Heaton Memorial 10k – race report

I imagine that most Wallsend Harriers have raced this event at some point in time but for anyone that hasn’t it was described as a fast flat course, which it was.  Basically it is two laps of Newcastle Parkrun with a couple of hairpin bends thrown in for good measure.

The very first Heaton Memorial Road Race took park in 1920 to remember those who died in the Great War. Heaton, in common with many other North East clubs lost many of their young men in the conflict between 1914 -18. Out of the 120 Heaton members registered at the time – 100 served in the forces – 12 never to return.

Four Wallsend Harriers, Jeanette Gibson, Emma Watson, Joe Colligan and Alan Heslington turned up to represent the club.  Obviously the lure of extra points for the Winter Grand Prix hadn’t worked, but the lack of numbers was probably due to the fact that many Green and Golds were running at Cragside (namely Julie Collinson, Julie Williams, Elaine Ashton, Leanne Lewis, Tamsin Austin, Sharron Myers and Karen Livermore). Anyway the weather was good so there was some hope for some fast times.

There were some junior events first but the main race was at 11am. A minute’s silence to remember those who had fallen and then the sound of a gun started the race. I couldn’t help but think of the men who hurled themselves over the top of the trenches at the sound of an officer’s gun then raced towards enemy lines. (If you’ve seen the film Gallipoli then you’ll know what I mean)

We all finished in under 50 minutes, which I think was excellent. Only Joe (l’escargot) was disappointed with his time.  I passed Joe after about 2km and was reminded of the early days of Whitley Bay Parkrun, before either of us had joined WHAC. Thanks Joe for persuading me, after many months of nagging, to try just one training session at the club.

Then it was back to RGS canteen for the ‘Poppy Tea’ and some well-deserved tea and ginger cake and the presentations. It was a very well organised event, hats off to Heaton Harriers for continuing this tradition of remembering those who served and died in times of conflict.

Lest we forget.

Alan Heslington

Photos from Heaton and Cragside are now on the Gallery page.