Category Archives: Uncategorized

Haltwhistle Half Marathon – 28/09/14

image1

HALTWHISTLE HALF MARATHON

Report by Gary Wallace

PB Potential: 3 (possibly four when the walking bit is sorted – which the organisers hope to do for next year)

Atmosphere: 3

Organisation: 5

Scenery: 1(not for me)

Value for money: 3

Beginner friendliness: 3

Club support and social: 4

In short: It’s not Redcar

I love flat, fast races on the asphalt. With that in mind I’d already eyed up the Redcar half marathon for the end of September. However, I’d noted on Facebook that a few club members were planning a trip west for the inaugural Haltwhistle half marathon the same day. The pre-race advertising promised flat and fast too, however I still wasn’t swayed. It promised a scenic route as well. I’m a big fan of heavy industry and I’d take the rusty orange particulate soaked views of Teesport over Northumbrian countryside any day (seriously!). So Redcar it was to be. .

Until a neighbour and fellow runner (Davey Goodfellow) knocked on my door and offered me his spot in Haltwhistle . . . for free (thanks Davey). Conscious of my occasional tellings-off for spending too much money on races (despite one race a month costing roughly the same as a monthly nail job) I graciously accepted.

Name swaps were sorted and a few weeks later my number arrived along with race instructions pointing out a section of the race where we would be required to walk. . . . Yes walk! The route went through somebody’s garden who insisted upon the runners walking over his grass. After a minor hissy fit I soon calmed down and began practicing my ‘quick walk’ technique.

Onward to Haltwhistle . . . the Bounders had an enormous presence. In a race of 200 or so there must have been 1/5 from Blackhill. The organiser was suitably impressed enough to give the club a special mention during the presentation. As were four of my work colleagues who were along for the race too.

For the race itself I had a goal of running sub 80mins. I’d done Edinburgh in May in 80.23 so was hopeful of shaving of that 23 seconds. It was cloudy but warm and humid and those who ran will recall the air was thick with little black flies. . Several of which were inevitably ingested.

I had a canny race. It certainly wasn’t flat. There was a steady climb on the route, which we then descended on the way back following the turn at 6.5miles. The scenery. . Well I didn’t notice any. I got round under the 80minutes and snatched a surprise second place . . . for which I won £30 during a rather awkward presentation afterwards. Not quite enough to turn pro but it’s a start.

As for the walk, well I think it cost me 20 seconds in total so no real loss. I’m told the alternative was to descend and then climb some steps . . . and I bl@@dy hate steps. They have no business being in races!

Final word to thank all the support from fellow runners and supporters on route. I flew through that first mile after the turn when passing all of you on the way back down. It was a real boost.

Here’s to next year. . When I’ll probably do Redcar again

Results: http://born4running.co.uk/ESW/Files/Hlt-Results-2014-Web.pdf

 

Somme Maratrail – 07/09/14

1

The Somme area of France has strong connections for Brits be it as a holiday destination or for a visit to some of the major sites of the battles which took place in the First World War.  Despite it’s horrific history the area is a beautiful mix of rural village life and some elegant towns and cities.

I’ve ran the Somme Marathon 3 times before but this year it promised something different, a Maratrail in other words an off road Marathon.  I got to have some of this I thought so a quick e-mail application with a copy of my England Athletics registration got me entered (pay on the day 24 euros)

My running is limited to doing events as the knees won’t allow me to do the regular weekly mileage so I ‘train for the event’ by doing the event, so no quick times probably but plenty of enjoyment.

Ann and myself drove down on the Thursday and stopped overnight in the Maidstone Hilton before catching the 12 noon ferry to Dunkerque on Friday.  Stephen and Lesley Daglish had an early start from Consett and joined us in Dover for the same ferry so good company already.  When we got to Dunkerque we set off for a 2 hour drive to Albert for me and Amiens for Stephen (only 18 miles apart)  The third leg of our social click Mike Swainson and pal Bob texted to say they were leaving Metz and would join up with Stephen in Amiens later that evening.

By 5.30 we were in our campsite at the Velodrome, Albert and the tent rigged up.  Blow up double bed sorted, mains lighting, heater if required, satellite TV up and running, wine poured, I do spoil my girl!!

The next morning we were joined by Stephen, Lesley, Mike S & Bob.  The start and finish for all the runs and the walk was just a few hundred yards from our campsite so it was easy to recce the start/finish area.

