North Eastern Counties XC Championships

A hardy band of green and golds braved ice cold, gale force winds at Alnwick pastures on December 14th for the North Eastern Counties X-Country Championships.

Longer than the usual Harrier League course (8000m for the women and a gruelling 12000m for the men), the muddy tracks take in the breathtaking backdrop of Alnwick Castle. And the weather was literally taking people’s breath away! There was no hanging around to be had and most of us were just glad to get going and warm up a bit once the wind was on your back.

The biting conditions did not deter our brave men and women, who fought hard against the wind and powered through the finish with fierce determination.

We know our champion Sam Charlton was disappointed with his second place in the under 20s but we were utterly proud of him just the same.

In the senior men’s race our captain Simon Lyon was fastest Wallsender in 50.44, followed closely by Kevin Wilson in 50.52. Our Wallsend Team came a cracking eighth overall. Thanks also to Colin Russell, Ian-James Elder, John Firby, Tim Nicholson, James Duthie, Geoff Cavanagh, Adam Hamilton, Keith O’Donnell, Lee Pattinson, John Young and Alan Heslington.

Due to ill health the women’s team was down on original numbers and poor Sarah Robson had to pull out after the first lap (she did well to even muster up the energy to make the start line). But tenacious Jen gave it her all for the women, coming through in a brilliant 37.29 (26th overall!). Then came Jess Marriott, Emily James, Nina Wilson (who had a tumble but dusted herself off and carried on like a trooper) and Kerry Spencer.

Full results here.

Well done to everyone who took part and supported. The Harrier League continues in the New Year with the Sherman Cup at South Shields on Saturday 4th January and then at Peterlee on 9th Feb. There’s lots to play for (including a potential second promotion in a row for the women) so do come out and run for us. We’d love to see you (and cake is always guaranteed)!

Emily