Grand Prix Race Results 2016

         Race 1 – Snake Lane 10M                Race 2 – Coniston 14M                    Race 3 – North Tyneside 10K         Race 4 – Les Allcorn 10K

         Race 5 – Pier to Pier 7M                   Race 6 – Bridges of the Tyne 5M     Race 7 – Cock Crow 5K         Race 8 – Hexham half

         Race 9 – NEMC Coastal half            Race 10 – Sedgefield Serpentine      Race 11 – Kielder half         Race 12 – Brampton 10M

Race 12 - Brampton to Carlisle 10 Mile – Sun 20th November 2016

The 65th running of the ever-popular Brampton to Carlisle 10 mile road race took place in dry and sunny but very cold conditions this year.  There was also a following breeze for much of the race and these conditions were reflected in some very good times for many of the runners, although the breeze also added to the pre-race chill leading to difficult clothing choices for some!

The 21 Blyth runners included 16 Grand Prix competitors seeking points from the final race of this year’s competition (although some needed the points more than others).  Brad was not only first finisher for the club but sealed his second overall Grand Prix win, following on from his triumph in 2014.  More importantly still, Brad’s impressive time was a substantial PB – the first of several for Blyth runners on the day.  Claire was first lady for the club and was another with a huge PB, taking over three minutes off her previous best.

Special mention should also be given to Cath who managed a top-three position in her category.

The Personal and Season’s Bests achieved on the day were too numerous to all be listed here but congratulations should be recorded to all of our finishers, especially for those completing this distance for the first time in club colours and for the Grand Prix runners finishing the season in the top three in their divisions (refer to tables for a full list of these).

 

The full results can be found HERE 

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

1

31

Bradley Clough

M

57:19

1

10

12

393

Catherine Young

F55

81:12

-

-

2

67

Jon French

M

60:22

1

9

13

398

Julie Lemin

F40

81:40

4

9

3

110

Steven French

M40

64:38

2

9

14

415

Lisa Scorer

F35

82:37

-

-

4

146

Ian Baxter

M45

66:40

2

8

15

439

Claire Mason

F50

84:17

4

8

5

227

David Roberts

M55

70:52

2

7

16

454

Gemma Harmon

F

85:15

5

11

6

231

Richard Shillinglaw

M

71:02

3

13

17

487

Ralph Dickinson

M65

87:06

4

7

7

256

Claire Calverley

F40

72:03

3

12

18

540

Anita Brabazon

F

90:47

5

10

8

274

Steve Dobby

M40

72:56

3

11

19

585

Anne Craddock

F55

95:40

5

9

9

317

Mal Darbyshire

M60

75:15

3

10

20

595

Joanne Stobbart

F50

96:46

6

6

10

362

Terry McCabe

M65

78:38

-

-

21

638

Colin Brown

V45

1:41:54

-

-

11

380

Sandra Watson

F45

80:30

-

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total No. of finishers :-  677

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Race 11 - Kielder Half Marathon – Sun 2nd October 2016

The Kielder Marathon Weekend is growing into one of the biggest events in northern racing calendar and this year saw the 2nd running of the Half Marathon alongside the Marathon. So it was decided this new race should be included in this year’s BRC Grand Prix.

 

Many BRC members were involved in the marshalling and many opted to stay over the night before. It was a fine morning for running as the masses lined up for the start at Kielder Dam, which was the only flat section of the race as the many, many undulations around the reservoir proved to be very challenging indeed. Even so, some good performances were recorded on the day.

 

From the good show of 20 Blyth runners Jon French was first back and despite ‘not having a great race’ finished in the top 10 and scooped the first place points in Division 1. First lady back was Julie Lemin who ran well from Division 4. Leanne Davies is also worthy of a mention as she managed a pb on ‘that’ course.

 

The course is spectacular in terms of scenery but is without a doubt a tough one. One to repeat but entering the full marathon definitely requires some deep consideration.

 

On reflection the event had good organisation and the price, t-shirt, medal and location offers far better value and experience than the GNR. Also congratulations to David Beech who won the 10K for Blyth on the Saturday.

 

The full results and photos can be found HERE

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

1

9

Jon French

M

1:26:16

1

10

11

432

Anita Brabazon

F

2:11:45

5

10

2

48

Steven French

M40

1:35:09

2

9

12

505

Craig Harmon

M

2:18:36

4

7

3

112

Shaun Dodd

M40

1:44:04

2

8

13

553

Andrea Wilson

F40

2:23:36

6

6

4

141

Darren Noble

M40

1:47:42

3

13

14

559

Catherine Arries

F

2:24:54

5

9

5

160

Julie Lemin

F40

1:49:22

4

9

15

561

Joanne Stobbart

F50

2:25:32

6

5

6

230

Leanne Davis

F

1:55:48

---

---

16

572

Gemma Harmon

F

2:26:18

5

8

7

236

Scott Arries

M

1:56:06

3

12

17

671

Jen Stewart

F

2:43:22

---

---

8

252

Michael Ashby

M40

1:57:26

5

11

18

672

Lynn Munro

F60

2:43:23

6

4

9

324

John Mallon

M60

2:02:56

4

8

19

678

Alison Warnes

F50

2:45:06

6

3

10

350

Gwen Forster

F40

2:05:13

3

11

20

686

Simon Sellars

M

2:56:06

6

2

Total No. of finishers :-  705

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Race 10 - Sedgefield Serpentine – Sun 18th September 2016

