Durham Cathedral X-C Relays

[Tue 27th Jan]

The Cathedral Relays took place on the 11th January 2014. Each team has 3 runners, with each runner completing two laps of a fast, mainly flat grass course to make up a 3km leg. In the BRC XC competition there are no handicaps for relay races so it’s all down to who runs fastest on the day.

The men turned out 4 teams in the senior race and finished in 23rd, 30th, 34th and 45th from the 61 teams fielded. In the veteran’s race Blyth had 2 teams who finished in 48th and 65th position from the 94 teams overall. A great effort from all considering the high standard. It was also good to see new member David McGarry turning out - plus the return of Paul Whalley. In the BRC competition Graeme Stewart (82) tops the table with a 30 point lead and surely can’t be caught at this stage. In 2nd position is Sam Dodd (52), and in 3rd place, 3 points adrift of Sam is Martin Scott (49). Best placed V40+ outside the top 3 is Steve Dobby in 5th (42).

Unlike the men’s races the senior and veteran ladies races are run as one. Blyth entered 3 teams who all finished closely in positions 48th, 50th and 55th out of the 89 competing teams. Rachel Falloon, Claire Calverley and Lauren Barrett all ran well in their 1st qualifying race but it’s Heather Christopher who tops the table (47), closely followed by Julie Lemin (43) in 2nd. In 3rd position is Helen Morris (35) and the best placed V40+ is Anne Craddock in 5th (25).

A great event, hopefully we can get equal or better turn out for the summer equivalent! Next XC event is the re-scheduled NEHL fixture on 31st January at Bedewell Park, Jarrow.

Steven French