Articles from the local press - submitted by Keith Willshire
News Post Leader - January
09 –
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
News Post Leader -
December 08 –
In the first race of Blyth Running Club’s Winter Series,
there was an excellent turn-out of 54 runners. The handicapping system gives all the
runners a chance of winning, and the first 50 runners all finished within three minutes of
the winner. The race was won by Steve Bush who was running the race for the first time. In
second place was one of the Junior, with ten year old Jacob Hall finishing three seconds
behind Steve. In third place was Leanne Heron, who set the fastest time by a Lady. The
fastest time on the night was set by Andrew Henderson. who finished in 21st position
despite setting off last.
Race two of the series saw 50 finishers and 35 of the runners set their best times for the
race, with Garry Jones setting a new course record. The race was won by Sarah Kaminski and
once again it was one of the Juniors in second place, with Matthew Jackson finishing
second in front of third placed Aynsley Herron. Cath Young 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 7th January, first
runner off at 19:15
News Post Leader -
December 08 –
Blyth
Running Club recently organised the annual ‘Sands Race’, which this year started
on the beach at
Fastest
on the day was Andrew Henderson of Blyth, who finished in 8th position overall, giving up
to 12 minutes to most of the field, the fastest time by a lady was set by Lesley Miller as
she won the race. Prizes were awarded in all age categories and were as follows:
Winner: Lesley Miller - (NSP)
Second: Terry O’Gara - (Wallsend)
Third: Cath
Young - (
Under
18’s Boy: Andrew Wilson - (Blaydon)
Senior Man: Ash Henderson - (
Over
45 Man: George Arthur - (South Shields) Over 50 Man: Martin Gaughan - (Blyth)
Over 55 Man: Rob
Hall - (
Over
60 Man: Brian Hume - (Low Fell)
Over 65 Man: John Stephenson - Crook) Over 70 Man: Reg Checkley - (Heaton)
Under
18 Girl: Zoe Armstrong - (Morpeth)
Senior Woman: Leanne Herron - (
Over
40 Woman: Michelle Moran - (NE Vets) Over 45 Woman: Lynne Marr -
(Tynedale)
Over 55 Woman: Jan Young - (Elvet)
The
second race of the Clubs popular Winter Series will be on Wednesday 17th December, first
runners will be off at 19:15. Further details are on the Clubs web-site and on the
Notice-board at Blyth Sports Centre. Also on the same night the Club will be holding its
Annual general Meeting, all members are invited to attend. The meeting will start at 20:30
at Blyth Sports Centre. Further details are on the Club web-site.
News Post Leader -
November 08 – Grand Prix and Winter Series
Every year
The last race in the 2008
League was the
The first race of the
Clubs popular Winter Series will be on Wednesday 26th November, further details are on the
Clubs web-site and on the Notice-board at Blyth Sports Centre.
Sunday the 6th
of 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 on the promenade at Blyth, the runners will head
towards Blyth harbour and then back to Seaton Sluice, returning back to the promenade at
News Post Leader - October 08 – Cumbrian Half Marathon & Gibside Fruit Bowl
Members of Blyth Running Club have had
a busy time lately and been traveling far and wide to find races in which to compete. 12
members traveled to
The following week over 30 members
competed in the Gibside Fruit Bowl race, which due to weather conditions was reduced to a
distance of just over 6 miles, but was still a very demanding course. Paul Whalley was
again the first Blyth runner home with an excellent run to finish in third position out of
over 400 finishers, Peter Brown was the next
The first race of the Club’s
popular Winter Series will be on Wednesday 26th November, further details are on the
Club’s web-site and on the Notice-board at Blyth Sports Centre
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 i.e. 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 on the promenade at Blyth, the runners will head towards Blyth harbour and then
back to Seaton Sluice, returning back to the promenade at
News Post Leader - September 08 - Tynedale 10 miles - Sunday 14th September
With the GNR just a few weeks away
this was the perfect opportunity for runners to assess their fitness and no doubt
attributed to the astonishing turn-out of 600 runners on the day in this years Tynedale
Ten Mile Road Race, with 19 from Blyth Running Club. On a tough hilly course from Hexham
to Ovingham, Weather conditions were ideal for running, cool, overcast and just a slight
tailwind. The race was won by Nick Swinburn of Morpeth, with Paul Whalley the first back
for
Blyth Running Club will be holding their Annual Autumn Relay races around the Kitty
Brewster trading estate on Wednesday 8th October. There will be 3 members per team, with
the first runners off at 19:15 over a 2.5 mile course. Only paid up members may run,
further details are available on the Club Notice-Board at Blyth Sports Centre.
News Post Leader - September 08 - Summer Cup Race 7
The overall winner of the league was Peter Brown, with 11 year old Charlotte Ramsay in
second place and Terry McCabe in third. The winning team comprised: Terry McCabe, Joe
Frazer, Mal Darbyshire, Steve Richardson, Shaun Dodd and Dave Logan. Each race winner was
presented with a trophy and these went to: Charlotte Ramsay, Louise Douglas, Julie Lemin,
Richard Shillinglaw, Kevin Westwood, Iain Singer and Craig Birch.
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
News Post Leader - July 08 - Summer Cup Race 4 / Coastal Run
The fourth race in Blyth Running Clubs Summer Cup, saw a
record turn-out of 44 finishers and another course record. Running conditions were
obviously very good as over half the entry set their fastest times so far, while Andrew
Henderson improved on the course record for the 2.5 mile race. Richard Shillinglaw was one
of the early runners off and improved his time by nearly thirty seconds to win the race by
one second from a fast finishing Frazer Will, with Aynlsey Herron a further five seconds
back in third place. Once again the handicapping was extremely tight as the first 40
finishers all finished within two minutes of the winner. Cath Young set the fastest time
by a lady. The next race in the series is Wednesday July 30th and is open to all Club
members.
Three days later and over 20 runners form Blyth competed in the Beadnell to Alnmouth
Coastal run. The weather was again ideal for running with a slight northerly wind 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. Paul Whalley was the first
Blyth finisher in an impressive 16th position, with peter Brown the next Blyth finisher in
25th position. The evergreen Rob Hall was the next Blyth finisher and was the first Over
55 male finisher, Rob, Paul and Peter combined as Blyth finished third mens team. Also
amongst the prizes was Martin Gaughan who was second Over 50 and Joe Frazer who finished
as third Over 60. Natalie Clarke was the first Blyth Lady finisher.
News Post Leader - July 08 - Young Athletes League / Summer Cup Race 3
In the third fixture in the Young
Athletes League, the Blyth/Alnwick alliance consolidated again for the third match of the
Young Athletes League, at Monkton Stadium. With winds approaching gale force down the home
straight, all hopes of fast times were blown away; however, once more Blyth & Alnwick
rose to the challenge to finish third team. And with only one more match to go, Blyth
& Alnwick currently lie third overall.
On the track Charlotte Ramsay showed her versatility by winning the 1200 meters and then
finishing first in the 70M hurdles ‘B’ race, with Alix Eastham was first in the
‘B’ race 1200 meters . Bethany Barker was second in the ‘A’ race 1500
meters, while Stacey Robinson was a comfortable winner of the ‘B’ race.
Blyth & Alnwick fared better in the field events. Joseph Mallen comfortably won the
Long Jump. Matt Hardy also gained maximum points for Alnwick/Blyth in the High Jump and he
triumphed once more in the Triple Jump, winning the event with an incredible jump of 12.35
M, while John Lazzari won the ‘B’ Triple Jump and finished first in the Long
Jump, Kirsty Johnson won the Long Jump. Making his debut for Blyth, Craig Charlton won
both the Discus and Javelin. The final Young Athletes League Fixture is on Sunday, 20th
July at Monkton Stadium.
As well as competing on the track, several Juniors took part in the third race in the Clubs Summer handicap Series, following a 2.5 mile route using the promenade and the beach path. Running conditions were very good as over half the entry of 41 runners set their fastest times so far and Gary Jones improved the course record. Running nearly three minutes faster than her previous best time, Julie Lemin was a comfortable winner of the race, with Mandy Hindle in second place, while Trish Goodwin was third. Cath Young was the fastest lady. The next race in the series is Wednesday July 16th and is open to all Club members.
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 - July 08 - Summer Cup Race 2 / Tynedale 10k
Blyth Running Club recently held the
second race in their new Summer Cup - a series of seven 2.5 mile races following a route
using the promenade and the beach path. On a sunny warm night there was an excellent
turn-out of nearly 50 starters and running conditions were obviously ideal as over half
the runners recorded their fastest times so far. Running nearly two minutes faster than
the previous race, Louise Douglas stormed through the field and won by thirty seconds. In
second place was 15 year old Emma Freeman, setting the fastest time by a Lady on the
night, she finished two seconds in front of third placed Dave Logan. Robbie Barkley set
the fastest time on the night. The next race in the series is Wednesday July 9th and is
open to all Club members.
On the following Wednesday a group from Blyth ran in the popular Tynedale 10K race, in a
field of over 600 finishers Gary Jones was the first Blyth finisher in 15th position,
while Paul Whalley also had a top thirty finish. The first Blyth Lady finisher was Jacqui
Miller. The men finished as 7th team while the women finished 6th team. On the Sunday Gary
Jones travelled to Middlesborough and won the Albert Park 5K race.
News Post Leader - June 08 - Junior Annual Beach Races
Blyth Running Club recently held their
annual beach races and nearly 100 children too part, with the ages ranging from 2 years
old to 14 years old.
All the races were on the beach and the Under 6’s ran 400 meters, with Eleanor Gray
of Croftway winning the girls race and George Wilkes of Warkworth winning the boys race.
The under 9’s ran a distance of 800 metres and Kirsty Palmer-Kay was the first girl,
while Harry Davey of Blyth Running Club improved from fourth position last year to win the
boys race. In the under 11 categories the youngsters had to run 1 mile and Florence Mcpate
of Gosforth Harriers was the first girl, while Jacob Hall of Blyth Running Club was the
first boy. The under 13’s also ran a distance of one mile, with Yasmin Shatiq of
Alnwick Harriers winning the girls race, while Robbie Lorraine travelled up from Birtley
to take the boys prize. The Under 15’s ran a distance of 1.5 miles and the Girls race
was won by Sophie Taylor of Birtley who had won the Under 13’s race last year. Ellis
Hetherington of organising Club Blyth won the boys race and he had also won the Under 13
race last year. Everybody who ran the race was given a medal and the race winners were
presented with trophies.
Full results are available at www.blythrunningclub.co.uk
News Post Leader - June 08 - Summer Cup Race 1
Blyth Running Club recently held the first race in their new Summers Cup - a series of seven 2.5 mile races following a route using the promenade and the beach path. The handicapping system allows all ages from the Club to compete and in a tight finish it was one of the Junior section who won the race, with Charlotte Ramsay pulling away from Ron Ingram in the final 200 metres. The handicapping was extremely close with the next thirty runners all within 2 minutes of the winner. Gary Jones set the fastest time on the night, while Cath Young was the fastest lady. The next race in the series is Wednesday June 25 and is open to all Club members.
News Post Leader - June 08 - Young Athletes League
Blyth Running Club have combined
forces with Alnwick Harriers to compete in the Young Athletes League. Entering in the
second division, this is the first year that either club have been represented at this
national competition and despite being several athletes ‘down’, the
Alnwick/Blyth coalition showed much potential, finishing third out of seven clubs, hinting
at better things to come.
There were a number of notable performances from both Blyth and Alnwick athletes. Stacey
Robinson took a victory for Blyth in the U15 Girls 1500M and won the ‘B’ Long
Jump, while Kirstie Johnson won the ‘A’ Long Jump and finished second in the 800
metres, while Chris Sweeney won the Under 13 boys 800m.
In the field events, Kieran Foy of Alnwick won the Shot Putt and there was a double for
the team as Matt Hardy won the ‘A’ triple jump and John Lazzari won the
‘B’ competition.
For the second match at Gateshead Stadium, the weather conditions were atrocious with
persistent rain all day. Once again, however there were a number of notable performances
from the Blyth and Alnwick athletes. There was a notable double in the 800m with Chris
Sweeney again winning the 800m while his brother was first in the ‘B’ race.
Louise Mullen of Blyth won the Javelin competition
Of the Alnwick/Blyth alliance, junior coach keith Willshire said ‘Blyth Running Club
and Alnwick Harriers have always enjoyed good relations, so it made good sense to unite
for the purpose of the Young Athletes League. In forming a combined team, we were able to
produce the numbers needed to compete and also maximise the strengths and minimise the
weaknesses of each club. This competition has also been a useful exercise in demonstrating
that whilst there can still be a healthy rivalry between local clubs; at the end of the
day, we’re all out to promote, develop and enjoy athletics in the region.’
As well as competing on the track, several Juniors took part in the Clubs very first
Summer handicap Series, following a 2.5 mile route using the promenade and the beach path.
And it was a Junior who won the race, with Charlotte Ramsay pulling away from Ron Ingram
in the final 200 metres. The handicapping was extremely close with the next thirty runners
all within 2 minutes of the winner. Gary Jones set the fastest time on the night, while
Cath Young was the fastest lady. The next race in the series is Wednesday June 25 and is
open to all Club members.
On Saturday June 21st, 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 £1.00 to enter. This
years race is being generously supported by Herrons the Jewellers of Blyth. Anybody
requiring further information can ring Keith on 01670-362668
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 08 - Annual Presentation Evening
Blyth Running Club recently held their
Annual Presentation Night at Blyth Golf Club. Nearly 100 members and guests turned up to
show their appreciation to the trophy winners. Every year the club organise their own
Grand Prix Leagues which consist of twelve races with the runners divided into leagues
according to ability and the runners best six scores counting towards their league
position.. In 2007, the races spread from the Lake District to Beadnell Bay, Carlisle to
the North Yorkshire and covered distances ranging from three miles to 14.5 miles.
Division One was remarkably tight with both Paul Whalley and Leo Talbot winning six races
each but Paul came out on top and won the league by one point. In third place was Robbie
Barkley while the Vets award went to Martin Gaughan. Division Two was won by Iain Singer
who was the first runner home in his league in eight out of the eleven races that he did.
Once again, competition was tight in this group and Joe Frazer and Ralph Dickinson tied
for second place, with Dave Roberts winning the Vets award. In Division Three only two
points separated the first two, with Shaun Dodds having the advantage over Dave Cox, while
Terry McCabe was third and Dave Bradley took the Vets award. Division Four was won by
Julie Lemin, with Dave Kitching second and Angie Brown third. The Vets prize was won by
Jocelyn Smith.
The trophies for the Club’s Annual Handicaps were also presented and the Seniors was
won by a Junior, Kirstie Johnson with Helen Bruce in second place and Paul Whalley third.
