It’s been another busy weekend of racing for many Heaton Harriers with some brilliant performances and a few PBs to report.
James McKenzie, Heaton Harriers, Great North 10K
Saturday 2nd July – Chevy Chase
For those not familiar, the Chevy Chase is a 20-mile ‘journey’ through upland Northumberland. A demanding course summiting both Cheviot and Hedgehope over tracks, footpaths, sheep paths and rough fell. The route is unmarked, and competitors can choose their own path providing the manned checkpoints are visited in the correct order.
First home for the club in an impressive 3 hours 30 minutes and 17th overall position was Matt Hetherington. Followed by Brian Ankers and Phil Green who despite tackling the tough course, and a mixture of weather conditions described this as “a class day out and the best race in the country”.
Well done to all our Heaton participants. Full results can be found here.
Sunday 3rd July- Great North 10K
With 12 Heaton Harriers taking part we had a great turnout for this year’s Great North 10k. A brand-new route for 2022 meant this was a faster flatter course starting and finishing at the Baltic, instead of the usual challenging inclines and hills back up to the previous finish at Gateshead Stadium.
First home for the club and finishing in 5th place overall was James McKenzie in a time of 32 minutes 58 seconds. Not only a 5-second PB but a very impressive performance in a highly competitive field which included GB athlete Chris Thompson who won the race in a time of 28.59 followed by the 2022 Blaydon Race winner Calum Johnson in 29.10.
Another Heaton PB was from Mark Best with a time of 39.52, knocking over 90 seconds off his previous 10K PB.
First Heaton lady was Laura Oldfield completing the route in a time of 43.46 and placing 11th lady overall.
Well done to all taking part from the club and a massive thank you to all the Heaton Harriers who came along to take photos and support those running.
Full results can be found here.
Sunday 3rd July- Welsh Half Marathon
Congratulations to Ian Norman for making his England Age Group Debut in the Welsh Half Marathon in Tenby.
Despite this being a challenging and hilly course, Ian ran a time of 1:30:59 coming 59th overall and 2nd V60.
Well done Ian.
Sunday 3rd July- Coquet Half Marathon
Well done to Chris Checkley for completing the Run Nation Coquet Half Marathon in Rothbury. This is also a hilly half marathon course but despite this Chris ran a fantastic time of 1:48:10 placing 26th overall and 3rd in his age category.
Congratulations Chris.
Photos courtesy of Phil Green, Brian Ankers, Nicola Brady, Alison Vaulkhard and Owen McArdle.