Athletics
ELEVEN runners from Teesdale AC plus former member Sean Williams travelled to Amsterdam to take part in the TCS marathon, half marathon and 8k.
The group was accompanied by supporters Debbie Williams, Jo Turnbull, Emma House and Craig Hamilton.
First race to start at 9.20am in the Olympic stadium was the marathon with Judith Rodwell – competing in her first marathon – Caroline Hamilton and Steve Moss.
One of the highlights was running through the Rijks Museum. The race then followed a winding route through the city which meant supporters and spectators were able to cheer on the runners from several different points.
The route then followed the river Amstel out and back, which gave the runners a chance to see some of the countryside.
First back for Teesdale was Steve Moss in 3.37.57hrs – and in so doing secured a good enough time for the London Marathon 2021 – followed by Caroline Hamilton in 4.48.18 and Judith Rodwell in 4.55.12.
Next up were Janet Stables, Trudy Layton and Fiona Turnbull heading off at 10.18am in the 8k race, on a course which was flat and fast.
It took runners on a nice loop starting near the Olympic stadium and going through the Vogel Park, a particularly enjoyable stretch, followed by the arch under the Rijks Museum.
The 8k runners actually passed the marathon runners, which enabled Fiona to spot and cheer Judith and Caroline as she ran.
First home for Teesdale in the 8k was Fiona in 46.37mins, followed by Trudy Layton in 50.13 and, with an amazing sprint finish, Janet Stables in 58.34.
Next up were Barbara and Andrew Crawley, Sean Williams, Caroline Moss, Amanda Pettitt and Irene Sutherland in the half marathon which departed at 1.20pm – a one lap route which took in part of the 8k and marathon routes.
Sean Williams was first home in 1.48.32hrs, followed by Barbara Crawley in 2.05.19, Caroline Moss securing a personal best in 2.13.38, Andrew Crawley 2.15.29, Amanda Pettitt 2.28.55 and Irene Sutherland 2.38.58.
The marathon was the only race to start in the Olympic stadium but all races finished in the venue, where runners were welcomed home by rapturous applause.
It was a very well organised event with abundant support throughout the routes.
The day was finished with a meal in the centre of Amsterdam. Club members are now looking to decide which destination will be their next overseas event for 2020.