Danile Tait won the Junior Handicap, with Harry Davey second and Drew Herrington third.
The winners of the Winter Series also received their prizes, with the seven individual
race winners all receiving a Yellow T-shirt, these were: Stephanie Ramsay, Chris Lillico,
James Young, Verity Brady, Kalvin Hurst and Sarah Balmer.
The overall Winter Series winner was Jocelyn Smith. With the Junior section expanding, the
coaches voted for the inaugural Junior Personality of 2007 and this was won by 15 year old
Stephanie Ramsay.
Finally, the members also voted for their Sports Personalities of 2007. Members used
different criteria for their votes: which athlete had improved most during 2005, which
athlete had contributed the most to the club during 2004 or who was the best runner during
2005. The Men’s Award was won by Junior Coordinator Keith Willshire, while the Ladies
Trophy was won by Cath Young.
On Monday 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.
News Post Leader - May 08 - Club Handicap
Blyth Running Club recently 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 a warm, sunny night running conditions were ideal as starter Dave Kitching set the
first runner, junior Kirstie Johnson, off and from then on it was a steady procession of
runners until Paul Whalley was the last runner off. Running steadily Kirstie 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 one of the Clubs newer
members, Helen Bruce who had a commanding lead over the third place runner Paul Whalley.
Despite setting off last Paul managed to pass the majority of runners and set the fastest
time on the night, passing Cath Young in the last one hundred yards, with Cath setting the
fastest time by a lady.
The full set of results are available on the Blyth Running Club web-site: www.blythrunningclub.co.uk
News Post Leader - March 08 - Winter Series 5
Blyth Running Club recently held the
fifth race in their popular Winter Series and there was an excellent turnout of 50
runners. Running conditions were obviously ideal as 28 of the finishers set their best
times so far. Newcomer Verity Brady was the first runner set off and then proceeded to
show the other runners the way home and was never passed in the 2.5 mile course. Once
again there was a strong contingent of Junior runners and they took the next three places
with Ellis Hetherington finishing in second place, Adam Smith in third and Chris Lillico
in fourth. Gary Jones set the fastest time on the night while Kirsty Mason set the fastest
time for the Ladies. The date of the next race in the series is Wednesday 26th March. The
handicapping system once again worked well with the first 40 runners finishing within 90
seconds of the winner. Once again the runners would like to thank all the marshals and
officials who ensured that the race took part.
Two days later, Blyth entered several teams into the Senior races at the Elswick Good
Friday runs and over 20 juniors took part as well.
Conditions were far from ideal with a strong, blustery wind and wintry cold showers. In
the under 13 boys, Kalvin Hurst finished in fourth place. one second in front of team mate
Ellis Hetherington, Matthew Jackson had a top twenty finish to ensure that Blyth finished
as second team. In the Under 13 girls, Stacey Robinson was the first Blyth runner home in
sixth position, while Kirstie Johnson was the first Blyth runner home in eight position in
the Under 15 girls race.
For the Senior Men Gary Jones was the fastest runner for Blyth, whiel Adam Robinson was
the fastest Vet.
Currently Blyth Running Club are preparing to hold the “Spirit Of The Staithes”
10 kilometre run, sponsored by TRANSPED, on Sunday 27th April. 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
News Post Leader - February 08 - Winter Series 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, which obviously affected the
times on the 2.5 mile handicap race. Newcomer Verity Brady was in the lead for a long time
although she was passed in the final few hundred yards, first by Junior member James Young
and then by Alan Kenny. James and Alan then proceeded to swap positions over the final 100
yards, with James eventually winning the race, although they were both given the same
time. Verity did have the satisfaction of holding onto third place. Although times were
generally down, Robbie Barkley set the fastest time on the night while 14 year old Kirstie
Johnson the fastest time for the Ladies. The date of the next race in the series is
Wednesday 20th February. The handicapping system once again worked well with all 40
runners finishing within 90 seconds of the winner.
Once again the runners would like to thank all the marshals and officials who ensured that
the race took part.
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
Blyth Running Club Junior section are always 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, e-mail the following address enquiries@blythrunningclub.org.uk
or ring Keith on 01670-362668 and somebody will contact them.
News Post Leader - January 08
- NE Harrier League 4
There were good performances all round
from Blyth Running Club Juniors at the fourth fixture of the Start Fitness North Eastern
Harrier League held at Farringdon School, Sunderland. Kalvin Hurst marked his debut run
for the Juniors with a winning performance in the Under 13 boys. Running from the slow
pack, St. Wilfreds School pupil, Kalvin led over the 1.7 mile course and finished a
comfortable winner by a margin of 12 seconds. Club mate Ellis Hetherington finished in
eight position, running fron the fast pack and set the fourth fastest time of the race.
Ably supported by Chris Lillico and Corey Robertson, Blyth finished as third team.
In the Under 13 girls, running form the fast pack Stacey Robinson was the first Blyth girl
home in fifth position and set the third fastest time of the race. Combining with Sam Bell
and Charlotte Ramsay they finished as fourth team. For the Under 15 Girls, Kirsty Johnson
was the first runner home in 9th position and set the sixth fastest time of the race. and
along with Louise Mullen and Stephanie Ramsay they finished as fifth team.
For the Senior Men Robbie Barkley was the first Blyth Runner home, while Helen Morris was
the first Blyth lady.
News Post Leader - January 08 - Winter Series 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. Once again the race was won by 14 year old Stephanie Ramsay who had won the first race. Despite having her handicap adjusted, Stephanie managed to run the race over a minute faster than the previous time to and passed the long time leader Jocelyn Smith in the last 600 metres. Jocelyn had the satisfaction of finishing in second position in front of Dave Roberts. As usual the handicapping was extremely close as all fourty runners finished within two minutes of the winner. Robbie Barkley set the fastest time of the night and managed to finish in 17th position despite setting off last, while Helen Morris 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 16th January, first runner off at 19:15.
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 an expanding 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 e-mail the following address enquiries@blythrunningclub.org.uk
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
Under 6's - 400 Metres |
|
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Girls |
Boys |
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Jade Stephenson |
1 |
Callum Gray |
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Katelyn Joice |
2 |
Daniel Robson |
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Eleanor Gray |
3 |
Darren Docherty |
|||
Lucy Anderson |
4 |
Spencer Manning |
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Sophie Sewell |
5 |
Cole Williams |
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Ellie McDowell |
|||||
Katelyn Willshire |
|
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Under 9's - 800 Metres |
|||||
Darcy Falconer |
03:50 |
1 |
Cameron Blackett |
||
Rebbecca Stoker |
04:02 |
2 |
Jack Earle |
||
Jade Farrer |
3 |
Justin Hall |
|||
Xara Barbour |
4 |
Harry Davey |
|||
Errin Robertson |
5 |
Lewis Whalley |
|||
Cary Anne Whalley |
6 |
Edward Stoker |
|||
Laura Smith |
7 |
Matthew Morgan |
|||
Claire Brown |
04:44 |
8 |
Kieran Taylor |
||
Emily Walbank |
9 |
Jame Loud |
|||
Olivia Weston |
10 |
Daniel Brennard |
|||
Tia Holroyd |
11 |
Josh Coe |
|||
Georgia Brown |
12 |
Jack bell |
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Kirsty Palmer Kay |
13 |
Michael Wilkinson |
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Beth Davison |
14 |
Jack Walbank |
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Courtney Denton |
15 |
Jamie Holroyd |
|||
Neave Herridge |
16 |
Brandon Morris |
|||
Tyler Doherty |
17 |
Alex Trinder |
|||
Ellen Riley |
18 |
Thomas Brown |
|||
Amy Sewell |
19 |
Daniel Holroyd |
|||
Shopna Miah |
20 |
Ryan Dickson |
|||
21 |
Jonathon Morgan |
||||
22 |
Jack Trinder |
||||
23 |
Leon Fairland |
||||
24 |
Jake Dickson |
||||
Under 11's - 1 Mile |
|||||
Sarah Wilkes |
1 |
George Skirrow |
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Charlotte Ramsay |
2 |
James Young |
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Laurie Robinson |
3 |
Harley Newman |
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Caitlin Hall |
4 |
Reece McDowell |
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Rachel Smith |
5 |
Peter Skinnow |
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Jessica Taylor |
6 |
Daniel Murphy |
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Sophie Lyall |
7 |
Kyle Mills |
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Rosie Murton |
8 |
Luke Watson |
|||
Kimberley Long |
9 |
Thomas Oliver |
|||
Bethany Jones |
10 |
Drew Bell |
|||
Holly Burt |
11 |
Liam McNally |
|||
Alex Bell |
12 |
Jonathon Blackett |
|||
Jessica Vacher |
13 |
Adam James |
10:32 |
||
Laura Burt |
10:42 |
14 |
Alex Robinson |
11:54 |
|
Claudia Martin |
11:12 |
15 |
Declan Walker |
11:55 |
|
Chelsea Hilbert |
11:25 |
||||
Laura Pennington |
12:06 |
||||
Samantha Angus |
12:58 |
||||
Tyler Coe |
13:01 |
||||
Leah Angus |
16:32 |
||||
Tamzin Carpenter |
18:57 |
||||
Under 13's - 1 Mile |
|||||
Sophie Taylor |
06:28 |
1 |
Ellis Hetherington |
06:21 |
|
Sam Bell |
07:26 |
2 |
Josh Barry |
06:31 |
|
Megan Davis |
07:49 |
3 |
Corey Robertson |
07:02 |
|
Molly Murton |
08:07 |
4 |
Mark Thomas |
07:21 |
|
Naomi Walker |
08:25 |
5 |
Jake Jansen |
07:28 |
|
Natalie Cook |
08:41 |
6 |
Kane Spirit |
07:39 |
|
Jessica Carroll |
08:52 |
7 |
Daniel Ramsay |
07:50 |
|
Caitlin Kendall |
09:34 |
8 |
Josh McDougal |
07:52 |
|
Chelsea Adams |
10:37 |
9 |
Conor Cavanighe |
08:08 |
|
Shannon Wooden |
10:42 |
10 |
Scott Lyall |
08:10 |
|
11 |
Corey Newman |
08:12 |
|||
12 |
Daniel Hilbert |
09:08 |
|||
13 |
Chris Easton |
09:15 |
|||
|
|||||
Under 15's 1.5 Miles |
|||||
Erin Rodgers |
10:50 |
1 |
Scott Jenkinson |
10:23 |
|
Kirstie Johnson |
10:50 |
2 |
Sean Oliver |
11:50 |
|
Stephanie Ramsay |
13:51 |
3 |
Anthony Vacher |
11:57 |
|
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.
News Post Leader - December 06 - 47th 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 47th running of the race and the weather conditions were the
worst in memory for the the runners and marshals. A strong southerly wind ensured that the
times were fast on the outward journey but when they ran around the ‘oar’,
positioned at South Beach by long serving member Ken Gibson they faced the prospect of
running into a gale force wind which whipped the sand into their faces. As if this
wasn’t bad enough it then started to rain! The height of the tide meant that the
runners had to run the majority of the race on soft sand and overcame the groynes at the
Blyth end of the run – no easy task for some of the runners. 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. Morpeth youngster Natalie Young
overcame the difficult conditions to win by 30 seconds form Elswick veteran Steve White,
who has won the race three times. The ageless Rob Hall of Blyth Running Club was in third
place with another former winner Archie Jenkins in fourth. The team prize was won by
Morpeth, with Natalie Young leading Archie Jenkins, Marc Cochrane and Mike Hegarty to
first place.
Fastest on the day was Keith Heron of Gosforth, who finished 7th, giving up to 12 minutes
to most of the field. In winning the race Natalie Young also set the fastest time by a
Lady, with just under 100 runners finishing the race.
Prizes were awarded in all age categories and were:
Winner: Natalie Young (Morpeth) -
Second: Steve White (Elswick) -
Third: Rob Hall (Blyth)
Under 18’s Boy: Marc Cochrane
(Morpeth) - Senior Man: Keith Heron
(Gosforth) - Senior Woman: Jane Goble (NSP)
Over 35 Woman: Amanda Watson (Elswick) - Over 40 Woman: Helen Morris
(Blyth) - Over 40 Man: Vaughan Hemy (NSP)
Over 45 Man: Steve Clark (NSP) - Over 45 Woman: Lynne Marr
(Tynedale) - Over 50 Man: Archie Jenkins (Morpeth)
Over 50 Woman: Cath Young (Blyth) - Over 55 Man: Stephen Borlos
- Over 55 Woman: Sheila Greener (Blyth)
Over 60 Man: Dave Cox (Blyth) -
Over 65 Man: Eric Appleby (Heaton)
News Post Leader - November 06 - Winter Series Race 1
Blyth Running Club recently held the
first race in their popular Winter Series. Weather conditions were ideal for running with
very little wind and no rain to affect the runners on the 2.5 mile route around the Kitty
Brewster Trading Estate. For the first race there was an excellent turn-out of over 50
finishers. The first runner home, and winner of a coveted “Yellow T-shirt”, was
new comer John Herron who was running the race for the first time. In second place was 12
year old Stacey Robinson with Stevie Gillespie a few seconds behind in third place. The
fastest time of the evening was set by Leo Talbot, with Helen Morris setting the fastest
time by a Lady. The handicap system again worked well, with the first 48 runners 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.
Sunday 3rd 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 i.e. 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 along the beach 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, although entries will be taken on the day at Seaton Sluice
Community Association, Taylor Gardens, Seaton Sluice.
News Post Leader - October 06 - Club Autumn Relays
Blyth Running Club recently held their
Annual Autumn Relay races around the Blyth Industrial Estate. The Junior section held
their own relays on a one mile route with twelve teams taking part. With no wind running
conditions were ideal as the first runners were set off. The winning team was Andrew Gray,
Josef Anzcak and Jamie Darling. Josef Anzcak set the fastest time by a boy while Kirstie
Johnson set the fastest time by a girl.
For the Seniors there was 13 teams taking part in the 20th running of Blyth Running Clubs
Annual Relays and the winning team was Dave Logan, Cath Young and Rob Hall. The fastest
runner on the night was Paul Whalley, while Helen Morris was the fastest Lady. 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.
Sunday 3rd 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, although entries will be taken on the
day at Seaton Sluice Community Association, Taylor Gardens, Seaton Sluice.
News Post Leader - August
06 - Blyth Links 10k
Every year Blyth Running Club organise a 10K race and they invite runners from other clubs
in the region, this year over 200 runners finished and the clubs represented included
Morpeth, Alnwick, Blackhill, Blaydon, Bingley , Elswick, Claremont , Concordia 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 a bright, warm sunny night although the runners had
to run into a slight breeze on the return journey. The race was won by North Shields Poly
runner, Ian Twaddle. Ian had previously won this race in 2001 and regularly finishes in
the first three. In second place was Robert Walker also of North Shields Poly, while one
of the regions top veteran runners, Les Atkinson of Morpeth was third. The first Blyth
runner was Paul Whalley in 8th position.