The Sedgefield Serpentine race was the 10th Grand Prix race of the season and the 3rd race in the 10K to 10M category. The race was billed as a ‘UK Athletics-registered 6.5 mile multi-terrain race starting and finishing at Sedgefield Cricket Club’. All of this was true except perhaps the distance which most measured around the 6.3 mile mark. Blyth RC had 10 runners in the field of 180 and the conditions were perfect for running.

 

The race started out from the back of the cricket club, across a meadow and through an underpass into Hardwick Hall Country Park. Then it was over tracks, trails, fields and through trees – whoever designed the course certainly had some imagination! I would estimate .3 was on tarmac and the rest was certainly off-road – but fortunately not too hilly!

 

A very enjoyable race, some narrow places to overtake and plenty of branches to duck but well worthy of inclusion in future GP’s.

 

 

The full results and photos can be found HERE

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

1

21

Steven French

M40

45:04

2

9

6

120

Ralph Dickinson

M60

60:05

4

9

2

29

Martin Scott

M40

46:92

2

8

7

125

Ewa Johnson

F45

61:22

5

10

3

47

Shaun Dodd

M40

50:18

2

7

8

127

Anita Brabazon

F

61:44

5

9

4

48

Richard Shillinglaw

M

50:30

3

13

9

159

Andrea Wilson

F35

68:07

6

6

5

86

Michael Ashby

M40

54:50

5

11

10

163

Joanne Stobbart

F45

68:29

6

5

Total No. of finishers :-  180

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Race 9 - NEMC Coastal Half Marathon – Sun 21st August 2016

A total of 20 Blyth runners turned out on this warm and sunny Sunday, for a scenic yet challenging off road/trail half marathon. The route began on the beach near Marsdon rocks (although there was a little confusion around where the actual start was, as there was no marker or marshal there when the runners arrived).  In the race instructions you were advised to take a copy of the route description with you as there would be no mile makers and few signs or marshals, we were instructed to follow the well-used path and the signs for the ‘Northumberland Coastal Path’.  Some sections of the route were marked with yellow tape. The best advice came from Mike Ashby ‘Just keep the sea on your right on the way out and make sure it’s on the left on the way back and you can’t go wrong.’  However the lack of markers and marshals did cause a little bit of confusion amongst a few of the runners, especially if there was no one immediately in front of you to follow.  There was also some confusion where some runners went the wrong way due to following the runner in front of them who appeared to know where they were going. (It has been noted that this mistake cost these runners to add approximately 5+ minutes to their time).

The race started around 5 minutes late and was headed by our very own Ash Henderson and Brad Clough. After a short section on the sand we were directed off the beach and up onto some concrete steps, at the top of these we immediately turned right past some quaint wooden holiday homes on the left. The route in some parts was only suitable for a single runner, but it did widen out and there was ample opportunity to pass any slower runners.  You then followed the picturesque coastal path, passing Boulmer, turning round at Craster and then returning to Alnmouth.

The surface underfoot was varied and included, sand, rocks, grass, gravel paths, and (thanks to all the rain the previous day) a rather slippery muddy section.  For those that took the time to take in the views, they were rewarded with scenery that is second to none. There was a water/marshal point at Boulmer, with water, juice and jelly babies aplenty.

The many gates were a little bit of a nuisance; though they did provide a much needed opportunity for a breather.

This was an out and back route and once you hit the marshal/water station at Craster you turned around and followed the same route back, the only exception being that the finish was 1.6 miles further down the beach from the start at Marsdon rocks.  This sandy section was made all the more difficult due to a slight head wind.

This was a tough and challenging half marathon, along our dramatic coastline with beautiful scenery.

Special mentions go to Brad Clough and Ash Henderson who finished first and second overall, Ash was also a winner in his age group, Claire Calverley was first Blyth lady, first in her age group as well as second overall lady, and to Lynn Munro and Dave Roberts who were first in their age groups.  Commiserations to Craig Harmon who had to pull out due to injury, hopefully it won’t keep him out of action for too long.

Small improvements to the race could be made in the form of the following: Better signage at the start of the race, more marshals/signage/yellow tape where the route is tricky to understand, and have the marshal wear something bright and visible to distinguish them from the general public, (as it proved hard to pick them out on the beaches and at the finish line). 

