The Northern Athletics Road Relays are one of the most prestigious club races in the calendar in the north of England. Clubs from as far away as Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester bring their best athletes to compete. Tyne Bridge had probably its best representation with teams competing in U13 boys, U13 girls, U15 boys, U15 girls, Men’s and Women’s races.
Alanah, part of the U13 girls’ team, shares her experience:
“When I got to the start, I felt very nervous because the other runners all looked very fast! I was happy I was on first leg. We walked to the start line & waited for the gun, then we were off. The pack set off at a fast pace, I looked at my Garmin & it said we were running faster than 6 minute miles!
Alanah at the start of the U13 girl’s race 
Kora, pleased to get underway..
I ran as well as I could (I have a bad cold too!) & I was pleased to finish my leg & hand over to Ruby. We cheered Ruby over the finish & then we both watched Kora set off with a smile. Ruby & I cheered for Kora as she ran into the finishing straight. I felt proud that our team had finished the relays against tough competition from the clubs across Northern England.
All the U13 TBH team celebrated by going into the sea-some of us got soaked! Then Henry & I went to McDonalds for a post-race lunch. It was a good event to be part of!”
Here’s what Henry made of the experience, in his own words:
“After getting out of the car I felt my stomach churning. I could see all of the other runners but it felt good to be a part of it. I got my number and did some warm ups.
We watched the 1st runners (in the U13 boys’ race) start. Freddy (our first leg) ran strongly. The way it worked in the pen was your number would be called out and you would have to get ready and go to the start line. A few people went before I heard a call of ‘16’, it was one of the marshals, they were calling my number. I went out and got ready to start. I felt like I ran a strong race and heard lots of people cheering. As I was coming back, I could see the finish line. You don’t realise how relieved I was, I started to sprint when I got quite close and as I finished I could see Liam starting to run. I walked back towards my group flag and they congratulated me.
Beautiful technique from Liam. 
Henry’s sprint to the line. 
More lovely technique from Liam. 
The U13 boy’s team.
After Liam finished, we all went down to the beach and stood in the sea. I wasn’t meant to get wet but obviously I fell over so I was soaking! We walked back to the car me, my Dad, Alanah and her Mum. Because my dad promised me I could have McDonald’s, Alanah was allowed it as well. I got a veggie burger that wasn’t too bad though it had A LOT of sauce on. We then got in the car and drove home. The whole time me and Alanah played with a single plastic water bottle – we are easily entertained!”
The U13 team enjoying cooling off in the sea. 
Ruby “enjoying” the refreshing North Sea.
Well done to all the juniors who took part, it was a great team effort. The U13 boys’ team came 13th: Freddie Palmer (12:13); Henry Pickett (14:16) and Liam Whitelaw (12:40). The U13 girls’ came 16th: Alanah Perowne (14:57); Ruby Ditchburn (17:32) and Kora Howarth (16:42). The U15 boys’ were 21st: David Carr (11:33); George Weare (14:30) and Jake Moir (12:55). The U15 girls’ were 17th: Ruby Colver (14:11), Caitlin Attley (14:09) and Laura Whitman (15:53).
No responses yet