The first lady home was Meryl Dodd of Bingley Harriers, while Helen Morris was the first
Blyth Lady home.
Every body in the Club 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.
Newcastle Evening Chronicle - August 06 - 25th Anniversay celebrations
The Great North Run has been the
inspiration for many to carry on running and go on to join one of the many local athletics
clubs in the area. And while the GNR has been the breeding ground for many individuals it
has also been inspirational in the forming of least one club here in the North East. The
very first GNR, 25 years ago, was the cornerstone for the formation of Blyth Running Club,
which has grown from small beginnings to one of the well-established and well-run athletic
organisations. It all came about in June, 1981 after a number of joggers had competed in
the first Newcastle to South Shields extravaganza.
After the run had finished small groups of those joggers continued to appear on the
streets of Blyth doing their own thing, as the nearest club to the town was 10 miles or so
away in Morpeth. So Peter Hawkes, who had run the first GNR, decided that it would be a
good idea to try to merge all those groups into a proper club. He advertised around the
town and in the local newspaper which resulted in an excellent response, so much so Blyth
Joggers - now Blyth Running Club - was formed. With an original membership of 26 seniors
and four under-16s, the new organisation was up-and-running and now, after 25 years, plans
to celebrate the occasion in the best possible way with a social event at Blyth Golf Club
on Saturday, September 23. Keith Willshire, a member of the Blyth committee, said he is
hopeful that many of Blyth's past members will be able to attend.
"When the club was first formed it was never envisaged that the membership would
snowball the way it has," said Willshire, who has helped join the dwindling ranks of
officials at local meetings by being available to stand in as a judge on race days.
"During the 90s the club's membership peaked at over 250, though the current number
has edged back to somewhere around 200.
"The 25th celebration is something everyone is looking forward to and it will be a
great occasion to see many of the old faces who have competed for Blyth over the past 25
years."
One member who has been there since the beginning is Dave Cox and he still competes in
many local races today. Though he is not on the committee, Dave has always been available
to lend a hand whenever the occasion occurs.
"Dave is what I would call a stalwart member of the club," added Willshire.
"It's members like him who keep clubs and races going throughout the North East. He
turns 60 in November and still competes as often as he can and, despite not being on the
committee, he finds time to audit the club's finances as well as helping out in other
ways."
Over the last 25 years, Blyth's vests have been seen at most local and national events
and, though the members have a serious side when it comes to competition, it doesn't mean
that they ignore the social side of things.
"Every year since 1987 the club have organised a weekend to include the London
Marathon and, in some cases, the marathon has been known to get in the way of
socialising," added Willshire.
"But we still have had success on the running front, most notably with Andy Brown,
who won the Keswick Half-Marathon, and Gill Priest, Cath Young and Sheila Greener winning
the National Half-Marathon team Championship"
Further details of the club's 25th anniversary party can be found on the club's website:
www.blyth runningclub.org.uk.
News Post Leader - July 06 - Newburn / Tynedale 10k / Coastal Run
Runners from Blyth Running Club have had a busy time lately and the majority of races have been held in extremely hot conditions. At the recent Newburn River Run there was a record turn out of over 350 finishers with 35 entries from Blyth. Paul Whalley was the first Blyth runner home in 12th position, with Robbie Barkley second Blyth finisher in 18th position, Cath Young was the first Blyth Lady home, while Gloria McCabe was the first Lady in her age category. The next race was the popular Tynedale 10K road race which attracted just under 500 finishers, with over 40 from Blyth. The hot weather conditions meant that times were generally slower than usual, although Paul Whalley continued his good form to be first Blyth runner home in 15th position, while Gary Jones was second in 23rd. Helen Morris was the first Blyth Lady, followed by Cath Young and Kirsty Huntingdon and they combined to take the Ladies Team prize. Four days later and 30 Blyth runners were in a field of nearly 700 finishers who took part in the Beadnell to Alnmouth 14 mile race. Due to a strong headwind times were down on previous years, and once again Paul Whalley was the first Blyth runner home in 18th position with Gary Jones the next Blyth finisher, while Suzanne Hunter was the first Blyth Lady.
News Post Leader - June 06 - Junior Beach Races
Blyth Running Club recently organised
some races for young runners and nearly 70 children took part, with the ages ranging from
5 years old to 14 years old.
All the races were on the beach and the under 9’s ran a distance of 800 metres and
for the second year running Caitlin Hall won the girls race and James Young won the boys
race. In the under 11 categories the youngsters had to run 1 mile and the first girl was
Sarah Wilkes who had travelled down from Warkworth and the first boy was Callum Johnson of
Delaval Middle School. The under 13’s also ran a distance of one mile, with Lucy Gray
of St. Benedicts winning the girls race, while Joshua Barry of Delaval Middle School was
the first boy. The Under 15 girls race was won by Leanne Tonks from Astley High School ,
while Adam Smith won the boys race for the second year running.
The full results can be viewed on the Junior Website by clicking HERE
News Post Leader - June 06 - Junior Beach Races
On Saturday June 24th, 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 11:00 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 - May 06 - Presentation Night
Blyth Running Club recently held their
Annual Presentation Night at Blyth Golf Club. Nearly 100 members and guests turned up to
show their appreciation to the trophy winners.
Every year Blyth organise our own Grand Prix Leagues which consist of eight races with the
runners divided into leagues according to ability. In 2005 - 2006, the races spread from
the Lake District to Beadnell Bay, Carlisle to the Kitty Brewster trading estate and
covered distances ranging from 2.5 miles to 14.5 miles.
For the third year running Division One was won by Robbie Barkley who was winning the
award for the fourth time, in second place, only two points behind, was Martin Gaughan,
while Mal Derbyshire was third, the Vets award went to John Mallon. Division Two was won
by Peter Brown, who was the first runner home in his league in every race that he did.
While in second position was Kevin Freeman, with Dave Roberts third and Ged Baister
winning the Vets award. In Division Three the first two runners could not be separated as
long serving member Dave Cox and Club Chairman Ralph Dickinson both had exactly the same
number of points. Keith Willshire took the third place while John Patterson won the Vets
award. Division Four was won by Terry McCabe, with Dave Bradley second and Sharon Percy
third. The Vets prize was won by Cath Young.
The trophies for the Club’s Annual Handicaps were also presented and these were: Dave
Cox with Adam Robinson second and Mal Derbyshire in third, while Ellen Martin won the
Junior Handicap.
The winners of the Winter Series also received their prizes, with the seven individual
race winners all receiving a Yellow T-shirt, these were:
Steve Bangs, Stevie Gillespie, Barry Metcalfe, George Young, Shaun Dodd and Kevin
Westwood. The overall Winter Series winner was Tristan Kent.
Finally, the members also voted for their Sports Personalities of 2005. Members used
different criteria for their votes: which athlete had improved most during 2005, which
athlete had contributed the most to the club during 2004 or who was the best runner during
2005. The Men’s Award was won by Club Secretary Pete Brown, while the Ladies Trophy
was won by Kirsty Huntington.
On Friday 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.
News Post Leader - May 06 - Club Handicap
Blyth Running Club held their Annual
handicap on May 7th, over 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.
The weather was kind to the runners but not so kind for the marshals who ensured that the
race went ahead, with very little wind and cool, misty conditions. Starter Dave Kitching
set the first runner, Gloria McCabe off at just after 09:15 and from then on it was a
steady procession of runners until Sean Kirtley was the last runner off. Gloria managed to
hold onto her lead for nearly six miles before long time member Dave Cox passed her with
half a mile to go. Dave managed to hold onto his lead and finished 30 seconds in front of
second placed Adam Robinson, with Malcolm Darbyshire another 40 seconds behind in third
place. In fourth place was Paul Whalley who set the fastest time of the day, while Helen
Morris set the fastest time by a lady.
Thanks to the organiser, Dave Kitching for another excellent event, and to Dickie, Steven, Brian, Jocelyn, Sandra and George for assisting.
News Post Leader - May 06 - London Marathon 2006
The latest social event organised by
Blyth Running Club saw 7 of their members undertake the annual trip down to the London
Marathon, where they were ably accompanied by athletes from other Clubs around the region.
The runners from Blyth all completed the 26.2 mile course in less than 4 hours, with times
ranging from 3 hours 05 minute to 3 hours 57 minutes. Steve Walker was the first runner
back for Blyth, whilst Dave Roberts finished inside the automatic qualifying time of 3
hours 15 minutes. The first Blyth lady back, who was also overall third finisher for
Blyth, was Cath Young. Cath’s finishing time of 3 hours 29 minutes meant that she
easily finished inside the Ladies automatic qualifying time of 3 hours 45 minutes for next
years race.
The next major race in the Club’s Calendar is the Annual Handicap race which is
taking place on Sunday 7th May, with the first runner off at 09:15 from the Beach
car-park. On the following Wednesday night (10th May) the Juniors will be holding their
own handicap race and the first runner will be off at 18:45 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.
The Club are also holding their annual Presentation Night on Saturday 13th May at Blyth
Golf Club. Further details are on the Club Notice-board at Blyth Sports Centre
On Friday 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.
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 - April 06 - Blyth Valley 10k
Sunday 2nd April saw the second
running of the Blyth Valley 10K run. Conditions were ideal for running at the start, with
the runners running into a slight headwind on the route out towards Seaton Sluice.
Although entries were down on the previous year, there were still over 160 finishers all
receiving a souvenir T-shirt. After the first mile Morpeth Harrier Mark Brown had a
commanding lead over the rest of the field, with Sean Kirtley and David Kirkland in second
and third. For the rest of the race Mark Brown increased his lead, while Dave Kirkland
managed to pull away from Sean Kirtley and for the second year running Dave Kirkland
finished in second place. Over the last mile Sean Kirtley managed to pull away from Les
Atkinson to finish third with Atkinson finishing fourth. The first lady was Michelle Holt
of Sunderland in 38th position overall, while her team mate Ingrid Hope was one place
behind her as second lady, with Michelle Woodley of Morpeth Harriers the third Lady. As a
result of a lot of hard work by the members of Blyth Running Club, the race went very
smoothly and drew praise from several of the runners. The first Blyth runner back was 17
year old Ryan Robinson, the first Blyth lady was Helen Morris.
The next major race in the Club’s Calendar is the Annual Handicap race which is
taking place on Sunday 7th May, with the first runner off at 9:15m from the Beach
car-park. While the Junior section will be holding their own handicap race on Wednesday
10th May and the first runner will be off at 18:45 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.
News Post Leader - March 06 - 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 46 runners taking part in the 2.5
mile race around the Kitty Brewster Trading Estate, with several of the runners saving
their best performance for the final race. The race was tight all the way to the finish
with George Young winning for the second time this year. In second place was 15 year old
Jess Cunningham, who was five seconds behind George, while Aynsley Heron was only two
seconds behind Jess. The fastest time on the night was again set by Sean Kirtley, while
Kirsty Huntington again set the fastest by a Lady. The overall Series winner was Tristan
Kent, who although he never won a race, his consistency and steady improvement across all
the races ensured that he was the overall winner of the seven race series, with Iain
Singer and George Young tying for second place, only two points behind Tristan.
Each race winner won a ‘Yellow’ T-shirt and these went to: Steve Bangs, Stevie
Gillespie, Barry Metcalfe, George Young, Shaun Dodd and Kevin Westwood.
Once again the runners would like to thank all the marshals and officials who ensured that
the race took part.
Currently Blyth Running Club are preparing to hold the “spirit Of The Staithes”
10 kilometre run on Sunday 2nd April. 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. Runners will be
able to enter on the day at Blyth Sports Centre until about 09:30, but the entry fee is
£10.00 for Club runners and £12.00 for unattached runners.
News Post Leader - February 06 - Winter Series 5
Blyth Running Club recently held the fifth race in their Annual Winter Series. Weather conditions were ideal for running with virtually no wind, although the temperature hovered around zero all night, which made it very cold for the marshals and helpers who had to stand around – this is much appreciated by all the runners. Once again there was another excellent turn-out of 47 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 Sean Kirtley the last runner away some ten minutes after the first runner, Gloria McCabe. The winner of the race and a coveted yellow T-shirt was new member Shaun Dodd who was running the race for the first time. In second place was Alex Sewell, with the next 37 runners all finishing within one minute of Alex. Sean Kirtley again set the fastest time on the night, with Kirsty Huntington again setting the fastest time for the Ladies. The runners would like to thank all the marshals and officials who ensured that the race took place.
News Post Leader - November 05 - Winter Series2
Blyth Running Club recently held the
second race in their popular Winter Series. Weather conditions were extremely cold and the
runners had to run out into a stiff breeze. Once again there was another excellent
turn-out of over 50 finishers. The first runner home, and winner of a coveted “Yellow
T-shirt”, was long time club member Stevie Gillespie, Stevie was actually the winner
of the very first Winter Series over ten years ago. In second place was Dale Smith, with
Iain Singer in third place. In fourth place was Kirsty Huntington who set the fastest time
by a Lady. The fastest time of the evening was again set by Sean Kirtley. The handicap
system again worked well, with the first 48 runners within two minutes of the winner. The
runners would like to thank all the marshals and officials who ensured that the race took
place.
Sunday 4th 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 i.e. 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, although entries will be
taken on the day at Seaton Sluice Community Association, Taylor Gardens, Seaton Sluice.
News Post Leader - November 05 - Gibside Run & Winter Series1
Nearly 30 runners from Blyth took part
in the popular Gibside Bowl run. The seven mile race takes part in the grounds of Gibside
Estate; the race attracted a record turn-out of just over 450 runners. Luckily for the
runners the rain had stopped just before the race started and conditions, although heavy
underfoot, were pleasant for the runners. The course includes two fairly steep hills as it
follows the paths through the forests. The conditions were obviously ideal for
Chester-Le-Street runner Stewy Bell as he won the race for the fourth time. The first
runner back for Blyth was Robbie Barkley who finished in 28th position, with Peter Brown
next for Blyth in 34th position.
Darlington's Alison Raw, whose form over the Fells would have helped on the course, won
the Women’s' race finishing in 42nd place overall, while Sharon Percy was the first
Blyth lady to finish.
On the following Wednesday night, Blyth held the first race in their popular Winter
Series. The first race over the 2.5 mile course had a record turn-out of 56 runners who
were all looking to win one of the coveted ‘Yellow T-shirts’ awarded to the race
winner. Although it was a cold night, and the runners had to contend with a stiff breeze
on the outward journey, at least it was dry for running. The first runner home was long
time member Steve Bangs who overtook Jacqui Mallon in the last half mile, with Jacqui
hanging onto second spot from Dave Bradley who just held off Neil Hedley into fourth
place. Last years series winner, 14 year old Adam Smith continued his fine form to finish
fifth. The fastest time of the night was set by Sean Kirtley, while Paul Whalley running
his first Winter Series ran the second fastest time. The fastest lady was Kirsty
Huntington. The next event in the series is on Wednesday 23rd November.
