Charlotte Ramsay was third in the 1200m, and an easy winner of the 75M hurdles and managed to finish first in the ‘B’ long jump.

 

Blyth provides opportunities for young athletes between the ages of 9 and 17 years to receive coaching in endurance athletics events and also sprints, throws & jumping events. All coaching is by qualified UK Athletics coaches who are trained and have been screened for their suitability for working with young people. Anybody interested can ring Keith on 01670-362668 for further details or they can turn up at Blyth Sports Centre on Monday nights at 18:45

News Post Leader - May 09 – Club Handicaps

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.  There were just under 30 runners who lined up at the start in damp conditions and were set off at regular intervals, with young Bethany Rayne the first runner off and Kalvin Hurst the last runner away. The race was won by Ben Malcolm, who took the lead at the start of the second lap and managed to hold onto the finish line. In second place was last years winner, Daniel Tait with Jacob Hall in third place. Jacob had the satisfaction of setting the fastest time on the night, Stacy Robinson set the fastest time by a girl.

 

The Seniors held their handicap over a distance of  6.5 miles, the route starts 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.

There was a strong westerly wind blowing which hampered the runners as race organiser Dave Kitching set the first runners, newcomers Heather Barrass and Andrea Scott, off and from then on it was a steady procession of runners until Gary Jones was the last runner off. Running steadily Heather managed to hold onto her lead for the whole race and was never challenged or passed by any of the runners and came home a convincing winner. In second place was Paul Whalley, despite setting off second last Paul managed to pass the majority of runners and set the fastest time on the night. In third place was Andrea Scott who was only passed by Paul in the last 400 yards. Leanne Heron set the fastest time by a lady. 

The full set of results are available here Handicap results 2009  

 

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

We also have a thriving Junior section and are looking for new members, so if anybody between the ages of 9 and 17 are keen then they can either turn up at Blyth Sports Centre on Monday nights at 18:45 or ring 01670-362668

News Post Leader - April 09 – Blyth Valley 10k

Once again there was another record turn-out of over 400 finishers at the TRANSPED BV10K, which took place on Sunday 26th April. On a warm, sunny day over 100 people entered the race on the day and they had to face a very slight headwind for the first few miles. In the early stages there was an initial group of 4- 5 runners who took up the pace and they were lead by Stewy Bell of Chester-Le-Street. By the time they turned at Seaton Sluice for the homeward journey, Mark Brown (Morpeth), Peter Newton (Claremont), Dave Kirkland (Alnwick) and Michael Dawson (Morpeth) had opened a gap up over Stewy Bell. Mark Brown and Peter Newton then pushed on and were together until the last 200 metres, when mark outsprinted Peter to win by 2 seconds. Mark has previously won the race in 2006 and 2007, while Peter won it last year.  Dave Kirkland was clear in third place, while Michael Dawson finished fourth and the popular Stewy Bell was fifth.  The first Lady home was Angela Hibbs of Chester-Le-Street who just missed out on a top twenty place by seconds. The second place Lady was Michelle Holt of Sunderland, while Sonia Morley of Tynedale was third.  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 organiser Dave Kitching. The first Blyth man was Paul Whalley in 20th position, while Leanne Herron was the first Blyth lady. The Men’s team prize was won by Morpeth (Mark Brown, Phil Walker and Mark Davies). The Ladies team prize was won by Tynedale Harriers with Sonia Morley, Joanne Dooley and Jennifer Lapping making up the team.

 

There were trophies for every age category and Blyth Running Club would like to thank TRANSPED for their sponsorship and Alan and Christine for the use of the Quay public house.

The full set of results are available on the Blyth Running Club web-site:   www.blythrunningclub.org.uk  

 

The next major race in the Club’s Calendar is the Annual Handicap race which is taking place on Wednesday 6th May. 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  Tuesday June 9th Blyth will be taking over 50 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 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 or ring 01670-362668

News Post Leader - March 09 – Winter Series 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 over 50 runners taking part in the 2.5 mile race around the Kitty Brewster Trading Estate, with over 20 runners setting their fastest times of the series.  The race was won by 14 year old Jake Jansen, who ran nearly three minutes faster than in his previous race. Jake had also won the fourth race in the series. This time his winning margin was only two seconds, with Sarah Herron in second place. Sarah was another runner who managed to produce her fastest time of the series on the night, improving by one minute on her previous race.  Helen Bruce managed to hold off a fast finishing Gareth Hope to take third place. The race for the overall leader of the league had been close in all the seven races but with three top ten finishes, including two seconds, 11 year old Jacob Hall eventually won the League. Jacob  has managed to improve his times over the series and has been a model of consistency with his running and times, lowering his times as the series has gone on by nearly two minutes. In second place was Julie Lemin, while Alison Lowes, Leanne Herron and Sarah Herron tied for third place. The winning team comprised:    Emma Freeman, Peter Brown, Alex Sewell, Iain Singer, Julie Lemin and Alison Lowes.

 

Each race winner won a ‘Yellow’ T-shirt and these went to:

Steve Bush, Sarah Kaminski, Joe Frazer, Jake Jansen and Davina Lonsdale.

 

Once again the runners would like to thank all the marshals and officials who ensured that the race took part. 

