Morpeth to Newcastle

Before we get onto the half marathon we must start by congratulating the awesome fivesome who completed the full Morpeth to Newcastle adventure. Alastair Willis (3:14.41), Keith O’Donnell (3:15.42), Steve Mallam (3:44), Mark Richardson and Andy Clark (5:09).

Our Ironman Leanne has kindly written her account of the half…

There was definitely a relaxed feeling emanating from the Wallsend contingent at the start of the ‘North Tyneside to Newcastle’ half marathon on Sunday, certainly for me, not the pre – race nerves I have experienced in other races.

The weather was spot on for good racing conditions and even allowed Mark Summers and I to showcase our tanned skin and lay claim to awards for most tanned male and female at Wallsend!!

The race itself was undulating, with some sneaky hills thrown into the mix, the hill of note for me being the run up from the Fish Quay on the Low Lights Tavern hill.. ouch!! This caused Julie W and I to comment that we wouldn’t fancy that hill in the second half of the marathon.. not that we were chatting whilst racing.. sorry Bill!!

The parts of the race I enjoyed most were running through sections of our training routes, enjoying the familiarity of them and the sense of belonging to a great club (thanks for the well placed cheers Simon on Sarah) The last section onto the Quayside seemed to come up quick and there was a good crowd to welcome us at the finish line. I would definitely do this race again next year, a nice alternative half (hopefully the t –shirt might be a technical one!!)

Leanne Lewis

Half marathon results:

James Hardie (1:34:36, in top 10%), Mark Summers (12th half marathons in 12 months! 1:40:52), Alan Moses (1:45.21), Leanne Smith-Lewis (1:48.22), Julie Williams (1:49.42, 5th lady vet), Jeanette Gibson (1:53:55), Anna French (1:56.44) Mish Margison and Andy McLean (let us know your results guys as we couldn’t find them)