ATHLETICS DIARY
ONLY a small sprinkling of North East clubs travelled to the north west for the 50th running of the Northern Athletics Road Relay Championships.
While medals were hard to come by, those who did venture to Blackpool’s Stanley Park were rewarded with a superb day’s competition.
Relays, whether on the track or the roads, add an exciting dimension to the sport and last weekend was no exception for the seven North East squads who took their chance in glorious spring sunshine.
As usual, past winners Morpeth and Gateshead were to the fore in the 12-stage men’s event - finishing in seventh and 11th places respectively.
However, it was noticeable Tyne Bridge just missed out on a top-10 spot - three seconds adrift of Gateshead in 12th position.
That, together with Sunderland, who finished 19th, Blackhill Bounders and Wallsend was the sum total of the region’s participation which, while disappointing, is understandable considering the 300-mile or so round trip from Tyneside.
Relays bond club athletes together and, while Morpeth and Gateshead could well have been medal contenders if they had been able to field their strongest line-ups, the likes of Consett-based Blackhill Bounders and Wallsend joined the exodus on the start line for only the second time. Blackhill, who finished in 39th place, and Wallsend, who were 41st out of the 61 teams who closed in, were closer to the back than the front at the conclusion of the 12 stages - but on all accounts both squads thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Stewy Bell, a regular 12-stage competitor over the years when competing for Chester-le-Street, is now a catalyst in Blackhill’s upsurge in fortunes and was drafted into the team at the 11th hour to make sure they weren’t listed among the ‘incomplete’ finishers.
“Last year everyone had a taste of what road relays are all about when we took part in the 12-stage for the first time when it was held in Sunderland,’’ said Bell, who was not just delighted with fielding a men’s squad but also being able to put out a women’s six-stage team.
“All clubs will find it difficult to get everyone out and especially so when you have to travel so far.
“In fairness we did not have too much of a problem, though I would have been much happier if they had had 12 without me!
“Relays are all about enjoyment. Have your run then get out on the course and shout your team-mates on.
“At Blackhill we pencil in the Northern Relays as soon as the fixtures are released so we can inform members to try and make themselves available.
“We have a healthy membership and if we are to continue to move forward we have to be seen to support area championships - whether it be on the roads, country or on the track and everyone at the club realises that.
“We were over the moon to finish a women’s team with Jarrow and Hebburn – who finished fourth – the only other North East club to travel to Blackpool.
“That shows the progress we have made over such a short time and we are delighted with that.’’
Now the Northern is out of the way, road relay action takes centre stage much closer to home when Elswick Harriers hold their annual Good Friday Relays on April 14. ■■THE Transped-supported Blyth Valley 10k takes place on Sunday, April 9, with a 10.00 start.
The popular event, which this year incorporates the North East Counties 10k Road Race Championship, has an entry limit of 600.
Please check with organisers if that limit has been reached before trying to enter. ■■A SERIES of track relays, hosted by North Shields Poly and Blyth Running Club, will be staged at the Churchill Playing Fields, Whitley Bay, on Sunday, April 9.
The first event, 4x100m for all age groups, opens proceedings at 11.30 and will be followed by 4x400m, 4x200m and 4x800m relays. Mid-programme there is an open one-mile event.
While the track events are in progress there is a North East Throwing Festival taking place for under-13 to seniors who will contest javelin, discus and shot putt.
For further information visit www.necaa.info. ■■ELSWICK Harriers’ annual Good Friday Relays are held on April 14.
The programme consists of five events with a new under-11 race opening the day’s proceedings at 9.30.
That is followed at 9.40 by the under-13 race over 1.6 miles then, over the same distance 10 minutes later, it is the turn of the under-15s.
The senior and veteran women’s 3x2.2-mile relay is scheduled to start at 10.00 with the final event of the day, the senior men’s 4x2.2-mile relay, closing the programme at 11.00.
Entries, which close on April 4, go to Mr Frank Watson, 28 Hewley Crescent, Throckley, Newcastle NE15 9PX. ■■THE first of the Start Fitnesssupported North Eastern Grand Prix fixtures is scheduled for Wednesday, April 19 at Monkton Stadium.
The meeting includes the North East Counties’ 10,000 metres championship starting at 6.15, with supporting track events of 75m hurdles, 100m, 150m, 1,500m and 300m from 7.00 onwards.
Field eventers have long jump, high jump, javelin and shot putt to choose from. ■■WALLSEND Harriers’ sixth running of the Terry O’Gara Memorial 5k Road Race takes place on Sunday, April 23 with a 10.30 start.
There is also a children’s run commencing at 10.00.
Entries online at www. resultsbase.net/event/3892.