Bridges Of The Tyne 5

Newcastle Quayside, Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Simon Gardner

As soon as I read about this race I entered it, from what I read this was a race that ticked all the boxes as far as I was concerned. It was flat, relatively short (5 mile) and it was on the quayside at Newcastle which is a fantastic backdrop for a run especially with Tyne Bridge having the olympic rings on show.

I arrived early as normal and made my way the Tyne pub which also served as the registration area. They very quickly gave me one of those start fitness bags which contained number and a small booklet about the Tyne Bridge Harriers. They look to be a very young club by northeast standards but have grown very quickly with lots of members who have moved from other clubs.

I was soon joined by Katherine and Mark, Katherine had already given me lots of information about the race as she works with one of the organisers and she had kindly volunteered Mark to be official photographer (no pressure Mark).

It wasn’t long before lots of other Striders turned up and after a quick group photo we made our way to the start line which was near the Pitcher and Piano pub, you could tell that this was going to be a high quality race with lots of top club runners lined up at the very front. I found a little spot just behind at the front but knowing I would not get in the way of the top runners.

Soon we were off and I did my usual trick of going too fast but I soon settled down into what felt like a hard but hopefully sustainable pace. Once we had ran under the Tyne bridge and past the swing bridge it started to thin out and it was easy to find plenty of room to try and settle into a rhythm. When I was approaching the half way mark the 3 front runners ran back past me already heading back to the finish line.

The race is an out and back run and the only climb (thankfully short) is around the turning point, it’s then a short section on grass then a nice downhill section taking you back onto the quayside path. I spotted a few Striders on the stretch back home and it’s great to get a shout of support when your tiring a little. I decided to try and push on as conditions were perfect and while I was somewhat tired I felt I had enough for a good last mile or so.

The finish is further down the from the start not far short of the Tyne pub itself and it felt so good to finally cross the line. I was really pleased and surprised with my time 32:03. After chatting to Adam who was first strider home in a very impressive 30:35 we found a spot near the finish to cheer the rest of the Striders home. It was then back to the pub for some food and a drink, hopefully this will become an annual event. It’s an excellent run, well marshalled and in a great area to run.

Results

Pos Name Club Cat Pos Time
1 Ross Floyd Morpeth Harriers & AC M 25:55
16 Alyson Dixon Chester-le-Street F 28:50
33 Adam Walker M 30:35
61 Simon Gardner M40 32:03
111 Alister Robson M40 34:52
150 John Hutchinson M55 37:10
192 Dougie Nisbet M45 39:49
194 Carolyn Bray F35 39:52
218 Jacquie Robson F35 41:35
219 Katherine Preston F40 41:36
234 Louise Miller F 43:25
235 Victoria Tindale F35 43:32
237 Emma Detchon F 44:02
247 Ann Towers F55 45:21
248 Mike Elliot M65 45:38
255 Angela Robson F35 46:49

273 finishers.
Elvet Striders were 3rd Vet Women team

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