2

On offer was a Maratrail (26.2 off road) a half Marathon, a 10 and 5K plus a 6.75 mile walk.   At 10 am runners were invited for ‘a small jogging’ from the centre of Albert followed by a reception for foreign runners by the Mayor and other dignitaries in the TIC, nibbles and drinks provided.  Registration started at 4 pm so that left us time for coffee beer and wine and more socialising before we picked up our numbers.  The weather was wam and pleasant, the temperature only dropping in the late evening.

3

Chilling in Albert

Up by 6 the next morning for an 8.30 start for me, temp was good about 13/14 with no wind.

We had been promised an interesting run and it sure was. A flat start into the centre of Albert and then down into the underground tunnel network which housed artefacts from the first world war, weird hoofing it through the poorly lit tunnels.

4

We popped out in a park by the river and worked our way through little used parts of Albert before hitting a long grassy bank beside the canal which led us out into open country.   With not doing any long runs before hand I started off cautiously as my only object was just to finish the run.  There was no major hills to climb but the whole area is undulating so it was constant up and downs, about 90% of the run was off road. At the 11 mile point I reached the Thiepval memoral, a huge edifice designed by Sir Edward Lutyens with the names of over 73,00 British soldiers who perished in this area and who have no known grave.  Very sad but a fine memorial.

As I ran out of Thiepval I spotted Mike S and Lesley with Union Jack flags hanging off his camper van,

5

 

it’s amazing how a bit of support gets you picking up the pace.  Shortly after that I ran around the Ulster Tower memorial and paused to take a picture of ‘Tommie’ still guarding the front line since 1916, he ported arms smartly for me.

6

Guarding the Ulster memorial

 

A steep downhill section followed before we had the reverse to do and a long pull up through ploughed fields, very uncomfortable to run over and the legs were starting to feel it.

7

Dried ruts uncomfortable underfoot

By now I had no clue as to how far I had ran or had still to go as my Garmin which had been iffy for a while had packed in and I had given it to Mike S as I passed him.

We carried on across farm tracks, over ploughed fields, leafy lanes, woods, tunnels full of manky water

8

and then we had a river to plodge through for about 100 meters (the Frenchies threw a wobbler and most took off their shoes before entering the river, what’s that about!!)  Me I loved the chilled water so refreshing.

9

10

11

Post river plodge

After the river we had a good bit working our way through woods, the route markings (orange paint on the ground) were brilliant apart from a couple of places when a group of us thought we had gone off piste but a cyclist who was supporting the group of runners I was with shot off ahead and returned after a while with a thumbs up, he had found a marker so we weren’t lost (I would probably have got the blame with my navigational reputation)

The temperature had risen and near the end and I started to dream of the cool beers & wines I knew were waiting for us at the finish.  Legs very weary now and it was mind over matter to keep pushing on. There was only 2 water stations on the way round, Thiepval at 11 miles and Auvley at 21 miles so you had to look after yourself for hydration.

12

   21 miles at Auvley

I turned into the finish area and broke into a 100 meter sprint which took me over the line (it’s amazing how you can turn the energy on for a short distance and look cool getting over the line but believe you me I was goosed)  A slow walk around the finish area to collect medal/t shirt and then a sight for sore eyes Mike S approaching with a ice cool beer for me.

Whilst some us had been running Ann and Bob had taken part in the walk (6.7 miles)

The finish area with table and chairs laid out under shade to sit at whilst you drank beer and wines was spot on, a bar b q sizzled away wafting delicious smells.  You put your race numbers into a cardboard box and young children drew out random numbers for a free ‘tombola’ there were prizes of garmin running watches, head torches and other running kit altogether a great family type atmosphere.

13

Mike S was asleep in his campervan, something about knocking of two and a bit bottles of red before 3 pm, nah I’ll not mentions that!!

After a while I popped back to the campsite for a shower and whilst I was there Stephen picked up my bling prize and thanked them in his best Geordie French.

14

Stephen picking up the bling

1a

     And representing at the campsite

 

Stephen and Lesley left for home on the Monday and the rest of us stayed until the Tuesday so more time to enjoy.

Well I hope this little blog might enthuse more Bounders to take the trip over to France next year to take part in one of the Poppy Runs.  You have a choice of Maratrail, Half Marathon, 10k, 5k and even a walk.

Mike  Gill Sept 2014

 

Great North 5K, Junior, Mini Great North Run & City Games.

