Marathon of the North 2012

Marathon of the North 6^th May 2012.

Podium finish for Andy

A brand new marathon, organised by running legend Steve Cram took place last Sunday. Over 1500 runners completed the inaugural event which saw the competitors hit the bleaker streets of Sunderland before moving on to the more picturesque parks and costal vistas. The route was certainly varied, roads, coastal paths, parks, car parks and college fields all formed part of the challenge. Described by the organisers as flat but don’t be fooled it was definitely rolling. 

The race was well organised utilising the good facilities at The Stadium of Light meaning there was not the usual queues for the loos. Support was sparse to begin with but got more encouraging as the race progressed and if the event becomes established then the support can only grow. The marshals were enthusiastic and supportive and there was a real spirit of camaraderie amongst the competitors and no shortage of smiles. 

Onto the race itself which was won by Hartlepool’s Paul Wilson in 2:43:31 pushed close by Andrew Pearson in 2^nd who is clearly benefitting from the improved training offered by New Marske Harriers 2:46:29 (New PB). Andrew Sugden was the next NMH home in an impressive 8^th place with another new PB finishing in 2:55:47 smashing the sub 3 hour target he’d set for himself. 

Other NMH finishers were Paul Cleasby 3:09:09 completing his second marathon in two weeks. Andrew Phinn 3:30:06, Melanie Carlton 3:31:43, Carole Phinn 3:32:09, Sarah Rogers 3:42:30 and Christopher Kelly who timed his sub 4 hour run to perfection with a time of 3:59:29.

All in all I hope this race becomes a regular fixture on the north east racing calendar, the route may need tweaking, the support will grow but it was certainly a brilliant day out.

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Results  Photos   Andy's Marathon Blog   Report by Paul Cleasby

2012 Spring Coast Road 5k

Spring(?) Coast Road 5k

A wet, cold and windy evening (and possibly a serious RTA nearby) meant we had a much lower than usual turnout, with only 79 finishers.

The 2012 temporary course was well received by many of the runners, despite many sections being awash with standing water. However, the setting up required and the number of additional marshals required means we will revert to the “pink path” course nest year – which will no longer have any pink !

The race itself was dominated by 42year old Paul Lowe and 16year old Charlie Pasco who at half way were shoulder to shoulder, but once they turned onto the Coast Road the older athlete used his strength to ease clear, to win in 16:17 – 10seconds ahead of his younger rival. Third was Michael Joyeux, over a minute further back. The leading lady was Fiona Blackett (8^th overall) in a time of 18:14.

Many thanks to volunteers that braved the elements to make this event possible.

Results Photos courtesy of Colin Edwards

London Marathon 22/04/12

London Marathon 22/04/12

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Four New Marske Harriers joined the 36,000 runners in this year's London Marathon.  After predictions of poor weather for the race, the runners woke up to a blue sky on race day.  This was our first trip to the London Marathon and it is difficult to comprehend the scale of the event watching it on television.  On Saturday morning we visited the Expo Event to collect Kath's race number bumping into Ann Currie as we entered. Race day arrived with a 6am breakfast with fellow runners and a short walk to the start from the hotel.  Whilst Kath prepared for the start the kids and I walked to the seven mile point to join the thousands of people lining the route.  After just about spotting Paul Cleasby (hot on the heals of Nell McAndrew) and Kath, we went through the foot tunnel to the Isle of Dogs.  This was a great place to watch, with lots of bands on the route and only a smattering of spectators in places.  Later visits to Canary Wharf and The Embankment proved difficult with crowds 3 deep lining the route.    Paul Cleasby knocked a great 6 minutes off his PB and now has 2 weeks to prepare for the “Marathon of the North.”  Kath also hit a new PB by 22 seconds!    Ann Currie completed her first ever marathon and Julian Wilkinson also had a great run. The least said about the 7 hour train journey home the better…….

Photos   Report by Dave Aspin

Mermaid 10k - shortened to 5k

Mermaid 10k - rearranged as 5k

Due to the unfortunate fatal accident on the Coast Road this morning, the Mermaid 10k was nearly cancelled. However after consultation with the police it was decided to go ahead as 5k race. The shorter race would take less time to complete and could still finish whilst the first aid cover was available.

Runners held moment of silent reflection before the start as a mark of respect to the teenager who lost her life. Our deepest sympathy goes to her family and friends. Evening Gazette Report.

183 runners finished the shortened race on a fast and flat course.   Six runners went out in the lead group including New Marske’s Jim Bulman and Tom Danby.   As they ran in to a slight headwind going down the coast road eventual winner Michael Grimes placed himself behind the frontrunners before moving ahead in the final 1K to claim a good victory over Jim Bulman in 2^nd, Dean Moore 3^rd and Tom Danby 4^th. In the ladies race Georgie Rutherford came home 1^st, Angela Hunter 2^nd, Michelle Holt 3^rd, Nicola Kent 4^th with New Marskes Sharon Bulman and Kath Aspin 5^th and 6^th. 20 Harriers completed the race many of whom were in the prizes. Thanks to the many helpers who worked hard to ensure the revised race ran smoothly.

The next race in the series is the Spring Coast Road 5K, 7pm on Wednesday 25^th April.

Photos