Race proves real Walk in the Park for Tyne Bridge
CLUB RAISES A GLASS TO DOUBLE WIN
WHAT is it about Tyne Bridge Harriers and Saltwell Harriers’ pre-Christmas Ronnie Walker 10k road race?
Prior to last weekend the Tyneside men’s outfit had lifted the team award on four consecutive appearances and the women’s squad were just one behind.
So it was no surprise the Bykerbased club would turn out in force again to contest the tricky three-lap Saltwell Park course.
The small matter of each entrant receiving a miniature bottle of whisky and a glass to pour it into at the end of proceedings may have had a bearing on why there were so many black-and-white-vested competitors on the start line.
It came as no surprise after another well-organised race that Tyne Bridge arrived at the presentation ceremony after scoring another double victory - much to the delight of their supporters crammed into the park’s Saltwell Towers.
David Daniels, a member of the club since its formation just six years ago, was one of those course-side shooting a video and urging athletes on.
After the club’s latest success, he said: “I think members like the fact the Ronnie Walker is the last race before Christmas and there is always a good atmosphere around the event.
“Our men’s team captain Alasdair Blain went around the club last week putting together a strong team to have a shot at retaining the team title but two of our athletes could not make the race.
“So despite not training during the week Alasdair stepped into the breach and put in a courageous captain’s performance to finish 16th to back up the good runs by Tom Charlton, who was fourth, and Sparrow (Morley), who was sixth, which in the end was good enough to claim another victory.
“Mind, I suppose the whisky glass and drink is a big attraction also and that certainly goes down well with everyone getting into the spirit of things and, for Tyne Bridge at least, celebrations started early once more!”