Tyne Bridge 5 Mile Road Race

[Tue 10th Jul]

The first road race organised by new club Tyne Bridge Harriers was staged this week. The entry limit (300) was reached well in advance of the race date, even the poor weather didn’t seem to deter the majority who entered.

The route was out and back and we ran from directly opposite the Sage Building along the riverside and back again. The course reminded me of the NSP route as it was mainly flat and along concrete pavements. There were many twists and turns and you did have to avoid street furniture on the way out! A dangerous game of swerving at the last moment to avoid the bollards took place in the early stages!!!.

We were well represented with a good selection of steeplechasers, high jumpers, ultra marathon runners and hey we even had an ex jockey in the Blyth ranks, all of which are very useful talents for this one!

A well marshalled event and with a very accurately measured course, I believe this race will go from strength to strength. Although the start was congested the runners thinned out reasonably quickly. By the time you reached the only hill you had plenty of room for the return to the finish.

Thank you to Dave Kitching for his excellent photos and support, yes Dave I did wear my shades in the gloom and no I couldn’t see at all at times!.

Well done to all our competitors. Ricky, Calum, Susanne, Brian ,Dave, Julie, Peter Maylia and Myself, we certainly appeared to enjoy ourselves.

The hosts provided an excellent base (the pub!) and ample prizes, well done Mrs Hunter with your 2nd over 35, sorry over 45 award!. All of us received a goody bag including a technical t shirt. A good night was had by all.

Results can be found on the Tyne Bridge Harriers website.

Iain

Footnote:

As there are not many 5 mile races around these days, Iain and Susanne are now proud holders of the club records in this category.