News – Page 13 – Sedgefield Harriers

December 12, 2018March 27, 2019

The Angus Tait Hexhamshire Hobble 25th Anniversary 02/12/2018

10.5m Fell Race Organised by Allen Valley Striders

Sunday was race day. Coxhoe had been grey, wet and windy all week and waking up on Sunday morning it didn’t look any better, as I waited for my fellow harriers Dave Walker and Mark Raine to arrive. We set off at 9am for the one-hour drive to Allendale, via the A1 and A69. Knowing it could be a different world up there, we didn’t know what to expect as we drove through plenty of drizzle, low fog and really poor visibility on the B6295 from Hexham to Allendale. However once we drove through the village of Catton the weather cleared up almost instantly and we could see Allendale and the miles of hills – which brought much relief and smiles all round.

Registration was at Allendale Primary School Sports Hall, which was quick and effortless for the mandatory kit check (full waterproofs, whistle, compass, map and food bars). In return we were given a rather cool 25^th Anniversary buff. Just the job.

This left us with about 45 minutes to spare with an 11am start, so essential toilet trips and running gear / kit bag options were deployed. Once all sorted, we chatted with a few runners and then entered the school for our race brief, fair itching to get out.

So, a bit about the Hobble. It is named after the late Angus Tait, a local runner who died suddenly in 2010, and this year the event was hosting its 25^th anniversary with over 220 runners entering. Angus was a champion runner and fell runner who was well known in many local running clubs, winning numerous events. He won the first Hexhamshire Hobble, but apparently was so disappointed with the lack of trophy for his efforts he decided to dig out an old trainer, sprayed it gold and attached it to a wooden plinth – a bit of a memento I guess. Sentiment to this, Allen Valley Striders now wonderfully recreate Angus’s trophy with a beautifully cast trainer as a replica, presented to the first male and female winners.

The course is 10.5 miles, and this year was ran in reverse (clockwise direction). Starting on road (next to the school), a good mile road ascent takes you up to muddy Land Rover tracks which weave up and down to Westburnhope Farm. Back on to road and climbing steeply up to Cocker Shield Farm, switching back on to Land Rover tracks, and then, into the thick of it! Yes, grouse moorland, heather, deep bogs and beaten animal tracks with steep little climbs and descents with large rocks and puddles to navigate – onto Hangman Hill for a marshal race number check. Back onto track now, before a really steep descent, followed by a “hands and knees” crawl up the other side of the small stream. It was a moment to catch your breath here, as the summit at Stobbs Cross was in the distance and I could see the runners ahead snaking their way up through the moorland, with more and more rocks and deep bogs to contend with. I could safely say goodbye to my white socks at this point.

Reaching the summit, my neck and shoulders were really starting to ache, but thankfully the gentle farm track descent was yards away (photo time too), which would lead onto the tarmac again. At this point Marshalls were shouting “One mile to go Sedgefield. Well done – keep it up”. These words were a welcome relief and I knew the end was near. And then another surprise. The steepest hill I have ever run down, before skirting onto a green and back up the hill to the school. I heard a voice shouting behind me. Time to find another gear, before a sharp left turn, and quickly down to the finish line. He was a Birtley Harrier and we congratulated each other for our efforts.

Slowly starting to get my energy back, Dave and Mark were all smiles (all right for some) as we headed back to the school. Wow – what was in front of my eyes. The biggest cake selection I have ever witnessed as a Harrier. They were amazing, so I grabbed a big slice of coffee and walnut cake, which made the race that extra bit special before we entered the sports hall for the prize giving and raffle.

In summary. A cracking event and only an hour away, and with a £7 entry fee and stunning scenery across Hexham Common, it is a must race. But you will get your feet wet!

People have asked “What was it like, was it tough?”

Well, in the words of Dave Walker: “Tough? Well one guy lost the whole sole of his shoe, it was that tough!”

And it is true, he was a Low Fell Harrier and ran the last mile of tarmac in his socks!