Sunday 4th 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 i.e. 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, although entries will be taken on the day at Seaton Sluice Community Association, Taylor Gardens, Seaton Sluice.
News Post Leader - October 05 - Derwentside 10 Mile race
The recent Derwentside 10 Mile race
attracted a record turn-out of just over 170 runners with 21 from Blyth taking part. The
course is an undulating route on country roads and tracks and the weather conditions were
bright and blustery with a cool northerly wind. For the second year running the race was
won by Steve Potts of Sunderland. The first Blyth runner back was Robbie Barkley in 13th
position, the next Blyth finisher was Martin Gaughan who finished in 15th. Tracey Laws of
Chester-Le-Street won the ladies race for the third successive year, while Helen Morris
was the first Blyth Lady in 5th position.
On Wednesday 9th November, Blyth will be holding the first race in their annual Winter
Series, a series of handicap races run over a 2.5 mile route around the Kitty Brewster
Trading Estate. Entry is open to all Club members.
Sunday 4th 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,
although entries will be taken on the day at Seaton Sluice Community Association, Taylor
Gardens, Seaton Sluice.
We at Blyth Running Club currently have an expanding and active Junior section and are
looking to recruit new members, so if anybody between the ages of 12 and 17 are interested
in running, then if they turn up at Blyth Sports Centre on Monday nights with their
parents then they will be met by a Club official or they can ring Keith on 01670-362668.
News Post Leader - October 05 - Autumn Relays
Blyth Running Club recently held their
Annual Autumn Relay races around the Kitty Brewster trading estate. Before the Seniors
event, the Junior section held their own relays on a one mile route with nine teams taking
part. With no wind, running conditions were ideal as the first nine runners were set off.
Ten year old Mark Freeman was the first runner back and he passed a slight advantage onto
Victoria Mallon, 11 year old Lucy Gray was close behind and she passed onto Chloe
Beckwith. On the second leg 11 year old Stuart Landers managed to pull his team from third
place into first and sent Brooke Cochrane away in the lead on the third and final leg.
Brooke managed to hold onto the lead until the final 150 yards when she was overtaken by
Liam Biaster and Liam managed to hold onto the lead and finished in first place, with
Brooke in second; Brooke had the consolation of setting the fastest time by a girl, while
Liam set the fastest time by a boy. The winning team was: Molly Fisher, Luke Todd and Liam
Baister.
For the Seniors there was 8 teams taking part in the 19th running of Blyth Running Clubs
Annual Relays and the first 8 runners were set on their way by starter Dave Kitching and
just under 15 minutes later, Dave Roberts returned first, just in front of second placed
John Mallon. Second runner Stevie Gillespie was soon overtaken by Helen Morris as she
moved her team into first place and she handed over to Mal Derbyshire for the final leg,
Steve Walker had moved his team from 4th to second while Ged Baister handed over to Robbie
Barkley in third place. Robbie managed to pass the two runners in front and brought the
team home in first place. Mark Walbank managed to hold onto second position while Sean
Kirtley moved his team from seventh to third with his run and in the process set the
fastest time of the night.
The winning team was: Kevin Westwood, Ged Baister and Robbie Barkley, followed in second
position by Aynsley Herron , Steve Walker and Mark Walbank, while the third team comprised
Paul Dunholm, Keith Willshire and Sean Kirtley. The fastest runner on the night was Sean
Kirtley, while Helen Morris was the fastest Lady with Martin Gaughan recording the fastest
time by a Vet. 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. Plus for the first time ever, father and son were both in the winning
teams, with Liam Baister in the Junior winning team and his father Ged in the Seniors.
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.
Sunday 4th 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,
although entries will be taken on the day at Seaton Sluice Community Association, Taylor
Gardens, Seaton Sluice. You can view a printable form by clicking here.
News Post Leader - September 05 - Farringdon cross country
The first Cross Country of the year
was recently held at Farringdon School, Sunderland and Blyth Running Club had several
youngsters running their first race. Apart from the Under 11’s everybody ran a lap of
the same course and it was quite a testing little 1.7 mile loop. In the Under 11’s,
James Young and Mark Freeman finished 14th and 17th ; while in the under 13’s Girls,
Stacey Robinson finished 10th with Brooke Cochrane finishing in 12th position; for the
boys Stuart Landers and Ryan Barclay both finished well up the pack running against boys a
year older than them. In the under 15 boys, Liam Baister finished in 8th, while Adam Smith
was another runner doing his first cross country and can be well pleased with his run. In
the women’s race Helen Morris was 11th with Kirsty Huntingdon two places behind her.
The men’s race was a relay and Peter Brown, Adam Robinson, Mark Walbank and Robbie
Barkley finished in 15th position in the Seniors, while Alex Sewell, Kevin Freeman, Ged
Baister and keith Willshire finished in 6th position in the Veterans race.
Blyth Running Club will be holding their Annual
Autumn Relay races around the Kitty Brewster trading estate on Wednesday 5th October. There will be 3 members
per team, with the Junior race starting at 18:30 over a 1 mile course, while the Senior
race will start at 19:15 over a 2.5 mile course, further details are available on the Club
Notice-Board at Blyth Sports Centre.
News Post Leader - September 05 - Tynedale 10 mile race
There were just over 310 finishers in
this years Tynedale 10 Mile Road Race, with 18 from Blyth Running Club. Conditions were
far from ideal for the runners as the temperatures reached 80F and on a tough hilly course
from Hexham to Ovingham , only four runners managed to get under the hours for the ten
miles. For the second year running the race was won by Tynedale Harrier Andy Caine, who
had managed to pull away from his main rival Stewy Bell of Chester-Le-Street at the eight
mile mark, with Bell managing to finish in second place. The first Blyth runner home was
Martin Gaughan, who finished in 28th position overall, next back for Blyth was Peter Brown
in 36th position, while Joe Frazer was the third Blyth runner home. The first Blyth Lady
was Helen Morris.
Blyth Running Club will be holding their Annual Autumn Relay races around the Kitty
Brewster trading estate on Wednesday 5th October. There will be 3 members per team, with
the Junior race starting at 18:30 over a 1 mile course, while the Senior race will start
at 19:15 over a 2.5 mile course, further details are available on the Club Notice-Board at
Blyth Sports Centre.
News Post Leader - September 05 - Blyth Links 10k - 30th August
Every year Blyth Running Club invite
runners from other Clubs in the region (Morpeth, North Shields Poly, Blackhill, Claremont
and Blaydon) to a social night which includes the Links 10K 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, and for the first time the finish was on the
promenade. Running conditions were ideal on a bright, warm sunny night although the
runners had to run into a slight breeze on the outward journey the wind would aid them on
the return. For the first time ever the race attracted over 200 runners with Blyth, North
Shields, Morpeth and Blackhill Bounders well represented. However, the first runner home
was an athlete from Bedford Harriers, Steve Body winning the race from Morpeth Harrier
Dave Swinburne. Steve and Dave had contested the lead for the majority of the 6.2 mile
course, with Steve gaining an advantage in the last mile and winning in an excellent time
of 31 minutes 58 seconds, some 11 seconds in front of Dave. Peter Newton of Claremont Road
Runners was third home, with one of the countrys leading vets Les Atkinson in fourth
position. The first lady home was Sarah Graham of Morpeth, while Helen Morris was the
first Blyth Lady home. The first Blyth runner was Robbie Barkley.
After the race all runners were invited to Blyth Sports Centre where Blyth's members had
provided a buffet for everybody.
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 05 - Grand Prix races
Runners from Blyth Running Club have had a busy period lately and have completed the first three races in their annual Grand Prix. The first race in the Grand Prix was the Newburn River Run over a distance of 6.5 miles. A warm, sunny night attracted a record field of 321 finishers, with over 30 runners from Blyth. The first runner back for Blyth was Martin Gaughan who finished in 10th position overall, while Helen Morris was the first Blyth Lady and she was also the first finisher in her age category. Suzanne Hunter was also first in her age category. The next race in the Grand Prix was the popular Coastal Run, approximately 13 miles from Beadnell to Alnmouth along the beaches and cliff top paths. On another hot day for the runners Mal Darbyshire was the first Blyth runner back, while Suzanne Hunter was the first Blyth lady, with Suzanne, Anne Potts and Cath Young winning the Ladies Team prize for Blyth. The third race so far was the Jarrow & Hebburn Riverside, which was run on another hot and humid evening. The testing course attracted a field of over 160 runners with 30 of them from Blyth. Robbie Barkley was the first Blyth runner back, in 12th position overall while Helen Morris was again the first Blyth Lady. Helen was the first lady back in her age category as was Cath Young and together with Kirsty Huntingdon; they combined to take the third Ladies team prize. The men went one better as Robbie Barkley, Gareth Hope and Pete Brown were the second men’s team.
News Post Leader - July 05 - Blyth Junior Beach Races
Blyth Running Club recently organised
some races for young runners and over 50 children took part, with the ages ranging from 4
years old to 14 years old.
All the races were on the beach and the under 9’s ran a distance of 800 metres, with
Caitlin Hall winning the girl's race and James Young winning the boy's race. In the under
11 categories the youngsters had to run 1 mile and the first girl was Neomi Walker and the
first boy was Stewart Landes. The under 13’s also ran a distance of one mile, with
Holly Spratt winning the girl's race, while Stephen Cochrane was the first boy. The Under
15 girl’s race was won by Victoria Mallon, while Adam Smith won the boy's race. Click
here for photos of the under 9 line ups
for both boys and girls races.
Under 9's - 800 Metres |
||||||
Girls |
Boys |
|||||
1 |
Caitlin Hall |
04:03 |
1 |
James Young |
03:26 |
|
2 |
Amy Fawcus |
04:22 |
2 |
Thomas Wood |
03:34 |
|
3 |
Jessica Vacher |
04:29 |
3 |
John Kirkup |
03:41 |
|
4 |
Rachel Brown |
04:34 |
4 |
Sam Johnson |
03:54 |
|
5 |
Cally McKenzie |
04:45 |
5 |
Luke Freeman |
03:54 |
|
6 |
Jessical Connelly |
05:01 |
6 |
Ryan Jones |
04:07 |
|
7 |
Serena Griffin |
05:02 |
7 |
Martin Hopper |
04:33 |
|
8 |
Ella Wood |
05:04 |
8 |
Robert Johnson |
04:50 |
|
9 |
Mellissa Heron |
05:26 |
9 |
Mark Grey |
04:54 |
|
10 |
Robert Barkley |
05:36 |
||||
11 |
Ryan Hall |
05:48 |
||||
12 |
Adam Barkley |
06:18 |
||||
Under
11's - 1 Mile |
||||||
1 |
Neomi Walker |
07:38 |
1 |
Stewart Landes |
07:15 |
|
2 |
Samantha Bell |
07:55 |
2 |
Elliot Clark |
07:25 |
|
3 |
Hayleigh Watson |
09:21 |
3 |
Mark Freeman |
07:32 |
|
4 |
Sophie Richardson |
10:28 |
4 |
Luke Todd |
07:52 |
|
5 |
Moll Short |
10:28 |
5 |
Sean Straker |
07:54 |
|
6 |
Caitlin Nolan |
13:18 |
6 |
Josh Harbey |
08:08 |
|
7 |
Gary McLeod |
08:12 |
||||
8 |
Gareth |
08:28 |
||||
9 |
Jordan Wilson |
08:42 |
||||
10 |
Declan |
08:54 |
||||
11 |
Tim Barnes |
09:02 |
||||
12 |
Jamie Hartley |
09:02 |
||||
1 Under3's - 1 Mile |
|
|||||
1 |
Holly Spratt |
08:06 |
1 |
Stephen Cochrane |
06:03 |
|
2 |
Lucy Grey |
08:12 |
2 |
Stephen Kirkup |
06:14 |
|
3 |
Dannielle Leggatt |
08:34 |
3 |
Nicholas Clasper |
06:51 |
|
4 |
Kirstin McKenzie |
10:04 |
4 |
Anthony Vacher |
07:09 |
|
5 |
Kyle Hartley |
07:27 |
||||
6 |
Jonathon Smith |
07:52 |
||||
7 |
Daniel Hume |
08:03 |
||||
8 |
Jason Finlay |
08:07 |
||||
9 |
Aaron Major |
08:09 |
||||
Under 15's - 1 Mile |
|
|||||
1 |
Victoria Mallon |
08:17 |
1 |
Adam Smith |
06:37 |
|
News Post Leader - June 05 - Blyth Junior Beach Races
On Saturday June 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 entry will be
free. The first race will be
at 11:00 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, second and third placed runners in each race. 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. Anybody requiring further information can ring Keith on 01670-362668
News Post Leader - June 05 - Club Presentation evening
Blyth Running Club recently held their
Annual Presentation Night at Blyth Golf Club. 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 eight races with the runners divided into leagues according
to ability. In 2004 - 2005, the races spread from the Lake District to Beadnell Bay,
Carlisle to the Kitty Brewster trading estate and covered distances ranging from 2.5 miles
to 14.5 miles.
For the second year running Division One was won by Robbie Barkley who was winning the
award for the third time, in second place second was Martin Gaughan, while Michael Stott
was third, the Vets award went to Steve Walker. In a very tight Division Two, Mal
Derbyshire won by one point from Barry Metcalfe who was one point in front of third placed
Joe Frazer, while Eddie Stott was the leading Vet. In Division Three the first two runners
could not be separated as Alex Sewell and Dave Roberts finished on the same number of
points. In third place was one of the Club’s longest serving members Dave Cox, while
Keith Willshire won the Vets prize. Division Four was won by Suzanne Hunter who had a
comfortable lead over second placed Anne Potts, with David Roe taking third position. The
Vets prize was won by Terry McCabe. Division Five was won by Pauline Cunningham, who had a
slight advantage over Louise Rawlinson with Kirsty Huntington taking third position and
Joe Potts winning the Vets prize.
The trophies for the Club’s Annual Handicaps were also presented and these were:
Helen Morris with Clinton Young second and Ged Baister third, while Lucy Gray won the
Junior Handicap.
The winners of the Winter Series also received their prizes, with the seven individual race winners all receiving a Yellow T-shirt, these were: John Curry, Terry McCabe, Rob Hall, Ron Ingram, John Mallon, Sue Walker and Stevie Gillespie. The team trophy went to “Kirsty’s Boys” who were: Kirsty Huntington, Keith Willshire, Liam Baister, Adam Smith, Craig Lamb and Rob Bradley. The overall Winter Series winner was 13 year old Adam Smith.
