Clive Cookson 10k Race Report

It was muggy, there was a long hill and I’d never attempted it before. In fact, I worked out it had been almost three years since I had run a 10k race. It used to be my best distance but since embarking upon my nearby parkrun I’ve been all about the 5k. The thought of running just over six miles hard was quite daunting.

Luckily I had my Green and Gold contingent by my side (and scattered about the course supporting). A healthy turn out of 22 Wallsend Harriers made their way to the start line.

It was a stress free start mainly thanks to the excellent organisation of our hosts North Shields Poly. A fairly fast two-lap course starting from Monkseaton High School and then clockwise (it used to be anti-clockwise. I don’t know if that was better or worse!) past North Tyneside Hospital and then turning off right onto some nice country track before heading past Langley First School, through some residential streets, and back to the high school to do the whole thing again.

I knew what I had to do, not go off too fast and leave plenty for the fourth mile (back up the Rake Lane incline on lap two). I was really happy with my pace and I felt comfortable but I still managed to underestimate that return up Rake Lane and I slowed down a lot more than I anticipated. Still, I had plenty of time to catch up. Thanks to the cheering and good conditions I managed a respectable time and most importantly, beat my handicap (in your face Gary!) I thought it was a PB but I’ve just looked back on Fetch and I’ve still got another 35 seconds to shave off before I beat my Morpeth 2013 time (darn babies getting in the way. Plus I didn’t have Stacey D’s bum to chase this time, which always used to get me a PB). Still, I love a challenge.

Some great performances on the night. Special mention must go to our first Wallsend men Matt Darbyshire and James Davis who were pretty much neck a neck in a speedy 36.21/22. First lady in a fantastic 42.28 (although she says she’s not happy!) was Sarah Robson. Great running also by young Denver Stretesky (39.07).

Full results here.

Thank-you to Gary as always for the handicaps.