Gordon Smith Relays 2017 Results

It was a near perfect spring evening for our annual Gordon Smith Relays and Junior Fun Run, the second of which to be held at the West Allotment Country Park. 500 or so runners, along with marshals, officials, parents and peers arrived in honour of our former Chairman.

First up were the Juniors, with 22 of them embarking on the 1 mile course. Led home by Josh Blevins of North Shields Poly in 7:21, followed by our own Thomas Ferguson at 7:42. The young ladies followed – Rosie Hughes just pipping Sunderland’s Evie Compson in 7:46 and 7:48 respectively.

No doubt there were some stars of the future on show. The full Junior Fun Run results can be seen here.

 

Next the main event; Would the course records from last year be broken? The men had to beat 30:19, whilst the women would have to come home faster than 35:53

Steve O’Gara whipping up the starters in his own unique style as 160 teams lined up at the start, but only 2 teams could be victorious! The full senior results can be found here, but after some stunning team and individual performances our podium places were;

Men;
  1. Tyne Bridge Harriers    29:05   *New Course Record*
  2. Sunderland Harriers    30:39
  3. Elswick Harriers           31:05
Ladies;
  1. North Shields Poly       34:10   *New Course Record*
  2. Jarrow and Hebburn    34:53
  3. Tyne Bridge Harriers    36.15
Individual; 

Fastest Man; James Dunce of Tyne Bridge in a new course record of 9:30.
Fastest Lady; Charlotte Penfold of North Shields Poly in a new course record of 10:34.
Fastest Male Vet; Terry Scott of Tyne Bridge in a new veteran course record of 9:55.
Fastest Lady Vet; Jane Hodgson of Morpeth Harriers in 11:23.

We’d also like to place on record our thanks to all the officials, marshals and paramedics on the evening, without whom the event wouldn’t have been able to take place; to Dave Daniels for his quick turnaround on producing the results, along with Amy and the More Cobalt team for the cosy office space!
Our race sponsors, Sambuca restaurant and the Spud & Lettuce.

Last, but certainly not least, to all who attended and made this another wonderful Wallsend Harriers event!

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