Finally, the members also voted for
their Sports Personalities of 2004. Members used different criteria for their votes: which
athlete had improved most during 2004, which athlete had contributed the most to the club
during 2004 or who was the best runner during 2004. The Men’s Award was won by Club
Secretary George Young, while the Ladies Trophy was won by Suzanne Hunter.
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 notice-board.
News Post Leader - March 05 - Blyth Valley 10k
The Blyth Valley Fun run was first run
in 1982 and since 1991 has been organised by Blyth Running Club. This year would have been
the 24th running of the popular run which went from Concordia Sports Centre to Blyth
Sports Centre via Seaton Delaval and Seaton Sluice. Over the years the race had progressed
and became the biggest ten mile road race in the North East. However, this year Blyth
Running Club failed to get Police support for the event and the Club had to reluctantly
cancel the race. In its place Blyth Running Club are pleased to announce a new 10
Kilometre (approximately 6.2 miles) race for the North East, run from Blyth Quayside to
Seaton Sluice and back, along public footpaths and cycle ways. We have had this new
‘Spirit of The Staithes’ 10k course officially ratified; it's very flat and will
provide an excellent chance of fast times. We hope that everybody will turn out in force
to make the race as successful as the 10 miler has been. The race takes place on Sunday
24th April and starts at Blyth Quayside at 10:00am. All finishers will receive a T-shirt.
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
Runners will be able to enter on the day at Blyth Sports Centre until about 09:30, but the
entry fee is £10.00 for Cub runners and £12.00 for unattached runners
News Post Leader - March 05 - 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 45 runners taking part in the 2.5
mile race around the Kitty Brewster Trading Estate, with 24 of the runners setting their
fastest times of the series. 15 year old Tom Crate had taken the lead just after the half
way mark and managed to hold it until the last 100 yards when he was overtaken by Stevie
Gillespie who produced his fastest time of the series to win by yards from Tom. In third
place was 13 year old Adam Smith who was only one second behind Tom. The fastest time on
the night was again set by Robbie Barkley, for the second race running the fastest time by
a Lady was set by Kirsty Huntingdon.
Although over 20 runners did all seven races, Adam Smith was the only runner to improve
his time in every race and over the series he has improved his best time by nearly three
minutes – a tremendous achievement. His consistency meant that in five of the races
he finished in the top ten and his points total was the lowest of everybody and ensured
that he was the overall winner of the seven race series, with Keith Willshire in second
place, one point in front of Cath Young. As well as winning the individual event, Adam was
also a member of the winning team, “Kirsty’s Boys” which comprised Adam
Smith, Keith Willshire, Kirsty Huntingdon, Craig Lamb, Rob Bradley and Liam Baister.
Each race winner won a ‘Yellow’ T-shirt and these went to: John Curry, Terry
McCabe, Rob Hall, Ron Ingram, John Mallon, Sue Walker and Stevie Gillespie.
Once again the runners would like to thank all the marshals and officials who ensured that
the race took part.
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.
News Post Leader - February 05 - Winter Series 6
Blyth Running Club recently held the sixth race in their Annual Winter Series. On a bitterly cold night, there was also a strong north-easterly wind for the runners to contend with but there was still a healthy turn-out of 38 runners. Sue Walker was the first runner set off and no one managed to catch her over the 2.5 mile course around the Kitty Brewster Trading Estate. In second place, five seconds behind Sue was 16 year old Ryan Robinson, who was making his debut in the race. Cath Young was in third place, with Kirsty Huntingdon setting the fastest time by a Lady in fourth. Once again the handicapping was tight with less than two minutes separating the first 36 runners. No one runner is dominating the series and Sue was the sixth runner to claim a yellow T-shirt so far this series. The fastest time of the evening was again set by Robbie Barkley. The final race in the series is Wednesday 2nd March 2005.
News Post Leader - February 05 - Winter Series 5
Blyth Running Club recently held the fifth race in their Annual Winter Series. Once again, while weather conditions were far from ideal with a bitterly cold strong northerly wind, there was still an excellent turn-out of 47 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 Robbie Barkley the last runner away some eight minutes after the first runner, Sue Walker. Jocelyn Smith was a long time leader of the race but unfortunately she lost to a fast finishing John Mallon in the final ten yards, while Joe Frazer and Raymond Kirkup were given the same time, Joe just managed to finish in front of Raymond to the line. Robbie Barclay again set the fastest time on the night, with Susanne Hunter again setting the fastest time for the Ladies. The handicapping system once again worked well with 45 of the runners finishing within two minutes of the winner.
News Post Leader - January 05 - Winter Series 4
Blyth Running Club recently held the fourth race in their 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 42 runners taking part in the 2.5 mile handicap race around the Kitty Brewster Trading Estate. The runners had to run into the strong wind for the first part of the race and this obviously affected times, although this did not bother Ron Ingram who convincingly won the race and claimed the yellow T-shirt. 14 year old Adam Smith continues to improve and managed to pull away from Pauline Cunningham in the last 100 yards to finish second while Pauline had to settle for third place. Although times were generally down, Robbie Barclay set the fastest time on the night while Susanne Hunter set the fastest time for the Ladies. The date of the next race in the series is Wednesday 26th January 2005. The handicapping system once again worked well with over 36 of the runners finishing within two minutes of the winner.
News Post Leader - December 04 - Blyth Sands Race
Blyth Running Club recently organised
the annual ‘Sands Race’, which runs form South Beach, Blyth to Seaton Sluice and
back. This was the 45th running of the race and while weather conditions were ideal with
very little wind and bright sunshine, the tide meant that the runners had to run the
majority of the race on soft sand. 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. Elswick veteran Steve White overcame the difficult underfoot conditions
to win the race for the third time, by one minute from the 2003 winner Archie Jenkins.
Blyth runner Cath Young improved one position on her 2003 run to finish in third place,
and Cath also led the Blyth team to the team prize.
Fastest on the day was Rob Walker of North Shields Poly, who finished 10th, giving up to
12 minutes to most of the field. Fastest lady was Danielle Watts of Morpeth who finished
in 9th place, with 125 runners finishing the race.
Prizes were awarded in all age categories and were:
Winner: Steve White (Elswick)
Second: Archie Jenkins (Morpeth)
Third: Cath Young (Blyth)
Under 18’s Boy: Marc Cochrane (Morpeth)
Under 18’s Girl: Lisa Tweddle (Sunderland)
Senior Man: Rob Walker (NSP)
Senior Woman: Danielle Watts (Morpeth)
Over 35 Woman: Susanne Hunter (Blyth)
Over 40 Woman: Lynne Marr (Tynedale)
Over 40 Man: Stevie Clark (NSP)
Over 45 Man: Martin Gaughan (Blyth)
Over 45 Woman: Cath Young (Blyth)
Over 50 Man: Chris Dentice (Morpeth)
Over 50 Woman: Anne Potts (Blyth)
Over 55 Man: Ian Richardson (NSP)
Over 55 Woman: Margaret Thompson (Elvet)
Over 60 Man: Arthur Potter (Unattached)
Over 60 Woman: Maureen Blackett (Elvet)
Over 65 Man: Reg Checkley (Heaton)
The team prize was won by Blyth Running Club, with Cath Young, Anne Potts, Rob Hall, and
Martin Gaughan comprising the team.
News Post Leader - December 04 - Winter Series 3
Blyth Running Club recently held the
third race in their Annual Winter Series. The weather was perfect for running with no wind
or rain. As usual there was a healthy turn-out with 48 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 Sue Walker the first runner off, with Michael Stott and Robbie
Barkley the last two runners off eight minutes later. For the second race running the
finish was extremely close, Keith Willshire had taken the lead with about 800 yards to go
and managed to hold on until the last ten yards when he was overtaken by Rob Hall. The
evergreen Rob Hall had managed to pass over 40 runners who had set off in front of him.
Third place was taken by 15-year old Raymond Kirkup who just beat Kevin Westwood into
fourth place while Kirsty Huntingdon was fifth.
Special mention must be made to the handicapper, Andy Brown, as the first forty runners
all finished within 60 seconds of the winner Rob Hall. Over 35 runners set their fastest
time for the series so far. The fastest time on the night was again set by Robbie Barkley,
while Leanne Pringle set the fastest time by a Lady.
The date of the next race in the series is Wednesday 5th January 2005.
Once again the runners would like to thank all the marshals and officials who ensured that
the race took place.
News Post Leader - November 04 - Brampton to Carlisle 10m
Just over thirty runners from Blyth took part in the recent Brampton to Carlisle ten mile road race. Running conditions were ideal on this traditionally fast course for the 510 finishers with a lot of runners doing fast times. The race was won by Edinburgh student AC Muir, with the first Blyth runner back being Robbie Barkley who finished in 19th position, with Michael Stott the next Blyth runner in 33rd position. The third Blyth finisher was Martin Gaughan, all three Blyth runners finishing in under the hour. The first Blyth Lady to finish was Suzanne Hunter who finished third in her age group, while Cath Young was next one second behind. The third Blyth Lady was Anne Potts, who was second in her age group. These three combined to take the second team prize in the Ladies and the first team prize in the Lady Vets section.
This Sunday (5th 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 11am. Entry forms are available at Blyth Sports Centre, although entries will be taken on the day at the Wellseley School.
News Post Leader - November 04 - Winter Series 2
For the second race in Blyth Running
Club’s Winter Series, there was another excellent turn-out of 47 runners. Unlike the
previous race, the runners had to run into a strong headwind on the way out, although this
would aid their return. Of the 47 runners, over 30 ran a faster time than in the previous
race. Terry McCabe took the lead with about 600 hundred yards to go to the finish and he
just managed to hold off a fast finishing Michael Stott; Terry winning by one second, with
Gareth Hope finishing in third place. As usual the handicapping was extremely close as the
first 35 runners all finished within one minute of the winner. Robbie Barkley again set
the fastest time of the night and managed to pass over 30 runners who had set off before
him. Once again, Anne Potts set the fastest time by a Lady.
Once again mention must be made of Ken Gibson, Jimmy Jones, Sandra Gaughan and Dave
Kitching who ensure that the races go ahead smoothly and without any problems, also to
handicapper Andy Brown. The next race in the series is Wednesday 1st December, first
runner off at 19:15.
Sunday 5th 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 11am. Entry forms are available at Blyth Sports Centre, although entries will be taken on the day at the Wellseley School.
News Post Leader - November 04 - 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 45 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 runners had
to contend with a stiff breeze on the return journey but at least it was dry for running
as the first runner Jocelyn Smith was set off, followed by a steady stream of runners
until seven minutes forty seconds after her Robbie Barkley set off in hot pursuit of the
44 runners in front of him. The first runner back was 16 year old John Curry who finished
20 seconds in front of 12-year old Stephen Kirkup, while another 12-year old - Liam
Baister was in third place, after this it was a steady stream of runners all finishing
within seconds of each other. The fastest time of the evening was set by Robbie Barkley
while Cath Young set the fastest time by a Lady.
The date of the next race in the series is Wednesday, November 17th. The runners would
like to thank all the marshals and officials who ensured that the race took part.
Sunday 5th 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
11am. Entry forms are available at Blyth Sports Centre, although entries will be taken on
the day at the Wellseley School.
News Post Leader -
November 04 - Autumn
Relays
Blyth Running Club recently held the 18th running of 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. Although it was a damp, cold night
running conditions were ideal as there was no wind. There were 11 teams and the first 11
runners were set on their way by starter Dave Kitching and just over 15 minutes later,
Dave Cox returned first just in front of second placed Dave Bradley. Second runner Cath
Young had a healthy lead over John Patterson, but Alex Sewell managed to move his team
from 8th position to first and handed a good lead onto the third runner, Michael Stott.
Michael managed to hold onto this lead and led the team to victory, while Rob Hall managed
to move his team form 4th position on the second leg to second place overall.
The winning team was: Aynsely Herron, Alex Sewell and Michael Stott, followed in second
position by Sharon Percy, Dave Roberts and Rob Hall, while the third team comprised Dave
Cox, Cath Young and Kevin Freeman. The fastest runner on the night was Robbie Barkley,
while Cath Young was the fastest Lady with Andy Brown recording the fastest time by a Vet.
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.
Before the Seniors event, the Junior section held their own relays on a one mile route and
11 year old Lucy Gray was the first runner back and she handed over to Adam Smith, Alex
Crate was the second runner back and she handed over to six year old James Young. On the
second leg, 11 year old Holly Bone was the first runner back and she handed a slight lead
over to Tom Crate, with Victoria Mallon handing over to Liam Baister in second place. On
the third leg, Steven Kirkup moved from third to first at the half way stage, but Liam
timed his run perfectly to take the lead in the last 100 yards. The winning team was:
Sophie Cunningham, Victoria Mallon and Liam Baister.
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.
Sunday 5th 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 11am. Entry forms are
available at Blyth Sports Centre, although entries will be taken on the day at the
Wellsley School.
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 send an elmail to the address below.
Blyth currently have a small Junior section and are looking to recruit new members, so if anybody between the ages of 12 and 17 are interested in running, then if they turn up at Blyth Sports Centre on Monday nights with their parents then they will be met by a Club official or they can send an e-mail.
Blyth Running Club can be contacted by e-mail at enquiries@blythrunningclub.org.uk
News Post Leader - October
04 - Junior Great
North Run
In the recent Junior GNR, several Blyth Running Club Junior members ran the race for the
first time. The 4K race started outside the Baltic Centre, then crossed the swing bridge
and finished by the Millennium Bridge. Liam Baister managed to get a good starting
position amongst the 4000+ starters and seemed very comfortable in his first GNR and
finished in the top 100, while both Craig Lamb and Michael Bradley seemed to enjoy the
occasion. Sophie Cunningham was another one enjoying the occasion as did brother and
sister Jacob and Ismay Kitson, with 9 year old Jacob finishing in front of 11-year old
Ismay. However, the best run by a Blyth runner must surely be that of 6 year old James
Young who finished as second boy and third place overall, out of a 1000 runners in the
Under 8’s mini Great North Run – a tremendous effort! To see James and his
trophy click here.
Blyth Running Club will be holding their Annual Autumn Relay races around the Kitty
Brewster trading estate on Wednesday 20th October. There will be 3 members per team, with
the Junior race starting at 18:30 over a 1 mile course, while the Senior race will start
at 19:15 over a 2.5 mile course.
