Links 10k 2011
[Thu
1st Sep 2011]
1987 saw the first Blyth-Blaydon-Claremont social night, a race
around the Town Moor followed by a social night. In 1988, Blyth returned
the favour and organised the Blyth Links 10K, although other Clubs were also
invited. Since then the event has grown, with several clubs incorporating
the race in their Grand Prix. The basic route and format has stayed the
same, although the venue for the after race drinks has changed several times,
we seem settled at the Quay pub now. The race has always been on
the Tuesday evening after the August Bank Holiday Monday. This year’s
race saw over 270 finishers which was a record. The actual outcome of the
race was probably not in doubt after the first 200 yards as Iain Harding of
Morpeth and Iain Twaddle of North Shields Poly soon pulled away from the main
group. By the half way mark Iain Harding had a considerable lead over
Iain Twaddle and went on to win by over 90 seconds with a time of 32:25, while
Iain Twaddle was second in 33:59, in front of the third place runner, Ian
Robinson of Heaton with 34:46. The winner and runner up both occupied the
same positions in the previous year's race. Robbie Barkley was the first
Blyth runner home in 12th position with a time of 37:49, Leanne
Herron was the first lady home in 46th position with a time of
40:29, just 10 seconds short of the fastest time by a Blyth Lady. Andy
Brown holds the fastest time by a Blyth man with 32:46.
There is only one trophy presented and this is the “Brian Stringfellow” trophy which is presented to the first Blyth
veteran runner home and this was won by Dale Smith.
Fastest times recorded are
Ivan Hollingsworth (Morpeth), 31:50 in 2007 and for the ladies, Stephanie Dann of NSP with 37:47.