As the 2014/15 Cross Country season gathered pace, an unseasonably bright and sunny day greeted the amassed runners at Cramlington nature reserve for the first fixture of the North East Harrier League.
Chloe Fairclough made her first appearance in this league as an Under 13 girl, running the 3.32k course in 14:44 and coming home in 6th position.
Next up and taking on the same distance were the Under 15 boys, and first home was Cameron Stainsby in 12:12 in 30th position. Harrison Daglish came home in 42nd position in 14:28.
In the Under 15 Girls Lizzie Cramb finished in 25th position with 14:05.
In the Senior Women’s race Lizz Wood tackled her first Harrier League meeting since moving up an age group and finished the 6.52k race in 13th place in an impressive time of 29:24
Other members of our Senior Group were also in action over the weekend with some taking on the undulating course of the Richmond 10k. First club member to cross the line was Gareth Preston who romped home in an impressive 46.28. Eddie Murphy was close behind in 46.36 and completing the team was Steve Minns in 47.19.
Shildon R&AC were also well represented at this year’s Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon. First home for the team was Chris Griffith in a remarkable time of 3.31.13 followed by Ian Rudge in a personal best time of 3.44.33.
Running their first Marathons were Helen Race and Irene Ross, who crossed the line together in a time of 4.41.06.
Also completing her first marathon was Annie Pluse who is still euphoric with her time of 5.08.19.
After a year which has seen her battling injury, Andrea Lowery took on the gruelling 26.2 miles with gusto and, with her delayed start to training proving to be no hindrance, finished with a fantastic personal best time of 5.21.36.
Wrapping up this weekend in fine style was Sarah Tilley, who also completed her first marathon in a time of 5.55.30.
Shildon Running & Athletic Club is open to anyone from the age of 8 upwards. If you are interested in joining the club go along for a free tryout session. For details of club nights and times to suit your age group visit www.shildonrunning.co.uk or email secretary@shildonrunning.co.uk.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