A small mention also to Davina and Adele Lonsdale who completed the full marathon.

 

The full results can be found HERE

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

1

1

Brad Clough

M

1.29.20

1

10

11

38

Sandra Watson

F45

211.14

-

-

2

2

Andrew Henderson

M40

1.32.30

1

9

12

40

Michael Ashby

M45

2.12.50

5

11

3

8

Rob Sharratt

M35

1.50.35

-

-

13

57

Claire Mason

F50

2.25.35

4

8

4

9

Steve Dobby

M40

1.50.57

3

13

14

61

Gemma Harmon

F

2.33.15

5

10

5

13

Martin Scott

M45

1.54.08

2

9

15

64

Anne Craddock

F55

2.36.55

5

9

6

15

Claire Calverley

F40

1.55.47

3

12

16

65

Andrea Wilson

F40

2.43.30

6

6

7

17

Shaun Dodd

M45

1.57.00

2

8

17

66

Julie-Anne Jobling

F

2.44.09

-

-

8

18

Richard Shillinglaw

M35

1.57.47

3

11

18

67

Joanne Stobbart

F50

2.44.09

6

5

9

22

Dave Roberts

M55

2.00.10

2

7

19

68

Lynn Munro

F60

2.48.42

6

4

10

25

Julie Lemin

F40

2.01.14

4

9

20

DNF

Craig Harmon

DNF

Total No. of finishers :-  71

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Race 8 - Hexham Half Marathon – Sun 31st July 2016

Well this was a properly tough one!  News of a new road half marathon in Northumberland caused this race to be included in the club Grand Prix at the first time of asking.  Of course, with it being based in Hexham it was never going to be flat and being in the middle of summer meant that it might be a bit warm but …

Not daunted by such considerations, 15 of our runners made the short trip to Hexham very early (for a 9 o’clock start) on a Sunday morning.  The organiser had been sending out maps of the route in advance but it wasn’t easy to work out exactly what it would be due to there being a number of loops.  However, it did seem clear that the route would take us up to a hamlet called Sandhoe north of the A69 a couple of times and that there would be a hill involved each time.  The route became a lot clearer once we had started and could see mile markers which would clearly be for when we came off the first loop and then when we came back that way later.  Forewarned is forearmed?

The race started below cloudless skies just to the east of Hexham (near where the Jelly Tea race used to start for those who have done that race) and the first part followed the start of the Jelly Tea route as it used to be.  Then we turned left and went up to Sandhoe for the first time.  I thought that the third mile was plenty hard enough – the hill was steep enough to bring some of us to a walk – until we went down the other side which was really steep, and realised that we were going to have to run it the other way around that loop later in the race.  Oh dear (or words to that effect)!

A flattish stretch to the edge of Corbridge was followed by a nice bit of trail through woods and along by the river, providing welcome shade from what had become a seriously hot morning for a race with the sun blazing throughout.  A sharp ramp up to the road removed any sense that it would be easier for the second half and then we retraced our steps to the bottom of the Sandhoe loop, this time to go clockwise rather than anti-.

After 9 miles in the blazing sun I cannot imagine that anyone welcomed the idea of the hill in the tenth mile.  Some ran quite a bit more of it than I did but to give the best picture of what that hill was like, my pace slowed from an average of 7:31 per mile up to that point to 10:18 for mile 10 – and I know that plenty didn’t manage that mile as quickly as even that.  Of course, the real challenge with hills can often be to get back on pace when you have got past the climb, and the next mile was all downhill, followed by two flattish miles to the finish.

All in all, a pretty tough course in very challenging conditions and there were quite a few who suffered from some combination of those two factors.  On the plus side, however, it was really good to be able to run almost the entire course on closed roads, and the loops seemed to work well with good marshalling and wisely placed water stations so that we could rehydrate fairly often.  It is to be hoped that this event goes from strength to strength as local races are not easy to come by.

Steven French was first back for Blyth by a convincing margin and now has a full set of counting races to make him almost uncatchable at the top of Division 2 (just three other Grand Prix competitors took this first opportunity to complete a full set of six counting races for the season).  Claire Calverley was an even more convincing first lady back for Blyth, finishing inside the top ten ladies on the day.

