SENSATIONAL SEPTEMBER!

So far September has been pretty epic on the race front.

The ever gruelling but addictive Great North Run took no prisoners on another scorching day. PBs were out the window for most but it didn’t stop us from soaking up the incredible atmosphere and enjoying the last home straight along the glorious South Shields coastline.

Congratulations to our Green and Gold greats:  Jamie Davis (our fastest male in 1:18), Philip Aiston, Simon Lyon, Gav Lee, Matt Darbyshire, Kevin Wilson, Robbie Livermore, Paul McAleer, James Hardie, Kevin Hood, Sarah Robson (fastest Wallsend lady in 1:35), James Torbett, Steve Mallam, Denver Stretesky, Joe Colligan, Philip McKellow, Steve Armstrong, Andy McClean, Joseph Hobden, Neil Armstrong, Paul Pitchford, Dave Hall, Emily and Paul James, Paul Stretesky, Jeanette Gibson, Ian Gowing, Ian Costello, Gary Lewis and Leanne, Nina Wilkinson, Marion Dreano, Kay Bateman, Gerard Davidson, Alex Liddell, Nicole Contogiorgi, Andy Wigmore, Marie Collinson, Craig Howett, David McPherson, Fay Longstaff, Liam Smart and Sara Morgan.

NB. Apologies if any of these aren’t correct as I’ve just taken them off the results website. Please contact me with any amendments.

Meanwhile in the Vale of York our intrepid half marathon addict Mark Summers put in a sterling performance during his 10^th of the year, finishing the scenic route in 1:42:21, the fastest he’s run since the Brass Monkey in January. Two more to go and we’re all rooting for him to achieve his sub 1:40 target.

And as if all that wasn’t hard enough some of them only went and took on the now infamous Jelly Tea a week later! Having decided to stick with last year’s new arduous (understatement) 10-mile course (with a 15 mile option too!), Tynedale’s relentlessly hilly but gloriously scenic race was taken on by the small but gutsy team of: Alastair Willis (1^st Wallsend Harrier in 1:13), Andy Wigmore, Joseph Hobden and Alan Moses. And hats off to James Hardie who completed the 15-miler in 1:53.

And as if THAT wasn’t hard enough, two phenomenal Green and Golds took on and conquered Ironman Wales! I think it’s safe to say the majority of us would not even contemplate taking on such a daunting feat. But Andrew Clark and Julie Collinson are not your average Jo Harrier. It cannot be underestimated the commitment and dedication required to train for an Ironman. I’d think twice about training for another marathon let alone a 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike ride, and around one of the most challenging courses on the Ironman calendar. I’ve no idea what is considered a respectable time to complete an Ironman in. Just finishing it in one piece is mind-blowing but our dynamic duo managed to do it in 14:41 (Andrew) and 15:11 (Julie). Can you even imagine having to be on your feet for that long never mind giving it your all in the sea, on a bike and on a marathon course? There are not enough words to describe how unbelievably proud us fellow Harriers are of them both. And next up, the newlyweds Gary and Leanne, who are just days away from taking on Ironman Mallorca. I need to go and have a lie down just thinking about it.

Emily