Grand Prix Race 1 – Newbiggin Park run (Up to 10k Category)
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea parkrun. A scenic coastal delight—if you ignored the cold, rain, and general murkiness of this delightful January morning.
Blyth received a generously warm welcome from the local volunteers, and we all set off optimistically enough along the prom into a very slight headwind that, to me, felt like it was 40mph and holding a personal grudge. At this point, I was already questioning my life choices, only to be guided up an energy-sapping hill. Lovely.
Just when we got our breath back, we hit another sneaky—smaller but nonetheless unwelcome—hill that felt purposefully placed to make sure whatever energy you had left in your legs was completely depleted. Then came the freewheel back down the hill you’d just climbed, trying not to let the jelly legs get the better of you while pretending this is what recovery feels like.
Just when you start to get your breath back and think, this is fine, I’m fine, you turn around and do it all again. Get in.
None of this was a problem for Stu Smith, though (who I’m pretty sure lapped me seven times in a two-lap race), as he took not only top spot in his division but also the sought-after number 1 parkrun token. Well done, Stu. In fact, Blyth had six top 10 finishers on the day—very impressive!
Taking early leads in their respective divisions were the aforementioned Stu Smith, Tommy Richardson, Shaun Morris, Andrew Ambrose, Lee Anderson, Anita Dabbs, and Joanne Stobbart.
A brilliant start from everyone to what looks like an exciting GP ahead. Next up, the Bay2Bay Coastal Run on the 8th of February. Lace up and get ready. Good luck, all!