 

The full results can be found HERE

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

1

28

Steven French

M

1:36:05

2

9

9

179

Anne Craddock

F

2:05:55

5

10

2

45

David Roberts

M

1:40:34

2

8

10

193

Gemma Harmon

F

2:09:16

5

9

3

50

Richard Shillinglaw

M

1:41:47

3

13

11

196

Anita Brabazon

F

2:09:49

5

8

4

55

Claire Calverley

F

1:43:24

3

12

12

202

Ewa Johnson

F

2:10:49

5

7

5

137

Julie Lemin

F

1:58:15

4

9

13

210

Stephen Nendick

M

2:12:52

-

-

6

138

Davina Lonsdale

F

1:58:16

-

-

14

255

Joanne Stobbart

F

2:24:56

6

6

7

171

Claire Mason

F

2:03:45

4

8

15

277

Simon Sellars

M

2:48:17

6

5

8

173

Michael Ashby

M

2:04:04

5

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total No. of finishers :-  290

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Race 7 - Cock Crow 5K – Tue 12th July 2016

This race only seems to have been on the calendar for three or four years, and was included in this year’s club Grand Prix partly to introduce members to a new event, partly to support a local club race and partly because it is a bit different, being run entirely off road.

In fact, the course turned out to be mostly trail path covered in loose stones, which was pretty easy to run on if not as quick a surface as the tarmac that most of us are used to.  It was also decidedly not flat, with a proper (if short) hill in the second kilometre and another more gradual one in the fourth.  The pre-race briefing included warnings about hurdling the railway sleeper (twice), being careful at the stile and watching out for the lake at the bottom of the hill, although the latter would have taken a particularly dozy runner to go straight on into it!

With 26 competitors on the night, Blyth made up just over a quarter of the field.  There were more of us than there were of even the host club, although Jarrow & Hebburn still easily won both team prizes.  Our runners did well though, with our leading man (Brad) and lady (Claire) both taking second prize.  Jon, Dave and Anne all won their categories as well, so the prize giving at the Cock Crow Inn (with free food provided – you get good hospitality at this race too) was well attended.

The full results can be found HERE

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

1

2

Bradley Clough

M

17:10

1

10

14

62

Trevor Wakenshaw

M50

23:35

3

9

2

4

Jon French

M35

18:03

1

9

15

66

Michael Ashby

M45

24:32

5

11

3

25

Martin Scott

M45

20:25

2

9

16

71

Michael McKenna

M

24:45

4

7

4

34

Andrew Grieves

M40

21:16

2

8

17

76

Gemma Harmon

F

25:14

5

10

5

37

Richard Shillinglaw

M35

21:22

3

13

18

78

Paul Blackett

M40

25:28

5

9

6

40

Mark Ponton

M45

21:31

3

12

19

80

Ralph Dickinson

M60

25:34

4

6

7

44

David Roberts

M55

21:38

2

7

20

82

Steven Walker

M55

25:46

4

5

8

45

Shaun Dodd

M45

21:45

2

6

21

83

Anita Brabazon

F

26:03

5

8

9

47

Craig Harmon

M

22:11

4

9

22

85

Anne Craddock

F55

27:01

5

7

10

48

Claire Calverley

F40

22:18

3

11

23

87

Colin Brown

M45

27:48

-

-

11

53

John Mallon

M60

22:58

4

8

24

89

Ewa Johnson

F45

27:50

5

6

12

56

Darren Noble

M45

23:04

3

10

25

90

Louise Rawlinson

F40

29:00

5

5

13

57

Billy Shaw

M45

23:09

-

-

26

94

Joanne Stobbart

F50

29:45

6

6

Total No. of finishers :-  98

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Race 6 - Bridges of the Tyne 5M – Tue 5th July 2016

A warm and breezy evening greeted another great turnout of Blyth runners for the ‘fast and flat’ (as long as you didn’t spend too much time avoiding the very large puddles left over from the heavy showers earlier in the week) race west along the north bank of the river and then back again.

With a number of impressive performances throughout the field, the club came away with a lot of credit, and Claire Calverley and Anne Craddock both picked up category prizes as well.  Brad was first Blyth finisher, holding off Jake all the way to the line, and Claire was also first Blyth lady.

It is easy to see why this race is extremely popular – on-line entries sold out in less than an hour – and it will probably continue to appear in the club Grand Prix list every two or three years.  It is definitely one for a PB under the right conditions, is easy to get to and has plenty of opportunity for post-race refreshment, for those that way inclined.

