We were fortunate to have a race at all. The previous week the North East had endured horrendous storms which left the area devastated by floods. Luckily the course was clear and the Tynedale club led by Hugh Bingham arranged alternative parking etc, for the race to proceed. They did a fantastic job. The race is used as warm up for the Gt North run and is traditionally run two weeks before.
On an undulating course any British bests would surely be pretty difficult, but Mike Hagar ( Tipton ) in the 0/55 section had other ideas, his 54.09 surpassed Steve James’s 1993 best by 42secs.a tremendous performance. Another in-form athlete is Cheltenham’s Martin Ford, running just 63.27 in the 0/65 age group. The first master home was Stewy Bell ( Chester-le-Street ) in a time of 53.46 with Eddie Simpson of Dallam Road Runners just 9secs behind.
In the Womens section first lady master home was Elvet Strider’s Fiona Shenton in a time of 64.21 winning Gold in the 0/45s. Closest finish of all was in the 0/65 section, where Doncaster’s Rosemary Armstrong just pipped Kathleen Stewart of North Shields Poly by 6secs for Silver.
The most successful club team was North Shields Poly, winning the Men’s 0/35s and Ladies 0/45s Gold Medals.
On behalf of the BMAF, I would like to thank the VeteransAA-NE for hosting the event, especially Arthur Potter (Sec.) and Ron Stewart ( Chair ) for their involvement and the Tynedale Club for their superb organisation during difficult times.
Mel James ( Road Running Sec.)