A beautiful Spring day at Churchill Playing Fields track marked a number of firsts for us all on Sunday. It is the first time the event has been held, it was the first time our assistant coach Sam had put up the famous Wallsend tent (thanks Sam) and most importantly the first time our amazing Junior Multi-Event group of athletes had taken part in a competitive race.
Elaine Liu took all the glory on a brisk morning at the New Year’s Day Winter Grand Prix race. Elaine stormed around in the fastest female time of 34:12.8 seconds ahead of Paul Stretesky who finished in a time of 33:50. Paul James rounds off the top 3 with a 32:42. Harry Coates once again takes the fastest male with a time of 26:43. Well done guys.
First junior to finish was Denver Stretesky with a 31:06, Olly Aird in 2nd and fastest junior …with 31:01, Mason Stretesky 3rd 36:54, and Matty Summers 4th with a 37:05. Great running guys.
Attached is the updated grand prix table, with the maximum 50 points awarded to each finisher, well done everyone! And a massive thank you to Shirley Summers, Lyndsey Day, Michael Day and Leanne Smith for helping out with the timings and officiating.
On a windy and chilly night, Andy takes home the (massive) trophy which will be presented to him on Saturday night at the Christmas party. Congratulations!
Close behind in 2nd was Anna French who’s consistently improving every race and making a serious challenge for the Winter Grand Prix title. Anna also takes the fastest female with a time of 21:59. It was another podium finish for Emily James in 3rd. Fastest male on the night was Harry Coates… with a 16:02. Well done guys.
The overall table is heating up with Kevin Wilson taking a healthy lead, over Alan Heslington and Dan Weatherill in 2nd and 3rd respectively. Nina Wilkinson and Olly Aird share 5th place… However this can all change as the season continues. Next race is the Winter Championship on New Year’s day, where a massive 50 points is on offer.
Good Luck everyone
Many thanks to Paddy Dinsmore for helping me with the timings.
Gary Lewis
The combined green, white and gold of Wallsend and Blyth came out in force at Middlesbrough and left with a very well earned 2nd place. The spirit in the camp was evident again as we had lots of people taking part, this is exactly what we need for the next two fixtures if we are going to remain in top spot.
Sean McIntyre wins the second Summer Grand Prix holding off a host of runners at the finish line. Sean beat his handicap time by 15 seconds to record a time of 11:45. Olly Aird ran an excellent 12:02 to finish 2nd and Lynsey Smith edged into 3rd place.
Fastest Male on the night was Harry Coates with a 10:10 edging Nick Zissler by 3 seconds. Gillian Weatherill topped the ladies times with a 13:50 with Leanne Smith in 14:11.
Well done to David Scoins who beat his over 60s by 19 seconds, in a new time of 12:45.
Sean not only holds on to his lead at the top of the table but also extends it after another fantastic performance. Dan Smith is hot on his heels, and is certain to score more points before the end of the season.
Results so far here.
Massive thank you to Kayleigh Dunn, Jackie Garnett, Mason Stretsky for officiating and Leanne Smith for helping me sort the times out!
Next Race is the Newburn 6.5 Mile river run!! Wednesday 17th June!
Gary L.