Hope to see more Harriers there next year!

Mil Walton.

2018 Results: http://allenvalleystriders.co.uk/hobble/hobble-results-2018.pdf

September 23, 2018March 26, 2019

Race Rundown: Coxhoe Trail 10k 2018

Coxhoe Trail 10k, 23rd September 2018. A coolish but pleasant morning for racing. This run was re-established in 2014, with the original Coxhoe 10k on a different route dating back to the 1980s. The modern version was put together by local runner Iain Twaddle and our own Ean Parsons and attracts a decent number of Harriers. The course is a good one, an out and back along the old Kelloe railway line, with a loop around the plantation (‘pit heaps’) at the far end. This doesn’t really hint at the two or three taxing hills on the route, the last one a particular energy sapper, especially with another half mile still to go once back at the top before the finish. The finish area is where Coxhoe Hall used to stand (once the home of the Victorian poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning) and offers a good vantage of those struggling up the final hill. Well, I always struggle anyway.

Registration is down at Coxhoe Leisure Centre, followed by a fifteen minute walk up to the start/finish area in the woods. This year I got chatting to folks at the finish area for too long and only just got to the start in time. It meant I was right at the front and after just the briefest of intros we were away. I’ve never started a race so quickly. I dare not do anything other to avoid tripping other front runners and only eased off once we were halfway down the first hill. Turns out it was a successful tactic as normally I’m tripping over folks on this bit myself. I kept a decent pace throughout, for me, and beat my best time in five attempts at the course by a minute and a half. The organisers moved the date back three weeks this year, to avoid Tees Pride 10k, and I think the cooler morning helped too. Either way, I was pleased with my performance.

A record 200 runners completed the event this year. First Harrier was Ben Smale (a Coxhoe lad) and first female overall was Lisa Darby, a brilliant effort. A special mention also to 15 year old Daniel Avery-McAleese who finished 33^rd overall in 44 minutes. Fifteen Harriers in total took part. It’s a great local event and even more next year would be super.

Full results can be found at: http://www.activelifecoxhoe.co.uk/downloads/Coxhoe%20Trail%2010k%20Results.pdf

by Pete King

September 9, 2018March 26, 2019

Race Rundown: Great North Run – 9th September 2018

This race doesn’t need much of an introduction, with it being perhaps one of the most iconic half marathon races in the world. Being a fairly novice runner I wanted to set myself a challenge and with the race pretty much on the doorstep I thought why not enter the ballot?! Training in earnest started in June and I gradually built up the miles through the weeks. Then came race day – my first attempt at 13.1 miles! I think I was more nervous in the morning about getting to the start line having read a lot about busy metro lines but in the end it all went smoothly and I even had time to meet up with friends from work who were also racing.

After that, it was time to go to the start along with approximately 43,000 other people, unfortunately I didn’t see any of the other 21 Harriers who were also racing. It is quite an experience to be lined up with that many people and to know I was in the same race as Mo Farah!

I crossed the start line 12 minutes after the gun went off, I thought it was going to be busy at the start but we were all pretty well spread out. I went off too fast (definitely need to work on my race pacing) but as I got down towards the Tyne bridge I tried to settle into it, however that proved tricky with so many people on the road. This wasn’t helped by people starting to walk at around 3 miles, if you’re doing a half marathon do some training!

By mile 7, the legs were starting to complain, time to dig in, and focus, however easier said than done with everything going on and the heat. Had to make use of all the water stations and the showers and by mile 10 I was beginning to slow, the long drag uphill really does take it out of you. It was quite a relief when it levelled out. Then there was the short downhill to the sea front, round the corner and then the end was finally in sight, but that last stretch, it felt so far. I never thought the finish line would come but getting closer I took one final look at my watch, saw there was a chance to still get under 2 hours and just went as fast as I could (admittedly not that fast at the end of 13 miles) but crossed the line exhausted in 1:59:47. I’d done it, first half marathon completed and really pleased to meet my goal of sub 2 hours, even if it was only by 13 seconds!