 

On Sunday 26th April, Blyth Running Club will be holding the “Spirit Of The Staithes”  10 kilometre run, sponsored by TRANSPED.  The race will start at Blyth Quayside at 10:00am. 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 at www.blythrunningclub.org.uk

 

Entry costs £8.00 for Club runners while unattached runners pay £10.00

There were nearly 400 finishers last year and entries so far indicate that that figure may well be surpassed. Entries on the day will be taken at the Quay Public House until about ten minutes before the start.

 

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. We also have an expanding junior section that will be competing in the Young Athletes League 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.

News Post Leader - March 09 – Harrier League

For the fifth race in the North East Harrier Cross Country League at Prudhoe, Blyth managed to field a senior mans team and two women’s teams. The infamously testing course was made harder in several places by a strong headwind and with two brutal climbs from the valley back into the windswept fields high up on the Tynedale hillside it was a day for strong runners and Blyth had such a runner. Garry Jones led for almost the entire race and his lead was such that he even had time to stop and put his shoe  back on after it had had come off in one of the extremely muddy parts of the course. Garry is the first Blyth runner to have won a Harrier League race in the Clubs 25 year history. Another Blyth runner who found the course and conditions to her liking was 16 year old Emma Freeman, who finished third in the Under 17/20 Ladies race and was actually the first under 17 girl home.

 

For the previous race in the Harrier league, Blyth had hosted the fixture at the East Cramlington Nature Reserve. The course proved extremely popular and resulted in a bumper turn-out of over 600 runners in the eight races, the majority of whom were extremely appreciative and supportive of the course and surrounding area.  Despite providing the marshals and stewards for the race, Blyth still managed to have runners in the majority of events. Running from the fast pack, Matthew Jackson was the second fastest in the under 13 boys race. The Senior woman’s team, led by Leanne Herron who finished 11th, finished as second team on the day. The next days over 20 members of the club went to Haweswater to compete in the challenging half marathon. Garry Jones was first Blyth runner home in 9th position, while Leanne Herron was the first Blyth lady home.

 

Blyth provides opportunities for young athletes between the ages of 8 and 17 years to receive coaching in endurance athletics events and also sprints, throws & jumping events. All coaching is by qualified UK Athletics coaches who are trained and have been screened for their suitability for working with young people. Anybody interested can ring Keith on 01670-362668 for further details or they can turn up at Blyth Sports Centre on Monday nights at 18:45 or they can send an e-mail to enquiries@blythrunningclub.org.uk and somebody will contact them.

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 - February 09 – Winter Series 6

For the sixth race in Blyth Running Clubs Winter Series there was another excellent turn-out of over 50 finishers. Once again the handicapping was extremely tight with the first forty runners all finishing within 60 seconds and over half the runners setting their fastest time so far. The race was won by Davina Lonsdale, setting her fastest time so far, while two of the Junior members were second and third, with ten year old Jacob Hall finishing in front  of 11 year old James Young. With one race to go the individual placings are extremely close with Jacob Hall leading the table by one point from Alison Lowes with Robbie Barkley in third place, although only 20 points separate the first 8 positions. However, it will all depend who has the best run in the final race on Wednesday March 18th.  Once again the runners would like to thank all the marshals and officials who ensured that the race took part.  

On Saturday 28th February, 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 - February 09 – Winter Series 5

With temperatures hovering around the zero mark, there was an excellent turn out of 50 runners for the fifth race in Blyth Running Clubs Winter Series. The cold weather helped over 20 of the runners to produce their best time so far. Sarah Kaminski had won the second race of the series and she repeated the feat in the fifth race as she produced her fastest time so far. In second place was 12 year old Charlotte Ramsay who knocked over one minute of her previous best time, while third placed Gareth Hope was another runner who reduced his best time by over one minute. Once again the handicapping was extremely tight with over 40 runners sepearated by only one minute. Helen Morris set the fastest time by a Lady on the night as she produced her fastest time so far, and once again Garry Jones set the fastest time on the night.

Once again mention must be made of all the helpers who endured freezing temperatures to ensure that the races go ahead smoothly without any problems.
The next race in the series is Wednesday 18th February, first runner off at 19:15

News Post Leader - January 09 – Winter Series 4

The cold weather conditions did not prevent over 50 runners from Blyth taking part in the fourth race of the clubs Winter Series, with over 20 runners running their fastest time so far. The race was won by 14 year old Jake Jansen who improved by nearly one minute on his previous time. In second place was Graeme Stewart, with Shaun Dodd in third place. Leanne Heron set the fastest time by a Lady on the night as she produced another top ten finish. Once again,Garry Jones set the fastest time on the night.

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 4th February, first runner off at 19:15

News Post Leader - January 09 – Winter Series 3

In the third race of Blyth Running Club’s Winter Series, there was an excellent turn-out of 55 runners with over 30 runners producing their best times so far. Despite missing his allotted start time by nearly ten seconds, Joe Frazer was an easy winner of the handicap race, having a convincing 25 second advantage over second placed Dave Roberts. Joe produced his fastest time of the series so far and managed to improve his previous time by over one minute. Another runner to produce their fastest time was Ralph Dickinson who finished in third place. Leanne Heron set the fastest time by a Lady on the night as she finished in fourth place. Less than one minute covered the next 50 runners, from Dave Roberts in second place to Steve Walker in 51st position Once again,Garry Jones set the fastest time on the night.

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 21st January, first runner off at 19:15

. Back to top