David Shipman writes … This is a tribute to Alan,on behalf of the Elvet Striders running club, which was read out at his funeral on Friday 7th July. It was compiled from comments, conversations, messages and memories from Striders who have run with him and enjoyed his company and friendship for over 30 years. Alan … Continue reading Alan Purvis (1938-2017)
Category Archives: Alan Purvis
Alan Purvis … Why does anybody want to put themselves through the pain of running 26.2 miles? When I first started serious running over thirty years ago it was regarded as the pinnacle of a lifetime in the sport. About the only marathon around was the Windsor to London and it would have a field … Continue reading Kielder Marathon
A glimpse of a habitat populated by privileged youth was offered to competitors in the Ampleforth 7M Trail Race. Benedictine monks found the perfect place to found their abbey in a hidden valley in the Hambleton Hills at the southern end of the North York Moors. The start/finish was in the grounds of Ampleforth College, … Continue reading Ampleforth Trail Race
The Race Headquarters were billed as the Hardwick Arms on Sedgefield High street but registration was at a barber’s shop two doors down the street. The mirrors were very useful for those wishing to have their number pinned absolutely horizontally on to the vest or to add that last touch of lipstick! While I was … Continue reading Sedgefield Serpentine
“Kensington 8K, Saturday, September 27th” said the banner across the road. I always try to find a race while away on holiday and this one was almost within running distance from where I was staying. But this wasn’t your actual Kensington High Street in our capital city – this was in Washington DC. And it … Continue reading Kensington 8K
Andy Jordan … The Staveley Stampede – 10 mile (or so they said) – a brand new mixed-terrain race for 2008 based in the lovely Yorkshire village of Staveley (just off the A1 at the Boroughbridge turn). The weather was a bit humid but not too bad for a 10 mile run. The day started … Continue reading Staveley Stampede
Alan Purvis … The Beamish Tram Challenge is certainly unique. Where else do you get the opportunity to chase a tram? In some respects I was better placed than the majority of runners in that I was around when trams and trolley buses were the latest mode of transport. I became pretty good at jumping … Continue reading Beamish 10K
After waiting for years for a new Harrier League venue two came along at once! No sooner had we found our way to Wrekenton last year than we were taken right out of our comfort zone, last Saturday, to East Cramlington Nature Park. Fortunately host club Blyth had clearly signposted the roads and there were … Continue reading Harrier League
Dave Robson A cold August evening. A complicated route, but to keep it simple it was two long laps followed by a short one. There was a crossing point where runners were coming across you and you had to time it right. There were also sections where runners were coming towards you and also points … Continue reading Robin Hood 10K
These Championships were held at Herrington Country Park on Saturday 9 December. The venue was chosen as a dress rehearsal for the National Championships which will take place here in March 2007. The whole area was reclaimed from pit workings and has been landscaped to form hills and lakes. The course consisted of a run-out … Continue reading NE XC Championships