I am glad I can tick the Great North Run off the list, but I won’t be entering the ballot this year – too many people and the logistics of trying to find the family afterwards and getting home put a bit of a dampener on the day. However, it certainly gave me the bug for running, I’m hooked now!

By Fay Uphill

Link to results: https://www.greatrun.org/myresults

November 21, 2015

Club Dinner 2015

A celebration of the first ten years of the club was held at Hardwick Hall Hotel. Archie Jenkins, secretary of NECAA was invited to speak and gave an enthusiastic assessment of all the club had achieved before proceeding to present the awards. Deb Pennick took Newcomer of the Year award after making strong improvements and representing the club in many races. Individual Performance of the Year was awarded to Gary Thwaites for his astonishing year of marathons which saw him complete his 50th marathon. Gary also took Club Runner of the Year. Track and Field Athlete was presented to James Oldfield for “having a go” at track and field and taking the club steeplechase and javelin records in the process. Kev Archbold took Supporter of the Year for his many hours of coaching and behind the scenes work. The committee chose Helen Letts as Volunteer of the Year. Helen gives up a lot of time to support the juniors as well as being actively involved in the beginners group and helping co-ordinate coaches and the club’s accreditations. Club Member of the Year was taken by Ean Parsons, in this the anniversary year, having previously ruled himself out of the voting. As it was the tenth anniversary of the club, two further awards were made: Club Runner of the First Ten Years of the Club was awarded to Ean Parsons. Club Member of the First Ten Years of the Club was award to Marie Walker. Additionally, the club presented three bespoke trophies made by Ray Carmichael to say #THX to three people who have been instrumental in building it to what it is today: Marie Walker, Scott Hydon and founder and chair for the first ten years, Ean Parsons. The grand prix winners were: Division One – Paul Weir (men) and Tracy Glaister (women); Division Two – Paul Glaister (men) and Deb Pennick (women). The Time Trial winners were James Oldfield (men) and Tracy Henderson (women).

The club also received a video message from Steve Cram and Daley Thompson congratulating the club on its first ten years.

We also paid our respects to Vicki Wetherspooon who was taken from us during the year.

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November 21, 2014

Club Dinner 2014

The club Annual Dinner and Awards night was held at the Parish Hall in Sedgefield on Friday 14th November with guest speaker Alan Bell. Chief International starter, Alan Bell describes himself as ‘I’m not famous but when I speak the world listens’. He regaled the Harriers and their partners and guests with anecdotes form his long and illustrious career as an international athletics official including disqualifying Usain Bolt in the World Championships 100m final and about his unforgettable experiences at London 2012. The evening was one of celebration for Sedgefield Harriers at which awards were made for performance and contribution to the club. Paul Glaister was named as Supporter of the Year for supporting his daughters and his wife at competitions; James Oldfield was voted as Newcomer of the Year for his fantastic performances since joining the club; Jane Spink, Track and Field Athlete of the Year for competing in Javelin; Tracy Brown was voted by the club committee as Volunteer of the Year for all the work she does coaching juniors and in support of many club activities; Paula Warwick was voted by members as Club Member of the Year for competing and her contribution to the club generally; pride of place went to David Sawyer who was voted both Performance of the Year and Runner of the Year for his fantastic achievement of competing in 5 marathons, 5 half-marathons, 5 10k’s and 5 5k’s and if that wasn’t enough, running 98 miles between Sedgefield and Bamburgh on the last weekend of his challenge to race in the Castles Half Marathon – all in aid of Breast Cancer Research. Christine Hearmon and Paul Weir received the annual club Grand Prix trophies and Abie Hearmon and James Oldfield were winners of the annual time trial trophies. There was a fantastic raffle and half the proceeds went to the club and half to Marie Curie Nursing Care, the clubs’ adopted charity for the next twelve months in memory of Club Secretary Gail Bell who sadly recently lost her personal battle with cancer.

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