Lisa Walker
Congratulations to Lisa Walker who was Tyne Bridge Harriers sole standard bearer in the Anita Nott Womens Only Race in Jesmond Dene hosted by Heaton Harriers yesterday evening.
In perfect conditions, 99 Women started on the line in Jesmond Dene Park. The race is listed at a distance of 5.4 km (3.4 miles). It’s an undulating course through Jesmond Dene, Heaton Park and finishes at the far side of Armstrong Bridge. If anyone has ran the Jesmond Dene Handicap Races, it is the reverse route of that 
On the ‘gun’ things got underway and Chester le Streets Claire Simpson took immediate lead and control of the race as they headed toward Heaton Park. Lisa Looked in a great position as she passed us.
It wasn’t too long before the leading runners had reached the first turning point of Heaton Library and the loop back to Armstrong bridge and Jesmond Dene. Simpson was still in control as she had a bout a 45 second lead as she passed the gates of Armstrong Park heading toward the ‘undulating’ part of the course.
Lisa passed looking good and even managed a smile as we cheered her through.
As the last runner of the first section went through the Armstrong Park gates, it wasn’t long before we started to see the leading runners returning for the final ‘sting’ up the incline at the end of the park and then to continue the final 100 meters along Armstrong Bridge.
Congratulations go to Claire Simpson who had taken the lead from the outset and held on firm to it throughout putting as much pathway between her and the other runners as she could. Claire looked super strong as she hit the short incline and had a great finishing run across the bridge. She finished 1st in 21 minutes dead.
With two of Heatons finest Laura Jardine (21:56) & Sarah Lemon (22:21) following on strongly.
Lisa looked great as she hit Armstrong Bridge and managed a strong sprint finish to gain a place and an excellent 23rd position with a time of 25:52
Special mention to the 10 ladies from Alnwick Harriers who were enjoying the occasion and they added a sense of team & community spirit as they ran the whole race together in a pack which I thought was a nice touch, finishing 69th – 78th place.
An excellent race, once again superbly organised by George Routledge and extremely well marshaled by everyone at Heaton Harriers
Anita Nott – Top 3 Results
01 Claire Simpson – Chester le Street 21:00
02 Laura Jardine – Heaton Harriers 21.56
03 Sarah Lemon – Heaton Harriers 22.21
Rob Kirtley
3 Responses
Very well done Lisa.. excellent running and superb strong finish.. nice one !!
RK
Well done Lisa – that’s a great run over the ‘up and down’ terrain of the dene and an excellent finishing position.
Thanks Rob for the prompt and detailed report on the race.
Mark
Great to see a classy runner getting back to where she should be. You’ll be leading TBH women’s team to victories soon. Well run Lisa!