The full results can be found HERE

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

1

11

Bradley Clough

M

27:39

1

10

21

201

Sandra Watson

F

39:45

-

-

2

13

Jake Masterman

MU20

27:45

-

-

22

202

Claire Mason

F50

39:55

4

7

3

28

Gary Jones

M

29:27

-

-

23

220

Michael McKenna

M

40:59

4

6

4

32

Andrew Henderson

M40

30:04

1

9

24

223

David McGarry

M40

41:07

-

-

5

50

Steven French

M40

31:31

2

9

25

228

Anita Brabazon

F

41:26

5

10

6

73

Martin Scott

M45

33:19

2

8

26

233

Paul Blackett

M40

41:42

5

9

7

93

Andrew Grieves

M40

34:35

2

7

27

240

Alan Jobling

M40

41:54

5

8

8

100

Richard Shillinglaw

M

34:47

3

13

28

245

Dawn Martin

F45

42:03

-

-

9

101

Mark Nicholson

MU20

34:59

2

6

29

246

Ralph Dickinson

M60

42:03

4

5

10

104

Mark Ponton

M45

35:02

3

12

30

247

Steve Walker

M55

42:14

4

4

11

114

David Roberts

M55

35:26

2

5

31

267

Anne Craddock

F55

43:19

5

7

12

123

Shaun Dodd

M45

35:46

2

4

32

268

Mark Martin

M50

43:19

-

-

13

133

Claire Calverley

F40

36:27

3

11

33

291

Hayley Raithby

F40

44:43

4

3

14

155

John Mallon

M60

37:30

4

9

34

292

Julie Lemin

F40

44:43

4

2

15

156

Billy Shaw

M45

37:31

-

-

35

295

Ewa Johnson

F45

44:41

5

6

16

182

Craig Harmon

M

38:46

4

8

36

305

Peter Maylia

M60

45:48

5

5

17

184

Gwen Forster

F40

38:53

3

10

37

319

Andrea Wilson

F40

46:54

6

6

18

187

Trevor Wakenshaw

M50

38:50

3

9

38

322

Joanne Stobbart

F50

47:08

6

5

19

188

Ian Baxter

M45

39:03

2

3

39

339

Alison Warnes

 F50

49:45

 6

 4

20

199

Michael Ashby

M45

39:47

5

11

40

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total No. of finishers :-  376

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Race 5 - Pier to Pier 7M – Sun 22nd May 2016

On a gloriously sunny morning, 44 of our runners (35 Grand Prix entries and 9 who needed no more incentive than the race itself) assembled on South Shields beach, together with well over a thousand others, for this perennial favourite race.  The course starts with about three quarters of a mile on sand and finishes with another quarter of a mile on the beach at Roker but everything in between is trail – either grass or path.

I always think that hardest part of this race is getting off the first beach, which can wreck your legs for the rest of the race if you go at it too hard, but after that it can still be quite tough going if you do nearly all of your running on roads (like me), as the softer and ever-changing surface creates a different challenge.  Bearing that in mind, some of our runners produced excellent performances, with Ash narrowly beating Jon for the honour (and points) of first Blyth male and Rachelle having another good run to be first Blyth female.

As usual, the organisation by Sunderland Strollers – both efficient and informal at the same time – complemented the race well and I am sure that many of us will be back in future years, and it probably won’t be too long before this event is next in the Grand Prix again either.

 

The full results can be found at HERE

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

1

19

Ash Henderson

M40

42:28

1

10

23

504

Michael Ashby

M40

61:05

5

10

2

20

Jon French

M

42:45

1

9

24

506

Craig Harmon

M

61:06

4

8

3

45

Graeme Stewart

M

45:44

1

8

25

541

Hayley Raithby

F40

61:59

4

7

4

65

Ian Baxter

M40

47:06

2

9

26

552

Catherine Young

F50

62:14

-

-

5

84

Steven French

M40

48:10

2

8

27

568

Julie Lemin

F40

63:05

4

6

6

103

Andrew Grieves

M40

49:36

2

7

28

577

Claire Mason

F50

63:15

4

5

7

106

Martin Scott

M40

49:45

2

6

29

598

Alan Jobling

M40

63:46

5

9

8

108

Shaun Dodd

M40

49:49

2

5

30

601

Davina Lonsdale

F50

63:57

-

-

9

134

Rachelle Falloon

F

50:31

3

13

31

605

Adele Lonsdale

F40

63:59

-

-

10

147

Ryan Shiel

M

51:05

-

-

32

609

Dave Cox

M60

64:08

-

-

11

163

Mark Nicholson

M

51:35

2

4

33

622

Ralph Dickinson

M60

64:28

4

4

12

202

Richard Shillinglaw

M

52:48

3

12

34

673

Leanne Davies

F

65:49

-

-

13

208

Rob Sharratt

M

52:57

-

-

35

698

Gemma Harmon

F

66:36

5

8

14

215

David Roberts

M50

53:14

2

3

36

742

Lesley Falkous

F

67:57

-

-

15

246

John Mallon

M60

54:13

4

9

37

743

Ewa Johnson

F40

67:59

5

7

16

284

Mark Ponton

M40

55:17

3

11

38

758

David Falkous

M50

68:22

-

-

17

302

David Potts

M40

55:50

3

10

39

764

Anita Brabazon

F

68:35

5

6

18

306

Brian Shiel

M50

55:55

-

-

40

829

Andrea Wilson

F40

70:30

6

6

19

358

David Bradley

M60

57:40

-

-

41

863

Louise Rawlinson

F40

72:04

5

5

20

367

Terry McCabe

M60

57:49

-

-

42

954

Joanne Stobbart

F50

75:16

6

5

21

379

Paul Blackett

M40

58:10

5

11

43

978

Lynn Munro

F60

76:26

 6

 4

22

442

Gwen Forster

F40

59:35

3

9

44

1053

Simon Sellars

M

82:14

 6

 3

Total No. of finishers :-  1128

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Race 4 - Les Allcorn 10K – Tue 3rd May 2016

