A cold, wet start to the day dampened the already muddy course causing conditions on and around the xc to become rather slippy. Like an episode of the chuckle brothers, we attempted to put up the tent. 40 minutes later, three rather irritate Colvers had almost given up, and were rumoured to have said ‘shall we just ring Dave’.
First to brave the course was the under 11 boys. Our only competitor being Jack Mcmanus placing 23rd with a strong time of 8:45.
Next to race was our Under 11 girls. We had three in this event, first to come home was Eleanor Maxwell who placed 15th with a time of 8:50 minutes. Next home was Francesca Watson with a place of 42nd running 10:17 and the third Tyne Bridge runner to cross the line was Bethan Pickett who placed 52nd running a great time of 10:45 minutes.
Next race of the day was the U17 mens race, consisting of one small loop then one large loop. We had two in this event, both lads ran strong runs, Jake Moir coming home in 13th place (22:15) and closely followed by Zak Kettle from the fast pack in 20th place (20:26).
Having no competitors in the u17/20 women, our next race of the day was the U15 boys. We almost closed 2 teams in this event, having 5 runners in total. First to cross the finish line was Liam Whitelaw with 11th place (15:00), followed closely by Jake Parker running 15:13 in 16th position. Closing the team was Freddie Palmer who ran a very strong run of 14:01 from the fast pack, placing him 30th. Next to come home was Lucas Powell finishing closely behind Freddie in 32nd place (15:47) and George Weare backed him up in 50th position running 17:46 minutes. The team placed a very commendable 4th with an overall total of 57 points.
The next race on the course was the U15 girls race, only closing one team at this xc, contrary to the two they closed at Druridge Bay. After 6 races, the course was getting muddier by the minute, however, first to come home, and rather clean as well, was Alanah Perowne in 23rd place (18:08) followed by a much muddier Ruby Colver in 30th running 19:11. The team was closed by Ruby Ditchburn in 38th place running a time of 20:54. The team came 6th overall with a total of 91 points.
Our final event for the junior races was the U13 category. First to race was the boys, who closed one team. First home was Henry Pickett who made light work of the now very churned up course, coming across the line in 19th place (16:26). XC newcomers, the Biggs closed the team, both boys putting in great performances, with Ernie coming home in 56th (19:41) and Marcus crossing the line in 61st place running a time of 22:09. This placed the team in 11th.
Last, but not least, we had the U13 girl’s race. Three girls started the run, but sadly, due to illness Kate Whitehouse had to pull out of the race, but after speaking to her on Wednesday, I’ve been told it hasn’t put her off doing future xc’s. Due to this, Poppy Colver was the first Tyne Bridge Harrier to cross the finish line in 25th place (18:41) followed by Kora Howorth closely behind her in 32nd (18:58).
Overall, there was an amazing turnout to this xc, especially considering it’s a brutal course. A highlight of the day for me was the incredible encouragement on and around the race. It never fails to amaze me how supportive those who are watching you are, it doesn’t matter what club you run for, they cheer you on no matter what. It really is an amazing sport.
No sandwich competition for this race, but I will make sure to do one for Aykley Heads, so make sure to bring your sandwiches!!
Thanks for reading,
Ruby C.
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