Articles from the local press - submitted by Keith
Willshire
Evening Chronicle – Oct11 – Harrier League Cross-Country
(By Ronnie Gill)
THERE was
a superb turnout as over 700 cross-country enthusiasts made their way round
East Cramlington Nature Park during the opening fixture of the Start Fitness
North East Harrier League.
The senior
men’s event attracted 353 competitors alone, an increase of 48 on the
corresponding meeting last year while the senior women’s race – 137 finishers –
also saw an increase, albeit on a smaller scale.
And the
younger age groups were also encouraging, especially the under-13 boys where 50
athletes completed the testing 3k course which is extremely reassuring for the
future of the sport in the North East.
League
secretary Alan Wears, who is standing down at the end of the season after two
years at the helm, was thrilled to see such a huge turnout, especially when,
thanks to Blyth Running Club, the fixture was quickly rearranged and slotted
into the calendar at the beginning of the season.
Once again
we are indebted to the Blyth club for hosting the first harrier league fixture
of the season and I’m sure they appreciated so many athletes turning out,” said
Wears.
Despite
the fixture clashing with a number of other events in the region the turnout
was really amazing and it augurs well for the rest of the season. I can see the
senior men’s event breaking the 400 barrier in the not too distant future and
that will be down to the likes of Blyth and all the other clubs whose members
work really hard to host a fixture.
The
popularity of the harrier league continues to amaze me but we have a tried and
tested format that appeals to athletes of all abilities and we have a sponsor
that backs the league wholeheartedly and I think that is why we are on to a
winner.
The
league’s next fixture is the Sherman Cup and Davison Shield races at Temple
Park on October 22 and that will be followed by the next NEHL meeting at
Farringdon seven days later. Sunderland Harriers always lay out a testing
course but we have had huge turnouts in the past and I cannot see that changing.”
The
remaining NEHL programme is: Sat, Oct 22: Sherman Cup/Davison Shield, Temple
Park, South Shields (hosted by South Shields). Sat, Oct 29: Farringdon
(Sunderland). Sat, Nov 26: Shibdon Pond (Blaydon). Sat, Feb 11: Wrekenton
(Saltwell). Sat, March 3: Alnwick (Alnwick). Sat, March 24: Prudhoe (Tynedale).
Further
details are available at Blyth Sports Centre and on-line at the Clubs
web-site: www.blythrunningclub.org.uk
Blyth
provides opportunities for young athletes between the ages of 8 and 17 years to
receive coaching in endurance athletics events and also sprints, throws &
jumping events. All coaching is by qualified UK Athletics coaches who are
trained and have been screened for their suitability for working with young
people. Anybody interested can ring Keith on 01670-362668 for further details
or they can turn up at Blyth Sports Centre on Monday nights at 18:45
Blyth
Running Club are well established as one of the leading clubs in the area and
as well as the running they also arrange various social nights/activities.
Blyth welcome any new runners of any age/ability, so if anyone wants to join
Blyth then they just need to turn up at Blyth Sports Centres on one of the Club
nights which are Monday and Wednesday at 6:45pm
enquiries@blythrunningclub.org.uk and somebody will contact them or ring
01670-362668.