The Les Allcorn 10K was the 4th Race in the BRC 2016 Grand Prix and was the 2nd race in the ‘Up to 10K’ category. Many will be familiar with this race as this year saw the 20th running of the event and many will remember it certainly isn’t the easiest of courses. In recent years the start and finish have swapped places, gone is the uphill start but now the uphill struggle takes place over the last mile or so. Rather encouragingly Blyth counted for 40 finishers of the field of 138, there wasn’t too much representation from south of Blyth as the remainder of the pack consisted mostly of runners from Alnwick, Wooler, Ashington Hirst and Morpeth - this gave the evening a truly Northumbrian feel.

Too many there to mention everyone individually but the highlights included Jon French coming home in 6th place overall. Not far behind finishing just outside the top 10 were Tony Holland and Graeme Stewart (all Division 1).

Division 2 had a great turnout of 7 runners from a possible 9. Steven French and Martin Scott finished closely before Rachelle Falloon finished strongly as first Division 3 runner - and more importantly 1st lady overall on the night. Well done Rachelle, another trophy for the collection! Richard Shillinglaw also ran well to finish as the 2nd place Division 3 runner, one minute behind Richard was Claire Calverley who collected a veteran’s prize.

John Mallon ran a stormer to finish 1st in Division 4 taking a few Division 3 scalps on the way. Craig Harmon and Julie Lemin were next to finish in Division 4. Michael Ashby ran another great race to finish ahead in Division 5, Paul Blackett also ran well to start his GP campaign with the 2nd place points and Anne Craddock did well to hold off Alan Jobling for 3rd in Div 5.

No chance in the men’s team prize as Morpeth finished with a 1-2-3, the BRC ladies were initially awarded the team prize but some form of mix-up occurred so I’m not sure whether this was still the case at the end of the night. Well done everyone and also a mention for BRC newcomer Ron Forster who also ran – welcome to the club!

 

The full results can be found at HERE

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

1

6

Jon French

M

37:08

1

10

21

83

Trevor Wakenshaw

M40

50:46

3

6

2

11

Tony Holland

M40

38:49

1

9

22

89

Paul Blackett

M40

52:00

5

10

3

13

Graeme Stewart

M

39:24

1

8

23

95

Gwen Forster

F35

52:54

3

5

4

22

Steven French

M40

41:16

2

9

24

96

Julie Lemin

F35

52:56

4

7

5

25

Martin Scott

M40

42:04

2

8

25

100

Anne Craddock

F55

53:37

5

9

6

28

Rachelle Falloon

F

42:33

3

13

26

101

Alan Jobling

M40

53:48

5

8

7

34

Andrew Grieves

M40

43:04

2

7

27

104

Hayley Raithby

F35

54:19

4

6

8

35

Ian Baxter

M40

43:16

2

6

28

107

Davina Lonsdale

F45

54:45

-

-

9

44

Shaun Dodd

M40

44:24

2

5

29

108

Adele Lonsdale

F45

54:46

-

-

10

48

Richard Shillinglaw

M

44:44

3

12

30

109

Ralph Dickinson

M60

54:55

4

5

11

51

Paul Knight

M40

45:06

2

4

31

110

Catherine Arries

F35

54:58

5

7

12

56

Claire Calverley

F35

45:44

3

11

32

120

Ewa Johnson

F45

57:12

5

6

13

60

John Mallon

M60

46:11

4

9

33

121

Gemma Harmon

F

58:00

5

5

14

63

Darren Noble

M40

46:55

3

10

34

122

Ron Forster

M60

58:18

-

-

15

66

Scott Arries

M

47:01

3

9

35

123

Anita Brabazon

F

58:34

5

4

16

68

David Potts

M40

47:26

3

8

36

128

Andrea Wilson

F35

58:49

6

6

17

69

David Roberts

M50

47:45

2

3

37

132

Louise Rawlinson

F35

61:25

5

3

18

72

Mark Ponton

M40

48:24

3

7

38

133

Joanne Stobbart

F45

62:08

6

5

19

78

Craig Harmon

M

49:42

4

8

39

135

Lynn Munro

F55

64:06

6

4

20

80

Michael Ashby

M40

50:24

5

11

40

137

Alison Warnes

F45

66:47

6

3

Total No. of finishers :-  139

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Race 3 - North Tyneside 10K – Sun 27th March 2016

Spring had officially sprung – or at least the clocks had gone forward the previous night, leading to some bleary-eyed runners beforehand – for the North Tyneside 10K, the third race in the 2106 club Grand Prix.  It was accompanied by a very strong south-westerly wind which, while mostly behind and a boost to times, was occasionally across the runners and very prone to buffeting us all.  It also made conditions before and after seem very cold!

