Miners race goes into record books
ATHLETICS
A RECORD number of runners took part in the Essity Prudhoe Miners 10k and junior events.
Race coordinator Run Nation Events reported a 40% increase in entries compared to last year, with more than 400 people taking part in the adult road race around the town and two children’s runs at Tyne Riverside Country Park.
Sponsored by local tissue maker Essity and hosted by Prudhoe Town Council, then race saw serious athletes, schoolhildren and fun runners pound the streets and riverside pathways.
Andrew Alderson from Blaydon Harriers was the first to finish the 10k in a time of 35:30.
Catherine Young from Claremont Road Runners was the first female to finish, recording a time of 40:52.
The men’s team prize went to the Blaydon Harriers’ squad of Andrew Alderson, Jack Boaden and Nicholas Stevenson.
The women’s team prize was won by Gosforth Harriers Ladies’ squad of Jenny Graham, Elizabeth Evans and Kayleigh Nugent.
Following the adult race, 160 youngsters took part in the junior three-kilometre and mini 1.5km events at Tyne Riverside Country Park.
Luke Shears from Prudhoe won the three-kilometre race for 11 to 16-year-olds, crossing the finish line in 11:34 and Charley Lee, also from Prudhoe, was the fastest girl to take the tape in 14:04.
Issac Gollings, another Prudhoe native, claimed the mini 1.5k run for five to 10 year-olds.
Mayor of Prudhoe Coun Gerry Price said: “The council is delighted the Miners Race attracted a record number of entries.
“It is very much a community-focused event and all signs indicate it has become a key fixture in our events calendar.
“I would like to congratulate the winners and extend our warm thanks to everyone who took part and helped to make our sixth Miners Race a success, especially all the volunteers who gave up their Sunday morning to marshal and steward the races.
“I would also like to thank Essity and Run Nation Events for their continued support.”
Essity has been supporting the town council in hosting the event since its revival in 2012 to celebrate the London Olympics.
George Placogiannakis, site manager at Essity’s Prudhoe Mill, said: “We are very proud to support the town council and Run Nation who work extremely hard to host the Miners Race every year.
“It is absolutely fantastic to see it growing in popularity and bringing individuals and communities together regardless of age or experience.
“The Miners Race is not only a celebration of our heritage, it also keeps local history alive for future generations and provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase our beautiful town and bring people together.”