The annual 5 mile Old Monk trail race took place on Sunday 21st February 2009, leaving from Hart Village in slight snow flurries and ending in rather heavier snow. As usual it was a good turn out with 110 competitors.

Local boy Richard Morrel was heading for victory, but with no Marshall or signing at Monk Hesleden he simply followed the road and failed to turn left through the cemetery eventually losing out to Steven Potts from Sunderland Harriers.

First home for the club for the second consecutive week was Vaughan "Lenny" Godber in 4th position in an excellent time of 32.58.He was quickly followed home by Andy Minister in 6th and Andy Kelly in 7th in 33.49 and 33.50 respectively with the younger of the two Andy's just being overtaken on the line.

The evergreen Karl Edwards was first in the O/50 category coming home in 15th place in another good time of 36.24, quickly followed by Dave Edwards (no relation) who had an excellent race in 16th and a time of 36.54, just proving that all his hard work over the winter is starting to pay off.

Tracy Waller was first lady home in a time of 37.24, placing her in 18th position. New member Dean Crangle, 17 yrs had his first race and was overjoyed to pip David Kirk with positions of 23rd and 24th respectively in times of 38.43 and 38.48.

In a rare outing ex club captain and NYSD Champion 50 years old Ian Cook was 37th in a time of 40.57. Another new member Trevor Sherwood came home in 41st position in a time of 41.18 which was over 4 minutes faster than last year, yet could have been far better with Trevor suffering from over enthusiasm at the start.

Sarah Black in her second come back race in as many weeks was next home and third lady in a brilliant time of 42.04 beating last years time by over a minute and finishing in 43rd. The third new member, Adam Cammiss finished in 46.21 and 60th.

Andy Lamplough recovering from a long term injury had a satisfying run in 64th and a good time of 46.49.  Stephen Armstrong was next home in a very good time of 47.43 and in 68th position with Stephen stating his was very happy with his run.

Another evergreen member O/60 Vet Geoff Gardner was next home in 70th position and a time of 47.45, quickly pursued by David Wallace 5 seconds later. In 79th was big Jon Bathe in another good time of 49.07 and 79th. 51.43 was the time for Mike Hall who finished in 91st.

The final three Burn Road Harriers home were Joanna Norman in a very good time of 61.02 and in 105th, followed home in the final two positions were Club Secretary Alison Crosby and member Suzie Hall who ran round together in 66.47.

Link to Gallery for photos by Alan Musgrove :- http://www.hartlepoolburnroad.co.uk/club-gallery/142-old-monk-6-2010