News Post Leader - September 04 - Links 10k
Every year Blyth Running Club invite
runners from other Clubs in the region (Morpeth, North Shields Poly, Blackhill, Claremont
and Blaydon) to a social night which includes the Links 10K run. Nearly 200 runners took
part in this years run with Blyth and North Shields providing over 30 runners each. Club
Official Dave Kitching had marked out an accurate 10K course which used the path through
the sand dunes, upto 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 runner home was
Robert Walker of North Shields Poly, with 18 year old Nathan Shrub of Morpeth in second
place and Tommy Brannon of North Shields Poly in third place. The first Blyth runner home
was Robbie Barkley in 12th position, while Andy Brown was the second Blyth runner home in
16th position. H. Wooton was the first Lady home in 22nd position overall with Anne Potts
the first Blyth Lady home.
After the race all runners were invited to Blyth Sports Centre where Blyth had provided a
buffet. Everybody at BRC 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 - September 04 - Tynedale races & Coastal Run
Blyth Runners have had a busy summer
period, taking part in several races throughout the region. Nearly 550 runners took part
in this years Tynedale 10K which was held on a Wednesday night in July, with BRC supplying
over 40 runners. The race starts at Ovingham and then follows the banks of the Tyne to
Wylam, where the runners cross over the Tyne and head back to Ovingham. The weather was
overcast and quite blustery. The race was won by Mike Openshaw of Birchfield, while Robbie
Barklay was the first Blyth runner back in 14th position, with Martin Gaughan in 37th and
Rob Hall in 40th (3rd in his age group), Blyth men were the third placed team. Leanne
Pringle was the first Blyth Lady to finish, while Anne Potts won the prize for first lady
in her age group. Then 10 days later over 30 runners from Blyth took part in the popular
Coastal run from Beadnell to Alnmouth. With over 700 advanced entrants, the race was
started at 10.30 from Beadnell Harbour in sunny conditions and the tide favourably well
out. However, the 14-mile run to Alnmouth was predominantly into a head wind. The race was
won by Ray Ward of Hunters Bog Trotters of Edinburgh, once again Robbie Barklay was the
first Blyth runner back in 33rd position, while Martin Gaughan was next back for Blyth in
48th position, the first Blyth Lady was Susan Hunter. Next the runners headed south of the
Tyne to take part in the Jarrow and Hebburn Riverside 6 Road Race., which was won by Simon
O’Donnell of Chester-Le-Street.The tough course attracted a record entry of 220, with
28 runners from Blyth. After a long time out injured, Andy Brown was the first Blyth
runner back in 18th position. Anne Potts was the first Blyth Lady back and was the first
Lady in her age category, also winning a prize was Joe Frazer who was first back in his
age category.
The latest race has seen 28 Blyth runners take part in the Tynedale 10 Mile Road Race.On a
tough hilly course from Hexham to Ovingham , the runners had the benefit of a strong wind
on their backs for the majority of the course. The race was won by Tynedale Harrier Andy
Caine in a time of 50:40. The first runner back for Blyth was Andrew Brown who finished in
fourteenth place, next back for Blyth was Robbie Barkley who finished in just over the
hour in 18th position, while Michael Stott finished in 29th position. Cath Young was the
first Blyth Lady home, recording a time of just over 72 minutes. Cath finished as ninth
lady overall and third in her age group. The next Blyth lady was Suzanne Hunter, who was
second in her age group. Also second in her age group was Sheila Greener, while Pauline
Cunningham was third back in her age category.
News Post Leader - June 04 - Club Handicap
On a warm Wednesday night Blyth
Running Club recently held their Annual handicap, which due to road-works was run on a
new, two lap course, with one long lap of four miles and a shorter second lap of 2.5
miles. Nearly 40 runners met at the Beach Car Park to check their handicaps.
Race organiser Dave Kitching had worked out the individual handicaps based on past
performances and had also been at work very early putting the mile markers in place. The
race officials of Jimmy Jones, Sandra Gaughan, Andy Brown, Sheila and Alan Greener were
all in position by to ensure that the first runner was set off at 19:15 and from then on
it was a steady procession of runners until over 22 minutes later Michael Stott was the
last runner off. Although slightly warm, conditions were ideal for running and the first
runner home was Dickie Cole, with long time race leader Trish Goodwin in second place and
Gareth Hope finishing in third place. The fastest time of the day was set by Rob Barkley,
while Leanne Pringle set the fastest time for a lady.
On Wednesday 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.
News Post Leader - May
04 - Juniors
Blyth Running Club Juniors have had a
busy period lately, with 12 year old Alex Crate, 14 year old Craig Lamb and 6- year old
James Young taking part in the 5K fun run which preceded the Clive Cookson 10K, and all
three runners completed the course in under 29 minutes. On the following Sunday, 14 year
old Raymond Kirkup won the Raby Castle 5K fun run by beating 176 runners on the hilly
course, while his brother Steven finished in the top thirty. While over 3000 runners were
taking part in the Blaydon Race on June 9th, Raymond, Steven and Craig took part in the
Juniors run before the main race, with Raymond finishing in third place, while Craig and
Steven both had good runs in a large field. Both Raymond Kirkup and James Young have
qualified to run in the Junior Games at Gateshead Stadium later this month, these Games
take place before the International Grand Prix on June 27th.
News Post Leader -
April 04 - London
Marathon
Runners from Blyth Running Club have had a busy period lately with many of the runners doing races every week. Thirteen runners from the club took part in this years London Flora Marathon, with Steve Walker the first Blyth runner back with a time under three hours. Then one week later the Club organised the Blyth Valley Ten Mile road race form Concordia to Blyth Sports Centre and 18 runners from Blyth took part with Michael Stott the first Blyth runner back with a time of 58 minutes. Two weeks later about a dozen runners from Blyth took part in the Wansbeck Riverside 10K and Michael Stott was again the first Blyth Runner home. This was followed two weeks later by the Club’s Annual 6.5 mile handicap, which was won by Dickie Cole, with Robbie Barkley setting the fastest time of the night. Then about twenty runners from Blyth took part in the recent 7.5mile run from South Shields Pier to the Pier at Roker. The field of nearly 600 runners had to run into a slight headwind for the entire race, 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 first Blyth runner home was the evergreen Rob Hall who finished in twentieth position and was the first runner home in his age category. Four days after the Pier-to-Pier race, over 20 Blyth runners took part in the Clive Cookson 10K at Monkseaton. Robbie Barkley was the first Blyth Runner back in 12th position while Leanne Pringle was the first Blyth Lady and 10th lady overall. Prior to the 10K, Alex Crate, Craig Lamb and 6- year old James Young of the Juniors took part in the 5K fun run with all three completing the course in under 29 minutes. On the following Sunday,14 year old Raymond Kirkup won the Raby Castle 5K fun run by beating 176 runners on the hilly course, while his brother Steven finished in the top thirty.
News Post Leader - April 04 - Grand Prix
The last race in Blyth Running Club's
Winter Series was also the last race in the Club's Grand Prix for 2003 – 2004. There
are five divisions in the League and the nine races were over varying distances from 2.5
miles to half marathons. This year all the leagues were quite close at the end with Robbie
Barkley winning Division 1 by one point from the ‘evergreen’ Rob Hall. This is
the second time Robbie has won Division One, there was a tie for third place between
Martin Gaughan and Dale Smith. In Division two, John Mallon won by two points from Steve
Walker, with Phil Dickinson in third place. It was also close in Division Three, where
Michael Brown won by two points from Barry Metcalfe, with Ken Turnbull in third place.
Michael won Division Four last year, so will probably be hoping to win Division Two next
year. In Division Four Jacqui Lumsden also won by two points, with Dave Roe in second
place and Sharon Percy in third. Dave Bradley won Division Five by three points from
second placed Gary Potts, with Pauline Cunningham in third place.
On Sunday 25th April Blyth Running
Club are organising the 23rd 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 Astley 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 at Blyth Sports Centre or online at www.blythrunningclub.org.uk
Entry costs £8.00 for Club runners while unattached runners pay 9.00 Runners will be able
to enter on the day at Concordia Sports Centre until about 09:40, but the entry fee is
£10.00 for Cub runners and £11.00 for unattached runners.
News Post Leader - April 04 - 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 a healthy turn-out of 40 runners taking part in the 2.5 mile
race around the Kitty Brewster Trading Estate. Ian Cansfield had taken the lead just after
the half way mark and held it until the last 100 yards when he was overtaken by Martin
Gaughan who produced his fastest time of the series to win by 5 seconds from Ian, who was
also running his fastest race, with Dave Bradley finishing a further 10 seconds back in
third place. The handicapping system meant that all 40 runners finished within 90 seconds
of the winner. In total, 21 runners did their fastest times of the series, these included
Robbie Barkley who set the fastest time on the night, the fastest time by a Lady was set
by Leanne Pringle.
The overall winner of the series was Barry Metcalf, with Stephen Nendick in second place
and Robbie Barkley in third. The team prize was won by Dave Bradley, Dave Roberts, Barry
Metcalf, Dale Smith, Steve Walker and Adam Robinson. Each race winner won a
‘Yellow’ T-shirt and these went to:
Steve Bangs, Keith Robson, Ian Bates, Stephen Nendick, Keith Willshire, Dave Cox and
Martin Gaughan.
Once again the runners would like to thank all the marshals and officials who ensured that
the race took part.
News Post Leader - March 04 - Winter Series 6
Blyth Running Club recently held the
sixth race in their Annual Winter Series. Once again there was a strong, cold northerly
wind that the runners had to contend with, but there was still a healthy turn-out of 38
runners taking part in the 2.5 mile race around the Kitty Brewster Trading Estate. The
first runner home was one of the Club’s founder members Dave Cox. Dave took the lead
just after the half way mark and managed to hold on for a convincing win over second
placed Kevin Freeman, with Steve Walker three seconds behind in third place. No one runner
is dominating the series and Dave was the sixth runner to claim a yellow T-shirt so far
this series. Despite the cold wind, several runners set their fastest times of the Series,
while Robbie Barkley set the fastest time on the night, with Helen Morris the fastest
Lady.
The final race in the series is Wednesday 24th March 2004.
News Post Leader - March 04 - Winter Series 5
Blyth Running Club recently held the fifth race in their annual winter series. On a bitterly cold, clear night there was still a healthy turn-out of 40 runners who took part in the 2.5 mile race around the Kitty Brewster Trading Estate. Starter Dave Kitching set the runners off at regular intervals, with Christine Willshire the first runner off and Robbie Barkley the last runner away, some eight minutes after the first runner. The runners had to run out into a strong wind which helped them on the return journey, Keith Willshire was the first runner back, while Christine Willshire managed to just hold off a fast finishing Michael Stott to hold onto second place. Robbie Barkley set the set the fastest time of the night, while Helen Morris was the fastest lady. On a freezing cold night all the runners would like to thank the marshals: Sandra Gaughan, Dave Kitching, Ron Hope, Jimmy Jones and Ken Gibson who ensured that the race could go on.
News Post Leader - March 04 - Grand Prix
Blyth Running Club’s Annual Grand Prix season is building towards an exciting conclusion with only two events left: - the Redcar Half-Marathon on Sunday March 14th and the last two races in the Winter Series. The first race of the Grand Prix was the Keswick Half marathon in May 2003, and continued throughout the year with races of varying distance across the north-east. The majority of Leagues are still pretty close and the final places probably won’t be decided until after the final event – which will be the last Winter Series race on March 24th.
Division One is currently led by Rob
Hall who is two points in front of Robbie Barkley, while Dale Smith and Martin Gaughan are
three points further back. Although injured with a broken bone in his foot, I’m sure
Rob will be going all out to hold onto his advantage. In Division Two John Mallon has a
commanding lead over second placed Stevie Walker, while Ralph Dickinson is in third place,
one point in front of Phil Dickinson. Similarly in Division Three, Michael Brown has a
sixteen point lead over second placed Barry Metcalf, with Kenn Turnbull in third place,
three points behind and three points in front of fourth place Dave Roberts. Division Four
could be quite close as Jacqui Lumsden currently leads Sharon Percy by six points, but
Jacqui has not entered the Winter Series so she won’t pick up any points there. In
third place Dave Roe has a one point lead over Steve Bangs – but like Jacqui, Dave
hasn’t entered the Winter Series. In Division Five, Dave Bradley currently has a two
point lead over Gary Potts, while Pauline Cunningham is three points further back in third
place.
The Club Grand Prix is in it’s eighteenth year, and continues to go from strength to
strength. Next year’s will start up in early May. Before then though Blyth Running
Club will be organising the top ten mile race in the region, the annual Blyth Valley Ten
Mile race, which takes place on Sunday 25th April, starting from Concordia Sports Centre
at 10:00am. Entry Forms are available from Blyth Sports Centre or online at http://www.blythrunningclub.org.uk/
News Post Leader - January 04 - Morpeth to Newcastle / Winter Series 4
Blyth runners have had a busy time
lately with several runs taking place in early part of the year. In early January nearly
40 runners from Blyth took part in the Morpeth to Newcastle half marathon, running into a
strong headwind for the 13.1 miles many times were down on previous years. There were over
1000 finishers and Robbie Barkley was the first Blyth runner back, finishing in the top
50, the first Blyth Lady was Cath Young. The unluckiest runner must have been Blyth’s
Rob Hall who stood on a can of pop in the first few miles broke a bone in his foot.
Here’s hoping it’s not too long before Rob is running again.
One week after competing in the North of England Cross Country Championships, 14-year old
Raymond Kirkup took part in the Durham Pine Harrier Cross Country League at
Chester-Le-Street and had a strong run to finish second. Indeed, Raymond was leading until
the last 10 yards when he was overtaken. In the senior race, Robbie Barkley was another
runner who enjoyed the conditions to finish in the top thirty.
On the following Wednesday both Robbie
and Raymond were amongst the 42 runners who took part in the latest race in the
Club’s Winter Series around the Kitty Brewster Trading estate. The runners had to
contend with a strong head wind on the way out but apart from that the conditions were
quite good for running. The first runner back was Steve Nendick who is using the Winter
Series as part of his training for the London Marathon, Steve finished in front of Jocelyn
Smith with Kisrty Huntington in third place. Once again, the handicapping system worked
well with all 42 runners finishing within two minutes of the winner. The fastest time of
the night was once again set by 17-year old Sean Kirtley, while Helen Morris set the
fastest time by a Lady.
This years London Marathon is on Sunday 18th April and several Blyth members will be
taking part. The club will be organising a coach and hotel for the week-end and places
will be available for any other runners who have entries for the marathon, full details
are on the Clubs web-site and the notice board at Blyth Sports Centre.
News Post Leader - December 03 - Blyth Sands Race / Winter Series 3
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.
News Post Leader - December 2002 - Blyth Sands Race
On December 1st, Blyth Running Club
organised the annual Sands Race from South Beach Blyth to Seaton Sluice and back, the race
is traditionally run on the first Sunday in December with an 11:00am start time.
