ThreeandeasyforTaylor afterSandDancersuccess
Sunderland Harriers’ Liam Taylor made light work of the blustery conditions to win the Sand Dancer 10km, at South Shields for a third successive year,
Taylor won the race in 33.00, out of a field of almost 300 runners, and was pushed all the way by Tom Charlton (Tyne Bridge Harriers) who finished second in 33.07. Third was Andrew Laidler (Jarrow and Hebburn) in a time of 34.49.
The race was largely a success, however organisers South Shields Harriers underestimated the total amount of sign-ups on the day and regrettably ran out of medals.
Further afield in the North West, Sunderland Harriers had three athletes racing in the Manchester Marathon.
The course is well-known for being one of the flattest in the country, producing very quick times. And a record field of 32,000 took advantage of the near perfect conditions.
Liam Walshaw was the first home for Sunderland Harriers knocking 11 minutes off his personal best to cross the line in 2:33:42.
Next, powering his way to an 18-minute personal best was Kevin Johnson, who clocked 2:58:09.
Finally, Charlotte Stidolph, after an impressive build-up through the winter, ran a personal best of 3:28:53.
Sunderland Stroller Wendy Chapman ran a superb time of 3:06:39 to come first in her age category (V55).
Back in the North East, it was the first track and field fixture of the season at the Kieran Maxwell Memorial Open hosted by Darlington Harriers. Many youngsters competed for Sunderland Harriers in conditions that were best described as cold and rather windy.
Jacob Waterston (U17) won the long jump with an impressive leap of 5.34 metres. Lexie Brown (U15) was third in the 800m, completing the two-lap circuit in 2.38.91.
Sprinter Celine ObinnaAlo got her outdoor season off to a flying start as she won the Under-15 girls’ 100m heat in 12.53.
In the senior men's 100m heats, Toby Richardson was third in heat three (11.72), John Harris was fourth in heat two (12.06) and Jonathan Davies was second in heat one with a time of 11.46.
In the 3000m, William Young finished ninth in a time of 9.51.52, a four second personal best.
Staying with the 3000m, England International Michael Wilson made his debut at the distance at the Watford Harriers Open. And it was a debut to remember as Wilson claimed first place in a time of 8.31.54.
Next week sees the staging of the prestigious London Marathon. Sunderland Harriers have several athletes competing in Jake Ridding, Debbie Defty, Jason Redman and Kevin Johnson. Johnson will be competing in his second marathon in seven days.
Sunderland Harrier Jordan Taylor will also be hoping for kind conditions as he tackles the Blackpool marathon next weekend.