Blyth Running Club in the news

Articles from the local press - submitted by Keith Willshire

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

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 Hea