Unfortunately, for the first time in several years this co-incided with an incoming tide
and this resulted in the finishing line being moved several times during the race. The
high tide also meant that the runners had to run on the ‘soft sand’ and faced a
strong breeze on the way out, however the conditions did not deter any of the athletes and
this year’s race attracted some of the leading veterans in the country and included
two Gold Medal winners at the recent Masters International Cross Country, in 55 year old
Jimmy Bell of Elswick and 70 year old Eric Appleby of Heaton. 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. The first runner back was Jimmy Bell of Elswick
who finished 40 seconds in front of Archie Jenkins of Morpeth, while Paul Johnson of
Thames Valley Harriers was third. Prizes were awarded in all age categories and were:
Under 18’s Boy: Sean Kirtley
(Morpeth) Girl: Gillian Barry (Houghton &
Peterlee) Senior Man: Ian Twaddle (North Shields Poly)
Senior Woman: Claire Smallwood (Jarrow
& Hebburn) Over 40 Man: Tony Mellor (North Shields
Poly) Over 40 Woman: Denise Tunstall (Teeside)
Over 45 man: Martin Gaughan
(Blyth) Over 45 Woman: Liz Graham (u/a) Over 50 Man: Rob
Hall (Blyth) Over 50 Woman: A Wild (Norham)
Over 55 Man: Harry Matthews
(Elswick) Over 55 Woman: Eillen Armstrong (Tynedale)
Over 60 Man: Roger Wilson (Sunderland)
The team prize was won by Jimmy Bell, Harry Matthews, Yvonne Swinhoe, Kim Davison of Elswick.
News Post Leader - November 2002 - Winter Series Race 2
Blyth Running Club held the second
race in their winter series of 2.5 mile races around the Kitty Brewster trading estate.
The wind and rain abated for the run and the weather conditions were quite good for
running and this accounted for the large turnout, with 46 runners taking part. Starter
Dave Kitching set off the first two runners, Christine Willshire and Gloria McCabe, at
19:15 and the last two runners, Robbie Barkley and Sean Kirtley, went off eight minutes
and 20 seconds later. However, nobody was able to catch Christine Willshire and she led
the entire field home to take first position and win a yellow T-shirt. The second runner
home was Stevie Gair, who is returning to running after a lengthy spell out injured, and
he just managed to hold off a fast finishing 12-year-old Marc Cochrane who finished third.
The closeness of the race was shown by the fact that 44 runners all finished within 80
seconds of the second finisher. The fastest time was again set by 16-year-old Sean
Kirtley, while the fastest time for a lady was set by Leanne Pringle who was running the
race for the first time.
This Sunday 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 11am. Entry forms are
available at Blyth Sports Centre, although entries will be taken on the day at the
Wellseley School.
News Post Leader - November 2002 - Brampton to Carlisle
The Brampton to Carlisle 10 mile road race has a reputation for fast times and regularly attracts a large a high quality field. This years was no exception and over 35 runners from Blyth ran in a turnout of nearly 500. The race was run in ideal conditions and was won by Michael Openshaw in a time of 48 minutes 35 seconds. The first three runners all finished in under 50 minutes, the first runner back for Blyth was Andrew Brown in 24th position in a time of 55 minutes 42 seconds. However, Blyth Ladies stole the limelight as Cath Young (who was the first Blyth Lady), Anne Potts and Sheila Greener won the Ladies Vets Team Prize, while Cath and Anne combined with Angie Brown to take the second prize in the Senior Ladies competition.
Preparations are also well under way for 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 date of the race is Sunday 1st December and the first runners will be off at 11:00. Entry forms are available at Blyth Sports Centre.
News Post Leader - October 2002 - Winter Series Race 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 was held on the same night as Newcastle played Juventus, but there was still a healthy turn-out of 37 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. Gloria McCabe was the first runner off followed by a steady stream of runners until eight minutes twenty seconds after the first runner Andy Brown set off in hot pursuit of the 36 runners in front of him. For the first time in several years, there were three runners under the age of 18 running, and it was 16 year old Sean Kirtley who was the first runner back, overtaking Angie Brown in the last 100 yards, with Jocelyn Smith finishing in third place. The handicap system meant that all 37 runners finished within two minutes of the race winner. The other two under 18’s both finished in the first fifteen, with 12-year old Marc Cochrane recording 15 minutes 18 seconds, while 13 year old Ryan Robinson ran 15 minutes 32 seconds. The fastest time of the night was set by Sean Kirtley, while Anne Potts set the fastest time by a Lady.
News Post Leader - October 2002 - Autumn Relays
Blyth Running Club recently held their Annual Autumn Relay race around the Kitty Brewster. Handicappers Andy Brown and Dave Kitching had their work cut out to ensure that all the teams had an equal chance to win. The route is approximately 2.25 miles around the Kitty Brewster Trading Estate and conditions seemed ideal for the 16th running of the Relays, although there was a slight breeze on the return trip. There were 10 teams entered and the first leg runners were set on their way by starter Dave Kitching. Once again the handicapping was proved to be fair as only three seconds separated the first two teams, while the third team was ten seconds behind.
The winning team was: Kevin Westwood, Ron Ingram and Ian Richardson, with Anne Potts, John Mallon and Kevin Freeman taking the second team prize, while the third team comprised Keith Willshire, Ralph Dickinson and Mal Derbyshire. The fastest time on the night was set by Andy Brown, while the evergreen Rob Hall showed that he is getting his form and fitness back by setting the fastest time for a Vet. The fastest time by a lady (and setting a new Ladies Vets course record) was Cath Young who recorded 15:26. Although not amongst the trophy winners this time, Steve Gillespie maintained his ever present run in the Relays.
News Post Leader - September 2002 - Links 10k
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 with Blyth and North Shields providing just under 50 runners each. 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 runner home was Alan
Woodward from North Shields Poly with a winning time of 32 minutes 41 seconds, with
Michael Morris of Morpeth one minute behind in second place, while last years winner Ian
Tweddle was third. The first Blyth runner home was Elliot Makin in seventh position, while
Robbie Barkley was second Blyth home in fifteenth place, the first Blyth vet home and
winner of the ‘Brian Stringfellow’ trophy was Joe Frazer. Barbara Ingman was the
first lady home and she also runs for North Shields Poly, while Helen Wilcox (also of
North Shields Poly) was the second Lady home, the first Blyth Lady was Cath Young 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 15th 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. One week later the Club holds its annual 8 mile Handicap Race, this race is only open to members of the running club. Then on Sunday 6th October, it is the largest race in the North East calendar – the Great North Run. Transport has been arranged for the Tynedale 10 mile and the Great North Run, details are on the Club Notice Board at Blyth Sports Centre.
News Post Leader - June 2002 - 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 years race was no exception and there were over 70 runners from Blyth in the record
field of over 3370 runners, waiting outside Balmbra’s in Newcastle for the bell to
set them off along the Scotswood Road to the Geordie Ridley Pub in Blaydon.
The weather conditions were kind to
the runners and were cloudy, cool with a slight drizzle of rain. The race was won for the
fourth year running by Kenyon Julius Kimtai, while Russia's Yelena Burykina celebrated her
North-East debut with victory in the women's race. The first runner back for Blyth was
Andy Brown who finished in 41st position, Andy and wife Angie finished in
fourth position overall in the unique ‘Me and Wor Lass’ category. The first
Blyth Lady was Helen Morris.
Special mention must be made to two of
the elder members of Blyth Running Club, Bob Soulsby and Katie Seccombe whoe both finished
first in the Over 75 category.
Wednesday 3rd July, sees
the next race in the Club’s Grand Prix, the Tynedale 10K race. Transport has been
arranged and details are on the Club’s Notice-Board at Blyth Sports Centre. Blyth
Running Club caters for runners of all ages and abilities and anyone is welcome to join.
During the year members run all types of races although quite a few just train to keep
fit. We meet at the Blyth Sports Centre on Mondays and Wednesday evenings at 6:45 pm. So
just turn up then.
News Post Leader - May 2002 - Keswick Half Marathon
The first race of this year’s Grand Prix was the Keswick Half Marathon and out of a field of over 400 runners twenty were from Blyth. On a difficult, hilly course the weather conditions were kind to the runners and the race was won by Ray Ward of Sheffield, while the first Blyth runner back was Andy Brown. Andy has previously won this race in 1996 and managed to finish in ninth position this year with a time of 80 minutes. The next two Blyth runners both finished in the top thirty, with Robbie Barkley beating Gareth Hope by four seconds. Malcolm Derbyshire followed up his 3 hours 14 minutes for the London Marathon to be the first runner back in Division Two, while Dave Hendry was the first runner in Division Three. The first Blyth Lady to finish was Anne Potts, who was also the first finisher in Division Four, while Michael Brown was the first finisher in Division Five.
News Post Leader - April 2002 - Blyth Valley Ten
This years BV10, sponsored by BASF, took place on Sunday 28th April and running conditions were practically perfect for the 350 finishers, running into a cool southerly wind for the first 7 miles and then a tail-wind for the last three. 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 lead by the secretary George Young. The good reputation of the race ensures that a lot of runners return every year and the 2001 winner Stewy Bell of Chester-Le-Street, returned and won the race for the third time in a time of 51minutes 19 seconds. Vince Wilson of Belgrave Harriers was second, while former race winner Les Atkinson of Morpeth was the third runner home. The first lady home was Judith Nutt of Elswick Harriers with a time of 63 minutes 42 seconds. The race saw the 10 mile debut of 17 year old Ryan McLeod, of Elswick Harriers, who ran impressively to record a time of 55 minutes 13 seconds to finish in tenth place. At the other end of the scale 78 year Ted Joynson of Gateshead Harriers, completed the ten miles in 2 hours 17 minutes. The first Blyth runner back was Michael Stott, who ran strongly to record a time of 59 minutes 53 seconds, the first Blyth lady was Cath Young.
News Post Leader - April 2002 - Club Presentation
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 2001-2, 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 fifth time in ten years, second was Dale Stafford who collected
his first trophy despite missing several races with a broken leg. In third position was
Ian Richardson, the Vets award went to the ever popular Stevie Gillespie.
Division Two was won by Gareth Hope,
who had an excellent year and produced personal best time after personal best time and
managed to run under 60 minutes for the Brampton to Carlisle ten-mile race. Just behind
Gareth was Steve Walker who was second for the second year, with Eddie Stott in third
place, while John Mallon was the leading Vet..
Division Three was won by Club
Chairman Ralph Dickinson who beat Kevin Westwood into second position by one point, while
John Bryan enjoyed his first year in the Grand Prix to take third position. Terry Hart was
won the Vets prize.
Division Four was another keenly
fought competition with Mark Martin winning by two points from Dave Hendry, both Mark and
Dave were debuting in the Grand Prix, for the second year running Anne Potts was in third
position while Helen Morris won the Vets prize.
Division Five provided the closest
result, with the result in doubt until the last race. In another close finish, Clinton
Young won by one point from Sharon Percy, with Michael Brown third and Pauline Cunningham
winning the Vets prize.
The members also voted for thier
Sports Personalities of 2001. Members used different criteria for their votes: which
athlete had improved most during 2001, which athlete had contributed the most to the club
during 2001 or who was the best runners during 2001. The Men’s Award was won by
Clinton Young, while The Ladies Trophy was won by Pauline Cunningham.
News Post Leader - March 2002
Blyth Running Club have recently held
the seventh and final race in their Annual Winter Series of races around the Kitty
Brewster trading estate. It was another mild night for the thirty five runners who took
part in the last race, with Terry Hart winning the final event and claiming the yellow
T-shirt, some 13 seconds behind Terry came Jocelyn Smith who finished two seconds in front
of Clinton Young. The next thirty runners all finished within 70 seconds of the winner, so
the timekeepers were kept busy. The fastest time of the night was by Dale Smith, while
Anne Potts set the fastest time for the Ladies.
The Winter Series League was based on
the best five positions of each runner, and the winner of the League was Angie Brown whose
consistent running saw her finish in the top ten in four of the races. In second position
was Ian Cansfield, while Pauline Cunningham and Michael Stott tied for third position.
The Winter Series was part of the
Club’s Grand Prix which just has one more race to go, which is the Redcar Half
Marathon on Sunday 17th March.
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 takes place on Sunday 27th
April, starting from Concordia Sports Centre at 10:00am. Entry Forms are available from
Blyth Sports Centre or online at http://www.blythrunningclub.org.uk/
News Post Leader - January 2002 - Brass Monkey 1/2m 27th January / Winter Series
5 - 30th January
Twenty runners from Blyth
recently made the journey to York to run the ‘Brass Monkey Half Marathon’ and
several of the runners were rewarded with best times for the distance. The first Blyth
runner back was Andrew Brown who finished in an excellent ninth position with a time of 73
minutes, Dale Stafford was the next Blyth runner in 41st position with a time
of 79 minutes. The first Blyth Lady was Pauline Cunningham who ran a personal best time of
1 hour 46 minutes. Three days after the ‘Brass Monkey’, Blyth Running Club held
the fifth race in their Annual Winter Series of races around the Kitty Brewster trading
estate. Most of the runners who had run at York also ran the Winter Series. Christine
Willshire was the first runner away and was not passed until the last 100 metres when
Angie Brown overtook her, Angie could not hold the lead and was passed in the last ten
yards by a fast finishing Suzanne Humphrey who won by three seconds. The fastest time of
the night was set by Dale Stafford, while Suzanne Humphrey was the fastest lady.
News Post Leader - January 2002 - Winter Series 4 - 16th January
Blyth Running Club recently held the fourth race in their Annual Winter Series of races around the Kitty Brewster trading estate. The runners ran out into a slight breeze, but apart from this conditions were one again ideal for running the 2.5 mile course . Ian Cansfield was the first runner back, some thirty seconds in front of second runner John Mallon who beat Keith Willshire into third place, after this timekeepers Dave Kitching, Martin & Sandra Gaughan were kept busy as the next 35 runners all finished within 90 seconds of second place. The fastest time of the night was set by Dale Stafford, while Helen Morris was the fastest lady.
News Post Leader - December 2001
Blyth Running Club recently held their Annual Autumn Relay race around the Kitty Brewster. Handicapper Ron Hope had his work cut out to ensure that all the teams had an equal chance to win. The conditions seemed ideal for what was the 15th running of the Relays, although there was a slight breeze on the outward trip. The first 14 runners were set on their way by starter Dave Kitching and just under 15 minutes later, the first runner Ron Ingram returned and handed over to Club Chairman Ralph Dickinson to run the second leg. Ralph held onto this lead for the 2.25 miles and he gave third leg runner George Young a healthy lead over the chasing pack. However, a superb run by Robbie Barkley saw him overtake George in the last half mile and lead his team to victory, George had the consolation of holding onto second place for his team. Robbie Barkley had set off in ninth position but managed to pass all the runners in front and crossed the line first.
