With beautiful sunny skies we headed off to South Shields to take part in the Sherman Cup/Davison Shield. Unlike the other cross country races this is a scratch race and the race was on for medals and silverware! As ever we had a great turnout of runners and spectators…even the bells had multiplied in number (you all loved that didn’t you!!??!!)

 First off for Wallsend was Jack Armstrong in the U13 race. It was great to see Jack out running again and he really went for it from the start. He had a fantastic race looking strong and in control all the way round. Well done Jack – a fantastic return to running and some great photos!

Next up were Adam Hill and Braeden Ellis in the U15 race. Both lads have been putting in some great efforts during their training sessions (having a great training run on Tuesday night!) and their hard work continues to pay off. Mental note for Adam….next time don’t eat all the Chinese Takeaway the night before a big race!!!

The Senior Mens race followed. Up for Wallsend at the sharp end was Phil Aiston who was back for more after his great win in Cramlington a couple of weeks ago. There was some high quality competition out today and Phil knew this would be a tough ask however Phil had a superb run placing in the top 10 in what was a superb field. Well done Phil! There were further great runs from Brian and the John ‘the sturminator’ Sturman (Gibbsy…that was, and still is a terrible line you shouted from the sidelines today!!), Liam Smart (he is gonna get you Jamesy watch out!!), Paddy Dinsmore, Mick Bell and our very own International superstar TOGster! Well done to all the men – it was great to watch and ring the bells for each and every one of you!

Next was the race many of us were really looking forward to! The Senior Womens race – ding a ling! With Danielle home from the army, Stacey back to fitness and Vicky continuing to improve as every day goes by and enforcements with Chrystal, Laura, Bev, Sarah, Julie, Ruth and Kathryn we were all excited to see what the Wallsend ladies could do! The gun went off and going hard from the start was Stacey and Danielle with Vicky keeping close order! First lap round and Danielle opened up a commanding lead from the 2nd place runner…so much of a lead that she ended up going the wrong way…oh no!!!!!! After eventually finding herself back on track Dan had lost her lead but as the great competitor she is dug in to try and get back in the race. Meanwhile at the front Stacey had a great run and picked up a well deserved 3rd place and a medal for her troubles with Vicky finishing in 7th (and 2nd counter!) and Danielle pulling back to finish just behind and still in a top 10 place despite completing an ‘alternative’ route! Brillaint performances ladies- totally brilliant and Dan – if there was an award for being gracious in such circumstances then it would go to you! You are one cool chick!

Just a final note…the bells….I think they may be like marmite – you either love them or hate them. For those who love them…glad you do (thanks for all those who said they enjoyed hearing them!) and listen out for them a race near you soon…..for those who hate them – I have 2 HUGE blisters on my fingers from them…this is your karma!!! Ding – a – ling…..see you at Farringdon!

For photos from the day click here