New course sees teams fly at Gordon Smith Relays

The results of the 2016 Gordon Smith Relays (senior race) are here.

The Junior Fun Run results are here.

What a fantastic night for the memory of a fantastic man, Wallsend Harriers former chairman Gordon Smith.

On a not particularly seasonal May evening (there was a distinct chill in the air) 24 gutsy juniors took to the waggonway at West Allotment Country Park and all completed the one mile course. Sam Brown from Blyth was first in an awesome 7.21. First girl was Lucia Bradley from North Shields Poly in 7.46 followed closely by Briony Livermore who nailed it for the Green and Golds in 7.48.

Then it was the seniors turn. Taking on a brand new course 137 teams (of three) from across the North East took to the dual lane start line fully charged to take advantage of the 2 mile flat, fast route.

The prizes were as follows:

Fastest man: Tadele Geremew (Elswick) 9.35

Fastest man (Vet): Michael Thompson (Sunderland Harriers) 10.22

Fastest woman: Justina Heslop (vet) (Elswick Harriers) 10.52

Second Fastest woman: Sarah Wilkinson (vet) (Morpeth Harriers) 11.28

Men’s Teams:

1. Sunderland Harriers 30.19

2. Elswick Harriers 30.36

3. Gateshead Harriers 30.51

Women’s Teams:

1. Elswick Harriers 35.53

2. Morpeth Harriers 36.26

3. Gateshead Harriers 37.03

Congratulations to all of the above.

Many thanks to everyone who took part for embracing the new location and your patience with any teething issues we faced. All in all we’ve had a lot of great feedback about the new course and hope to continue it in future years.

Thanks of course for all the organisers, officials and marshals, particularly Kevin Payne, Jackie Garnett, Mick and Lyndsey Day, Bill Todd and Dave Daniels. Thanks also to Amy from the Cobalt offices and the Spud and Lettuce for their hospitality.

See you all next year!