Northumberland Coastal Run 2022

Some great individual performances in testing conditions with 3 age category wins and 2 top 20 finishers on what is a difficult route.

Once again the Northumberland Coastal Run divided opinions. Some said never again, some can’t wait for next years run already. All in all everyone seemed to have a great day out.

Despite the early start, a route change, longer than usual distance and difficult weather conditions (that head wind was just relentless) 34 hardy Heaton Harriers completed the 14 mile plus route from Beadnell to Alnmouth. Most runners times were down on their usual Coastal Run but that did not impact on some great individual performances.

First home for the club and in 12th position overall was Eddie Knight in a great time of 1:35. Just behind Eddie was David Coe (1:37) in 18th position making that two Top 20 finishers for Heaton. Well done guys!

First female home for the club and 2nd Senior Female finisher overall was Libbie Read in a time of 1:53. This was Libbies first time running the coastal so that is a fantastic debut.

Elaine Waters continued her fine running and was 1st in the V60 Female category in a time of 2:12. Well done Elaine.
Also 1st in their age category (V60 male) was recent England vest wearer Ian Norman (1:42) with his usual quintessential run.

Last but not least club stalwart Bill Brown was 1st in his V80 age category in 3:15. Well done Bill, you are a true inspiration for us all.

Post race, Heaton Harriers once again took over a large part of the Red Lion Inn beer garden in Alnmouth where we enjoyed the sunshine, re-hydrated (except for Stu) and retold stories from the mornings race. One highlight was several runners in middle of the pack being treated to a fantastic jumping display from a pod of dolphins around Craster! The animal theme continued when the finishers T-Shirt gave a nod to the local nesting puffins. A nice touch we thought.

It was extremely pleasing to see many runners teaming up in pairs or threes to run the race together. Running together certainly helped a lot of people get through the challenging route – pushing each other on and giving each other well needed support. We should all be proud of our performances today.

Full Heaton Harriers Results