Blyth Valley 10k 2012

[10th Apr 2012]

Killingworth-based Sale Harrier, Daniel Bradford easily won the recent 8th Transped Blyth Valley 10km. Competing in the colours of Sale, Bradford set his stall out from the gun, taking the lead immediately, and he was never overtaken as the competitors headed away from Blyth Harbour along the links to Seaton Sluice. North Shields Poly’s Iain Twaddle was in close contact for the first kilometer but eventually lost contact well before the turn as Low Fell’s Jon Archer, winner in 2005 and third in 2010, moved into second place.

A strong breeze faced the athletes on the turn for home but Bradford was in no danger of being caught as Luke Adams (South Shields) became his biggest rival after moving ahead of Twaddle and Archer.

Bradford contended well with the exposed final two kilometers to come home 35 seconds clear of Adams, who improved on his 16th place in 2010 and sixth place last year.

Archer was a comfortable third with Twaddle holding off Alnwick’s David Kirkland to take fourth place and the leading vets award.

The women’s race proved to be a much closer affair as Vicky Hindson (Wallsend) and Heaton’s triathlon specialist Anna Turvey finishing within eight seconds of one another. Hindson was always at the head of affairs and at the turn had a comfortable lead. However, Turvey closed the gap with every stride but in the end the Wallsend athlete just proved too strong as she knocked 26 seconds off her previous best for the distance to finish in 53rd position overall.

North Shields Poly’s Claire McManus finished in third place, with Tynedale pair Joanne Lee and Sonia Morley finishing fourth and fifth respectively.

As usual the organisation of the race was impressive, and this is due to a lot of hard work from the members of Blyth Running Club, with over 40 members helping on the day, led by the race organiser Dave Kitching. The first Blyth man was 17 year old Jake Jansen with a top 50 finish, while Cath Young was the first Blyth lady.

Blyth Running Club would like to thank all their sponsors which included Transped, NCC, BVAL, Start Fitness, Herrons, John Gunn, Scheppes Abbey Well, The Quay Public House and St. Johns for their assistance, and all the marshals, helpers and officials for once again making this a successful event.

Over 150 of the finishers at the BV10K were unattached runners and Blyth Running Club would like anybody who is interested in running to try one of our training nights where they will be made welcome, details are on the Membership page.  As well as the running, Blyth Running Club also arrange various social nights/activities. We welcome 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 or ring 01670-362668.