It was the first time that this race had been in the club Grand Prix in the twelve years that it has been running.  The course runs from Wallsend Sports Centre down to the river – a very fast first mile – and then along to the river mouth and up past Tynemouth Priory – a nasty hill from the end of mile 2 and well into mile 3 -  and then along the sea front to finish on the road to St Mary’s Lighthouse.  The course has its moments but will tend to be the sort that you either love (and keep coming back for) or don’t (and won’t!).

With the following wind for much of the race, it was no surprise to see a number of PBs – some of them substantial – from amongst our 30 runners, and it was good to see several making their Grand Prix debuts, as well as some new members completing their first race in Blyth colours.  Ash had a strong run to be first home for Blyth and Rachelle produced another impressive performance to be first Blyth lady.

The full results can be found at HERE

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

1

32

Ash Henderson

MV40

36:45

1

10

16

472

Richard Mcsloy

MV50

48:17

-

-

2

53

Graeme Stewart

MV35

38:18

1

9

17

492

Michael Ashby

MV45

48:49

5

11

3

79

Steven French

MV40

39:20

2

9

18

504

David Potts

MV45

48:30

3

8

4

148

Rachelle Falloon

F

41:28

3

13

19

582

Billy Shaw

MV40

49:42

-

-

5

166

Martin Gaughan

MV55

42:11

-

-

20

617

Claire Mason

FV50

50:32

4

7

6

219

Richard Shillinglaw

MV35

43:21

3

12

21

750

Anne Craddock

FV55

52:35

5

10

7

224

Shaun Dodd

MV45

43:32

2

8

22

774

Gemma Harmon

F

52:44

5

9

8

267

David Roberts

MV55

44:26

2

7

23

831

Anita Brabazon

F

53:29

5

8

9

276

Steve Dobby

MV40

44:39

3

11

24

843

Michael Mckenna

M

53:54

4

6

10

298

Claire Calverley

FV35

45:08

3

10

25

879

Ewa Johnson

FV45

54:43

5

7

11

305

John Mallon

MV60

45:13

4

9

26

983

Peter Maylia

MV60

56:11

5

6

12

401

Mark Ponton

MV45

47:14

3

9

27

1123

Colin Brown

MV45

58:08

-

-

13

420

Andrew Grieves

MV40

47:30

2

6

28

1304

Julie Lemin

FV40

61:00

4

5

14

430

Craig Harmon

M

47:14

4

8

29

 1342

Joanne Stobbart

FV50

62:07

6

 6

15

452

Kerstin Heckelsmuller

FV40

48:03

-

-

30

 1419

Lynn Munro

FV60

63:04

6

 5

Total No. of finishers :-  1779

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Race 2 - Coniston 14 Mile – Sat 19th march 2016

The Coniston 14 was only included in this year’s Grand Prix as an emergency replacement race, due to a date clash involving a much more local race.  This race has been in the Grand Prix before but that was several years ago and a quick poll beforehand suggested that only 3 of this year’s Blyth contingent had done it before.

However, the long trip to the far corner of the Lake District had not deterred 17 of our runners from turning up, although there was a wide disparity in approach as to how to deal with the long time it would take to get to Coniston (about 3 hours).  We had driven all the way over the day before, some were staying elsewhere in the Lake District and many came all the way on the day, although one or two of the latter seemed to be in rather poor shape due to travel sickness with not long to go to race time.

The route is basically a full circuit of Coniston Water, entirely on road and staying as close to the lake as possible throughout, such that most of it was on very minor roads with almost no traffic.  The race started and finished in Coniston village and I was very impressed with both the level of support on the streets and the overall organisation.  We went for a sneaky drive round the course at dusk the previous day and found that all of the signs for mile markers, water stations, traffic warning and even ‘half marathon distance here’ were already in place.

As you might expect of a Lake District race, it was not flat.  Having said that, I would say that it was significantly less undulating than, for example, the Haweswater Half – and much less than the Keswick Half (both races were in last year’s GP).  There were a couple of properly hilly miles (1 & 12) and a couple of very quick ones (4 & 13) to compensate.

Conditions on the day were pretty close to ideal for distance racing with only a light breeze, some sunshine at times and temperatures around 9-10°C for most of the race.  Brad took full advantage with a very strong run to feature in the prizes, Claire finished first Blyth lady and our Men’s team did really well to get third prize in a race that attracted teams from far and wide.

A special mention should also go to Anita and Ewa for choosing this challenging race for their Grand Prix debuts, and to Richard Shillinglaw who continued his rapid improvement in form by completing the race (official distance: 13.83 miles) in a time faster than his half marathon PB!