The winning team was: Nina Reveley, Steve Walker, Robbie Barkley, followed in second position by Ron Ingram, Ralph Dickinson and George Young, while the third team comprised Angie Brown, Kevin Freeman and Dale Stafford. Dale also set the fastest time on the night with 12:36. The fastest lady on the night (and setting a new Ladies Vets course record) was Cath Young who recorded 15:31. The fastest Vet on the night was the evergreen Rob Hall who returned from lengthy spell out injured to record 14:00. A special prize was presented to Steve Gillespie who is the only person to run all the Autumn Relays since the event started.
The runners would like to thank all the marshals and time-keepers who ensured that the event went off smoothly and without whom no race could take place.
News Post Leader - November 2001 - Winter Series 2 - 14th November / Brampton to
Carlisle - 17th November
Over 40 runners turned out for the
second race in Blyth Running Club’s Winter Series, on a clear, crisp night conditions
were ideal for running. The first runner back was Mark Martin who recorded a time of
16:27, finishing six seconds in front of Ian Cansfield with Angie Brown in third place two
seconds behind.
The fastest time of the night was set
by Robbie Barkley who recorded 13:32, while Cath Young set the fastest time for the Ladies
with 16:18.
Three days after the Winter Series,
over 40 runners from Blyth took part in the Brampton – Carlisle 10 Mile Road Race.
Once again the conditions were ideal for running with very little wind and no rain. With a
field of over 500 finishers, there were plenty of good times from the Blyth runners. The
race was won by Mike Scott of Border Harriers with a time of 50:26, while the winner of
the Ladies race was Lynne MacDougall of Glasgow with a time of 55:28. Andy Brown was first
back in 16th position with a time of 54:42, second Blyth runner back was Elliot
Makin in 26th position with a time of 56:09. Two more Blyth runners managed to
finish in under 60 minutes for the 10-miles and they were Dale Stafford and Gareth Hope.
The first Lady runner back for Blyth was Cath Young who managed to record a time under 70
minutes and just beat Anne Potts by nine seconds. Cath and Anne combined with Pauline
Cunningham to take the second prize for the Ladies Vets Team.
The next event on the running calendar
for Blyth is the Clubs’ Annual Relay Races which take place on Wednesday 28th
November.
Preparations are also well under way
for 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 date of the race is Sunday 3rd
December and entry forms are available at Blyth Sports Centre.
CONISTON 14 - 13th October
A small contingent of Blyth Running
Club members visited Cumbria on October 13th to take part in the rearranged
Coniston 14. Postponed from its original date in March due to Foot and Mouth restrictions,
the race attracted nearly 1,800 entries, but disappointingly, only 850 turned up to run.
The race takes in a complete circuit of Coniston Water, and the scenic route is undulating
all the way, with a tough climb at 11 miles.
The event was won by Ian Fisher of
Otley A.C., in a time of 1:15:30, with the first lady recording 1:32:34. First Blyth
runner to finish was Andy Brown in 16th place in 1:23:39 followed by Ian
Richardson in 1:29:19 and Steve Walker in 1:35:04. Angie Brown was first Blyth lady to
finish in 2:01:06 with Jocelyn Smith in 2:06:23.
Blyth Running Club members have a busy
period coming up, Wednesday 14th November sees the second race in the Clubs
Winter Series. A series of 2.5 mile races around the Kitty Brewster Trading Estate. Then
on Saturday 17th November, the next race in the Clubs Grand Prix takes place
with the Brampton – Carlisle 10 mile road race. On a traditionally fast course Blyth
runners will be hoping to record a fast time. On Wednesday 28th November the
club will hold their annual Relay races, where teams of three compete on a similar course
to the Winter Series.
Preparations are also well under way for 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 date of the race is Sunday 3rd December and entry forms are available at Blyth Sports Centre.
News Post Leader - October 2001 - Winter Series - Race 1 17th October
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. For the first race over the 2.5 mile course there was a
healthy turn-out of 45 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, and handicapper Andy Brown was on hand to set the
runners away at their allotted time. Christine Willshire was the first runner off,
followed shortly after by Jocelyn Smith, then it was a steady stream of runners until
eight minutes after the first runner Dale Stafford set off in hot pursuit of the 44
runners in front of him. Newcomer Barry Richardson was the first runner back, covering the
2.5 miles in just under 16 minutes, followed 8 seconds later by Michael Brown. In third
place was 11 year old Ryan Robinson who ran the distance in 15:16. The fastest time of the
night was set by Dale Stafford who recorded 13:06, while Anne Potts was the fastest woman
with a time of 16:36.
All the runners would like to thank
the marshals and helpers who turned out to ensure that everything went smoothly.
The next Winter Series Race is on
Wednesday 14th November and is open to all Club members
TYNEDALE TEN MILE 30th September
There were just under 180 runners who
ran this years Tynedale 10 Mile Road Race, with over 30 from BRC. On a tough hilly course
from Hexham to Ovingham and running into a strong head-wind for most of the way it was to
be expected that the times would be down compared to other 10 mile road races. None the
less there were the usual excellent performances from Blyth runners. The race was won by
Stewy Bell of Chester-le-street in a time of 53:20. The first runner back for Blyth was
Andy Brown who finished in seventh place, this following his excellent position of 87th
in this years Great North Run. Next back for Blyth was Dale Stafford who finished in just
over the hour in 16th position, while Gareth Hope continued his good form to
finish in 23rd position. These top 25 positions meant that those three won the
second team prize for the Senior Men, behind the North Shields 'A' team. The NSP 'B' team
included Elliott Makin in 14th place and Ian Richardson in 20th (BRC is their second claim
club).
Despite struggling up the steep hill
at nine miles, Cath Young was the first Blyth Lady home, recording a time of just over 72
minutes. Cath finished as seventh lady overall and third in her age group. The next Blyth
lady was Sharon Percy, followed by Angie Brown, who with Nina Reveley combined to take the
second team prize for Senior Ladies. Another popular winner was Club Treasurer Dave
Kitching who was second vet in his age group.
News Post Leader -
September 2001
Members of Blyth Running Club have
been travelling the region in the recent months running a variety of races. Seven of the
Ladies section ran in the Ladies Only race at Jesmond Dene. On a warm, dry night Helen
Morris was first Blyth Lady back in 23rd position, just five seconds and one
position in front of Cath Young. Out of over 250 runners, Pauline Cunningham, Trish
Goodwin and Christine Thompson all had good runs to finish in the first 100, while
Christine Willshire recorded under 30 minutes to finish in the top 130, while Liz Freeman
struggled a bit on the hilly course but still had over 60 runners behind her.
Later in the month, Helen and Liz both
took part in the North East 5K Championship held at Silksworth. Helen set a PB for the
distance and was third lady in her age category. They were accompanied by Gary Blanks who
had a steady run to record a time of 23 minutes, and Kevin Freeman who showed he is
returning to form with a time of 18 minutes.
At the recent Cramlington 5 mile run around the cycle tracks of Cramlington, starting and finishing outside the Library, Gareth Hope continued his excellent recent form with a fifth place position, while newcomer Nina Reveley was the third woman home.
News Post Leader - September 2001 - GREAT NORTH RUN 16th September
Sunday 16th September saw the 21st running of the Great North Run, one of the most popular races in the world, and as usual Blyth Running Club were well represented.
Club President Andy Griffin is one of the elite few runners who have taken part in all 21 runs, this despite having a replacement hip operation a few years ago. Even with an artificial hip Andy still managed a very creditable 1:44. Before his hip replacement operation Andy was one of the leading vet runners in the area and used to hold the club record of 69 minutes for the Great North Run. Running the GNR for the twentieth time were Club Treasurer Dave Kitching (with a time of 1:43) and Kenn Reay who recorded 1:27. The first Blyth Lady back was Cath Young who recorded an excellent time of 1:34, while Sheila Greener was next Blyth lady with a time of 1:35.
Seventy Four year old Katie Seccombe was putting a lot of younger runners to shame by finishing in under 2:45, this despite taking over 17 minutes to reach the start line.
Terry Hart and his wife Sylvia both ran the race with Terry recording a very creditable 1:38. The first runner back for Blyth was Andy Brown who ran 1:16 while his wife Angie finished in under 2:00. Other Blyth finishers included Aynsley Herron (1:39), Trish Goodwin (1:57), Pauline Cunningham (1:49), Keith Willshire (1:41), Sharon Percy (1:43), Ron Ingram (1:38), John Bryan (1:34), Brian Hedley (1:36), Mark Martin (1:44), Clinton Young (1:36) and Suzanne Humphrey (1:48)
Sunday 30th September sees the next event in the Clubs Grand Prix – the ‘Tynedale 10 Mile’ run form Hexham to Ovingham. Transport has been arranged and information is on the Club notice-board.
News Post Leader -
September 2001 - Blyth Links 10K
– Tuesday 28th August
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. Over 140 runners took part in this year's run with Blyth and North Shields providing over 40 runners each. Club Official Dave Kitching had marked out an accurate 10K course which used the new 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 three runners home were all from North Shields Poly, with Ian Tweddle winning from Tony Wallet by nine seconds with Terry Mellor in third place. The first Blyth runner home was Dale Stafford in eighth position, while young Michael Stott was second Blyth home in fourteenth place, with Gareth Hope just one place behind him. In a successful night for the Stott family, Michael's father Eddie was the first Blyth vet home. Lesley Miller was the first lady home and she also runs for North Shields Poly. Lesley beat Blyth's Helen Morris into second position by six seconds, Jane Saul of Claremont was the third lady home.
After the race all runners were invited to Blyth Sports Centre where Blyth had provided a buffet for everybody.
Everybody in Blyth 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 2001 - Morpeth 10k 7th August 2001
Thirty four BRC runners were amongst the 232 runners who got absolutely soaked taking part in this year's Morpeth 10k road race, held on the 7th of August. Torrential rain ensured that all the competitors got absolutely soaked and parts of the course resembled a steeplechase! The downpour lasted for the duration of the event, which consists of two laps around Tranwell Woods, near to the Pharmacia factory (formerly Searle). The race was won by home runner Terry Wall, while first home for BRC in 29th position was Gareth Hope, continuing his excellent recent form, and maintaining his 100% record in the five Grand Prix events to date. He was followed 10 seconds later by Robbie Barklay in 31st place, and 7 seconds later, by Michael Stott in 32nd. Gareth is now the only competitor in this year's Grand Prix to have a 100% record, after Andy Brown and Sharon Percy missed this event.
The sole Blyth prize-winner on the night was Helen Morris, who took the 3rd Lady v35 prize (7th Lady overall), she was also first Blyth lady home, 20 seconds in front of Cath Young (9th). Kevin Westwood was first home in Division Three, while Dave Hendry was first in League four, with Clinton Young first in division five.
On Tuesday 28th August BRC organise their annual invitation Links 10K. Blyth have sent invitations NSP, Blaydon and Claremont and usually attract well over 150 runners to this run/social night. Any member wishing to enter or assist then please see the Club notice-board at Blyth Sports Centre and put their name down. The course of the race is from Blyth Beach car-park, along the Beach Road to Seaton Sluice to Collywell Bay road, along the cliff tops, up past the Delaval Arms, then back along Collywell Bay road and then back to the car-park. Details are on the Club notice-board at Blyth sports centre.
News Post Leader - July 12th 2001
Nearly 600 runners took part in this years Tynedale 10K which was held on Wednesday 4th July, with BRC supplying 50 runners. The race starts at Ovingham and then they follow the banks of the Tyne to Wylam, cross over the Tyne and head back to Ovingham. The weather was hot, humid and sticky for this race and this may explain why the majority of runners recorded slower times than normal for 6.2 miles. However, as usual Blyth runners accounted themselves well with the Ladies section being particularly successful. It will come as no surprise to regular readers to hear that Andy Brown was the first Blyth runner back in tenth position overall, with Dale Stafford next in 16th position overall, while the evergreen Rob Hall was the third runner back for Blyth and was third in his age category. Gareth Hope showed that all his hard training is working with a tremendous run to finish in 49th position.
Helen Morris was the first lady home and was third in her age category, while Cath Young was next Blyth Lady finishing just two seconds in front of Sharon Percy. Cath and Helen were joined by Suzanne Humphrey in winning the Women’s vets prize, while Trish Goodwin was the third Lady home in her age category.
Veteran Bob Soulsby was the first over 70 male finisher in the race.
News Post Leader - June 21st 2001
The first three events of Blyth Running Clubs Grand Prix have now been completed and the five leagues are now starting to take shape. The events were the Keswick half Marathon, the annual Club Handicap of eight miles and the Blaydon Race of 5.7 miles, so there was a distance to suit all abilities.
In Division One, Andy Brown has proved that he has recovered from his injuries to have a 100% record by being the first runner in Division one in the three races so far. Ian Richardson lies in second place with Robbie Barkley just in front of Dale Stafford.
In Division Two, young Gareth Hope also has a 100% record and is certainly training hard to keep some experienced runners behind him, with Steve Walker and John Mallon leading the chasing pack.
Division Three sees Club Chairman Ralph Dickinson having a small advantage over Kevin Westwood and John Bryan. While in Division Four Mark Martin has the advantage over Anne Potts and Helen Morris. Sharon Percy in Division Five is another runner with a 100% record and leads from Angie Bosworth and Clinton Young.
The next event in the Grand Prix is the Tynedale 10K on Wednesday July 4th, transport has been arranged and details are on the Club Notice-Board at Blyth Sports Centre. If anybody is currently training for the Great North Run in September and they wish to have somebody to run with or need any assistance or training advice 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
News Post Leader - June
14th 2001 - BLAYDON RACE 9th
June
This years Blaydon Race was run in the
worst conditions since the race started in 1980, there was continuous rain as the runners
congregated outside Balmbra’s in Newcastle for the start of the 5.7 mile race to
Blaydon which follows the route in the song. The weather deteriorated further as the race
got underway but this did not deter the runners as over 3000 finished the course – a
record number for the race. Over 70 of these were from Blyth Running Club and as usual
there were some outstanding efforts in the conditions. The race was won by Kenyan Julius
Kimtai, while the first woman was Gateshead’s Karen Hind who broke the course record
by 45 seconds. First runner back for Blyth was Andrew Brown with a time of 30:37 and
finishing just in front of Mike McLeod’s son Ryan. Next back was Dale Stafford who
confirmed his potential with an excellent run of 31:06, while Rob Barkley was third Blyth
runner home and finished inside the first 100 of a top quality field. The first Lady home
for Blyth was Helen Morris with a time 38:05, while Sheila Greener was second Blyth home
and the first Lady Over 50 to confirm her standing as one of the top Lady Vets in the
region, Cath Young was the third Blyth Lady home.
Two of Blyth’s older members had exceptional runs as Dennis Moss was second in the over 70 category while 75 year old Bob Soulsby was 6th in the male over 70 category.