Athletics
TEESDALE AC’s Steve Moss travelled to the south west for the Cornish Classic Ultra trail run.
The race follows the South West Coastal Path for almost 45 miles from Lizard Point round to Land’s End.
The rugged high cliffs interspersed with beautiful sandy bays made for some tough climbs with many steps and more than 7,500ft of ascent.
With changeable weather including heavy rain and strong winds the preceding day, clothing choices for the race were difficult – should it be sun screen and T-shirt or multiple warm layers?
In the end there was a bit of everything and, although there was quite a strong head wind, there was only a little rain and much of the day was sunny but not too hot.
Consequently, the scenery could be enjoyed with even a flat road section being brightened by the sight of jumping kite surfers of Penzance Bay.
The fastest runner completed the 44.9 miles in 6 hours and 28 minutes, which is an incredible time considering the predominately tough terrain.
The last person to finish was on the route for almost 14 hours and 16 runners did not manage to make the check points within the permitted cut off times.
Steve took 11 hours 45 minutes, which was about his anticipated time, but he was surprised to be the first placed M60 and 158th overall of the 204 finishers.
Steve’s son Andrew, a former Teesdale AC member ran most of the race with his father then picked up the pace during the last two miles to take a few extra places, finishing 152nd in 11 hours and 42 minutes.
Blaydon race
TEN runners from Teesdale AC travelled up to Newcastle to run the iconic Blaydon Race on Sunday, June 9.
This year, the race started in Collingwood Street and runners from clubs across the region and further afield ran 5.4 miles through the city streets at 7.15pm while traffic ground to a halt and roads were closed. Spirits were high and there was singing and merriment – Fog on the Tyne and of course a chorus of The Blaydon Races featured heavily and the sun shone on the 4,700 registered runners.
The race first took place on June 2, 1962, but was taken over and organised by Blaydon Harriers & Athletics Club in 1981. It has been held annually ever since on June 9.
There were loads of supporters along the route and a great atmosphere.
All the finishers in Blaydon were presented with a bottle of specially brewery beer and a cheese buttie.
First back for the club was Nigel Mawer in 35.56mins, followed by Katie Mottershead in 44.26, Andrew Crawley 45.55, Barbara Crawley 46.49, Josh Crawley 48:05, Judy Yeowart 56.14, Steven Mounter 58.26, Fiona Turnbull 58.38, Trudy Layton 59.24 and birthday girl, Jane Mardon 77.17.
Alan Bray
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