The full results can be found at HERE

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

1

12

Brad Clough

M

1:24:30

1

10

10

324

Steve Dobby

MV40

1:51:38

3

11

2

29

Jon French

M

1:28:24

1

9

11

361

John Mallon

MV60

1:54:15

4

9

3

51

Rob Macdonald

M

1:32:22

1

8

12

435

Mal Darbyshire

MV55

1:57:55

3

10

4

62

Graeme Stewart

MV40

1:33:56

DQ*

0

13

625

Anita Brabazon

F

2:05:13

5

11

5

108

Steven French

MV40

1:37:54

2

9

14

842

Peter Maylia

MV60

2:17:17

5

10

6

195

Martin Scott

MV45

1:44:19

2

8

15

900

Ewa Johnson

FV45

2:20:47

5

9

7

209

Dave Roberts

MV55

1:44:47

2

7

16

989

Joanne Stobbart

FV50

2:30:12

6

6

8

222

Richard Shillinglaw

M

1:45:08

3

13

17

1029

Lynn Munro

FV60

2:37:22

6

5

9

255

Claire Calverley

FV35

1:47:10

3

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total No. of finishers :-  1097

                         *Ran in someone else’s number

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Race 1 - Snake Lane 10 Mile – Sun 21st February 2016

The first Grand Prix race of the new season saw a very healthy turnout of 32 Blyth runners for the 25th running of the Snake Lane 10-mile race, based in Pocklington, East Yorkshire.  For several of our runners, this was not only their first Grand Prix race but also their first in club colours, and there seemed to be an all-round satisfaction afterwards, helped greatly by the usual splendid organisation and hospitality from the locals.

The showers mercifully held off for most of the race but it was most definitely windy, and many of us found that our times for the third quarter of the race were suffering.  Miles 7 and 8 seemed to be particularly challenging.  Despite that, there were a number of PBs recorded by our contingent, some of them by several minutes, which shows that we have a healthy number of improving runners at the moment.

Brad Clough was first Blyth finisher on his return to the club, and Rachelle Falloon was first lady in a very impressive first Grand Prix race for her.  Most of the divisions saw convincing wins, although Division 2 was a battle all the way between the front three, and Division 6 was very close as well.

The times recorded in the table below are chip times.  The more observant amongst the readers will notice several examples of runners with a faster time finishing behind a fellow competitor.  This is because runners are listed in finishing order and – in line with the rules of the Grand Prix - it is the order in which runners cross the finish line that counts and not the chip time.

The full results can be found HERE 

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

 

Pos.

Race Pos.

Name

Cat

Time

Div.

Pts.

1

14

Bradley Clough

M

0:58:54

1

10

17

297

Richard Shillinglaw

M

1:15:06

3

10

2

60

Rob Macdonald

M

1:03:23

1

9

18

345

Steve Dobby

M40

1:17:19

3

9

3

75

Tony Holland

M40

1:04:11

1

8

19

376

Mark Nicholson

M

1:18:24

2

1

4

117

Graeme Stewart

M

1:07:03

1

7

20

378

John Mallon

M60

1:18:29

4

9

5

132

Andrew Grieves

M40

1:07:56

2

9

21

405

Terry McCabe

M65

1:19:16

-

-

6

140

Steven French

M40

1:08:29

2

8

22

455

Phillippa Moore

F35

1:21:37

3

8

7

155

Ian Baxter

M45

1:08:54

2

7

23

459

Mal Darbyshire

M55

1:21:35

3

7

8

181

Robby Barkley

M40

1:10:04

1

6

24

537

Claire Mason

F50

1:24:53

4

8

9

191

Rachelle Falloon

F

1:10:19

3

13

25

548

Kelly Vorster

F

1:24:51

4

7

10

227

Martin Scott

M45

1:12:12

2

6

26

557

Michael Ashby

M45

1:25:24

5

11

11

228

Darren Noble

M40

1:11:56

3

12

27

654

Anne Craddock

F55

1:29:29

5

10

12

236

Ben Cuthbertson

M

1:12:41

2

5

28

722

Catherine Arries

F35

1:33:54

5

9

13

239

Shaun Dodd

M45

1:12:57

2

4

29

723

Scott Arries

M

1:33:53

3

6

14

276

Paul Knight

M45

1:14:12

2

3

30

759

Peter Maylia

M60

1:36:45

 5

 8

15

287

David Roberts

M55

1:14:51

2

2

31

858

Joanne Stobbart

F50

1:45:36

 6

6

16

294

Claire Calverley

F35

1:15:12

3

11

 

32

867

Lynn Munro

F60

1:45:51

6

5

Total No. of finishers :-  936

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Mistakes/corrections etc., please contact Steve Walker by clicking on the link.