|
Sedgefield Harriers hosted the Neptune Relays in Hardwick Park near Sedgefield, aptly named for the weather on the slightly damp Wednesday evening with torrential rain aided by a strong wind. Even the ducks took shelter under the bushes. Despite the deluge 64 teams turned out to race, our club entered a strong contingent of four men’s teams, two and a half women’s teams and a junior boys’ team.
The very wet route consisted of a figure of eight around the Serpentine River and Lake on the parkland paths, it started just below the temple-like building where dozens of next leg runners were getting little protection from the elements. All the clubs ‘A’ runners started at the height of the stormy weather and were glad to get underway. As the race progressed, by the time the third leg runners set off the rain had eased slightly.
The Women’s A team had success with a great result coming 2nd, while the men’s A team just missed out on 3rd place by 12 seconds. The men’s race was won by Durham City Harriers men in 34.56 while Middlesbrough & Cleveland won the women’s race in 42.25 both in record times. Our teams all jelled together mixed with old and new members, some who have never competed in a relay race. The Junior Boys team was made up of only three runners, Robin Caswell, Elliott Beddow and Kyle Addison. Robin ran again which allowed them to count, this brave run saw the lads get 2nd team place. Elliott was taking part in his first ever race, with only two low key training sessions in the bag. He pulled out a good performance here, so watch this space.
Some comments below about the race and weather:-
Jo “I just love this weather” as she gets her sun tan lotion out of her sports bag.
Claire “and you wonder why I avoid races” as she looks to the heavens.
Jane “don’t know what all the fuss is about” as she shelters under the Temple and umbrella.
Paul “I’ve got a few niggles” as he puts fastest time in.
Julie “where's the camera?” still waiting for a photo.
Elliott “Mother and Aunty Jane why did you bring me here exactly?”
Robin “I have to do what!!! Run another lap are you joking?” No they weren’t.
Mick “must get a map of the route for next year” Ask him from Sunderland he knew the way J.
Dave E “I have ran in worse conditions, just can’t remember when” it’s his age, ask him about Thirsk XC 1992.
Dave W “I could have gone quicker but had to give way to a swan crossing the path” True.
Considering the awful weather, as a spectator dressed in full waterproof kit I was most impressed with the amount of our lot who turned up. I was even more impressed with the great spirit and character of all from young to old, (you know who you are) who just got on with the job with no fuss making me proud to be a member of Burn Road.
Results (FL- fastest leg)
Men’s teams, ‘A’ Keith Hutchinson, Paul Wilson (FL), Mick Lamb, Andy Minister, 4th (36.34). ‘B’ Jack Hutton (FL), John Mansfield, Darren Smith, Ian Cook 15th (41.16).
‘C’ David Edwards, Richard Robson, David Wallace (FL), Matty Dawkins 23rd (44.36). ‘D’ Dave Clouston, Graeme Surtees (FL), Chris Sharp, Steve Armstrong 42nd (50.08).
Women’s teams: ‘A’ Sarah Black, Claire Salvin, Katie Laws (FL), Jane Wistow 22nd (43.19).
‘B’ Helen Smart, Denise Bell, Joanne Beddow, Alice Simpson (FL) 37th (48.03). ‘C’ (incomplete team) Julie McGrath, Cary Surtees.
Junior Boys ‘A’ Robin Caswell, Elliot Beddow, Kyle Addison (FL), Robin Caswell, 2nd (47.27).
Link to detailed results |