While most of us were taking on the Terry 5k, half a dozen brave Wallsend souls were in the big smoke taking on one of the most gruelling but thrilling running challenges of their lives – The London Marathon.
There were first timers, seasoned pros, and even a televised engagement! Massive congratulations to Marie and John (who said ‘yes’ at mile 24). What a great moment and a first in Green and Gold history!
Terry certainly made sure the sun shined down on us on a glorious April morning, when 234 runners turned out to race in his memory.
The former Wallsend chairman has been remembered in this way every year since 2012. A Green and Gold legend, motivational coach, inspirational athlete and a wonderful friend. He used to say “people need people” and there was nowhere that summed this up more than at West Allotment Country Park in North Tyneside on Sunday April 23rd. It was the Terry O’Gara Memorial 5k.
What a glorious start to the new season and plenty to be smiling about as enter the Easter holidays.
The sun was out on Sunday and so were a mighty junior team at the Spring Track Relays at Churchill Playing Fields. It was so great to see such a fantastic turn out. Our under 13 boys won the 4x100m relay and we mustn’t forget our senior men who took third place in the 4×800.
A special mention to Luke Pichler who smashed NOTAN Quad Kids event last weekend at Churchill with 235 points. He won every event except the 600m (he still came second!) and gained a new PB in the howler event with a fantastic 35.5m!
Further up the coast a not unlucky team of 13 embraced the long awaited heat to take on the popular, annual Blyth Valley 10k. A fast and scenic course up and down the dunes and a straight run back past Ridley Park. A great one to start off the 10k season and there was even a PB for our first man home (and men’s captain) Simon Lyon in a fantastic 36.03. Alastair Willis knocked a good 7+ minutes off his PB with an impressive 39:16. Our new boy on the block Dave Diston also bagged a PB of 38:28 (exciting times ahead for this one). Our sensational Sarah Robson did a cracking run too (40:58) and is chomping at the bit for a PB (she’s certainly on track in her current form). Congratulations to all our runners on the day: Kevin Wilson, Dan Weatherill, Gav Lee, Andy Wigmore, Mick Skeldon, Emily James, Donna Thompson, Nina Wilkinson and Mish Margison. Thanks to all the supporters too.
A huge shout out must also go to Keith O’Donnell and Kris Stobbs who took on the gruelling Manchester Marathon and finished in 3hrs26 and 3hrs11 (respectively). Such an achievement. Well done guys.
While most of us were taking on the Terry 5k, half a dozen brave Wallsend souls were in the big smoke taking on one of the most gruelling but thrilling running challenges of their lives – The London Marathon.