GNR 5K

Report submitted by Ian Young

The Race Great North 5K
Overall Score 23
 
PB Potential 5 – Really flat course but you need to be in the first wave to be sure of a potential PB.
Atmosphere 5 – Part of the Great Run festival on the Quayside.
Organisation 5 – Really good, can`t fault it.
Scenery 5 – Newcastle Quayside say not more!
Value for Money 5 – £20 entry includes cotton t-shirt, medal, goody bag, water.
Beginner Friendliness 5 – Waves setting off at different times catering for every ability.
Club Support & Social 5 – Lots of Bounders down on the Quayside their kids taking part in the Junior & Mini Great North Run with the brilliant City Games in the afternoon.
 In Short  If you don’t fancy paying £50 for GNR or you did not get in you can still enter this event the week leading up to the GNR weekend. Lots to see and do on the Quayside great day out for families. Recommended.
Results http://www.greatrun.org/Results/FullSearch.aspx

Durham Summer Cross Country Relays – 18/08/14

Team Bounders

The Race Durham Summer XC Relays
Overall Score 24
Please score the following categories out of 5  
PB Potential 5 – 2 laps, fast, flat & on grass with a small hill
Atmosphere 5 – Rain but everyone still had fun
Organisation 4 – Good however not much shelter from the rain
Scenery 5 – Durham riverside with the cathedral in the background.
Value for Money 5 – Seniors/Vets £12 per team, Juniors £6 per team.
Beginner Friendliness 5 – Plenty new members took part for the first time and enjoyed the experience.
Club Support & Social 5 – The Bounders only do loud no matter where you are on the course there was someone cheering you on.
Tell us more…  
In Short Short, sharp, slippy and a good laugh.

 

Duncan

Some excellent performances from the Juniors and those that ran their 1st XC event in the Senior and Vet races. Some ran twice, got disqualified, ran late, ran in the wrong race or pranced down the hill like Bambi, but hey its all part of being a Bounder and the atmosphere and encouragement is second to none. Look forward to the next team event which is the Sunderland XC open on Sat 13th Sept so keep the date free details to follow. Thanks again

Full results http://www.durhamcityharriers.org.uk/events-fixtures/summer-relays/

 

 

 

Clive Golledge Memorial Relays – 22/07/14

Report by Lisa Taylor

The Race Clive Golledge Memorial Relays
Overall Score 24
Please score the following categories out of 5  
PB Potential 1 – A big up & a big down, so probably not likely to run your fastest 2.2 miles ever
Atmosphere 5 – A good turn out from the local clubs. Relaxed & friendly
Organisation 3 – Well organised, although a few people commented on feeling a little unclear of the route at times
Scenery 3 – Not the most scenic ever but not too bad
Value for Money 4 – short race but good supper J
Beginner Friendliness 3 – Easy enough under foot & the hill shouldn’t really be too much bother for a Bounder J
Club Support & Social 5 – Great turnout of Bounders with 6 teams of 3 & support crew.
Tell us more…  
In Short Fast & hilly with pie
 10525397_755745761135516_7808235528745287031_o

I’ve never run a club relay event before, so was looking forward to seeing what it’s all about. However, following a good few hours in the mountains over the weekend, my legs seemed slightly less enthusiastic than I was.

The race started at the Peases running track in Crook and Lesley & I arrived in good time to meet up and chat with the other Bounders. There were lots of shocked faces when we saw the extent of Sarah’s bike accident injuries which led to a last minute re-shuffling of teams.

Following a short delay the relays started at 7pm. The route starts around the track, then leads out onto the road, onto a grassy field, then onto a long-ish climb. A few twists & turns then a frantic descent back down to the track. It was a decent enough little route although working out which direction you were going in next was a bit confusing at times.

Having not done such a short race before I wasn’t sure if I’d like it or not but I thoroughly enjoyed it & I’ll definitely try to do more relays in the future. It was good to see there weren’t just the speedy ones there but there were runners of all levels.

Relays over, it was over to the pub for pie & peas, or a vast choice of sandwich option for non-meat eaters amongst us. We didn’t manage to retain the shield but our first team finished a fabulous 3rd place. Well done speedy ones J

A huge well done goes out to Sarah who despite a swollen hand, inability to move her arm/shoulder & too many cuts & bruises to mention still managed to put in a superb performance. True commitment.

We took 3rd place this year full results to follow.

10511628_755752564468169_3790282023928401777_o