Bobble Hat Bonkerness!
Yesterday the troops were rallied, the bobble hats were out in force, the cakes were baked and the pink spikes were on...and that was just the men of Wallsend getting ready to rock and roll! Although we were missing Terry, and we always will, Terry was there in our hearts and watching from above as Wallsend Harriers had a fantastic day full of fun and great exciting running! The beginning of the Senior Men’s race saw a minutes applause in memory of Terry and on behalf of Terry’s family and Wallsend Harriers we would like to thank the Harrier League and all the runners on the day for this. It was a fitting and heartfelt tribute to Terry.
Awesome Adam
First off for Wallsend was Adam Hill who is growing in strength week by week. Adam was racing in the U15 race and as ever (we expect nothing less from him!) showed his usual grit, spirit and great smile as he took to the start line and headed off in the race. Finishing in a creditable 16th position – well done Adam keep up the good work!
Next up were the Senior men and 13 hardy Wallsend Warriors braved the icy cold conditions lining up on the start line. First off were the ‘slow’ pack followed by Brilliant Bri and the Sturminator in the medium pack with Harry (HMMC) Coates bringing up the rear as the lone Wallsend soul in the fast pack.
The race was off and although the conditions were far from muddy underfoot the hard ground and icy conditions meant that other obstacles such as trying to stay upright at times was challenging in itself. With support aplenty on all of the hills the men were cheered and the bells were rang as each of the Wallsend team passed through. Over the first lap our first runner through was our fell runner George Nicholson who was looking comfortable as he cruised up the hills. On the coat tails of George was the man behind the bobble hat magic Paul Borsberry. Now here is a fella who is really taking off with his running – Paul was on fire running hard (and making it look easy) having a cracking run holding his position well over all 3 laps.
As the laps went by the troops continued to work hard and before long we saw Brilliant Brian starting to come through the pack motoring past other runners – a man well and truly on a mission! As Brian was working his way through the guys continued to be uplifted by the support from the crowd and the hard work was paying off with John, Will, Micky, Steve, Mick, James, Kenny, Kev (coming through to the chants of Relaaaaaxxx King Kev, Relaaaaaaaaaax!) and Mick continuing to dig deep as they ticked off each lap.
The race was off and although the conditions were far from muddy underfoot the hard ground and icy conditions meant that other obstacles such as trying to stay upright at times was challenging in itself. With support aplenty on all of the hills the men were cheered and the bells were rang as each of the Wallsend team passed through. Over the first lap our first runner through was our fell runner George Nicholson who was looking comfortable as he cruised up the hills. On the coat tails of George was the man behind the bobble hat magic Paul Borsberry. Now here is a fella who is really taking off with his running – Paul was on fire running hard (and making it look easy) having a cracking run holding his position well over all 3 laps.
As the laps went by the troops continued to work hard and before long we saw Brilliant Brian starting to come through the pack motoring past other runners – a man well and truly on a mission! As Brian was working his way through the guys continued to be uplifted by the support from the crowd and the hard work was paying off with John, Will, Micky, Steve, Mick, James, Kenny, Kev (coming through to the chants of Relaaaaaxxx King Kev, Relaaaaaaaaaax!) and Mick continuing to dig deep as they ticked off each lap.
Spot the Wallsend Harrier!
Before long Harry was coming through the pack and was chasing the first Wallsend Harrier finisher of the day. Brian was working hard and not dropping a second but Harry had located his target and slowly tried to close him down. And close him down he did....JUST! As the guys turned the last corner Brian was ahead but on this occasion youth won and Harry pipped Brian at the post to claim the victory (much to Brian’s protest of ‘he dipped for the line’! back at the tent!)
Now at the front of the Wallsend pack there was a great race taking place and some excellent performances from the 6 counters for Wallsend – Harry (who also ran 4th fastest on the day!), Brian (who was 6th fastest vet on the day!), George, Paul, Will and John – well done lads. But mid pack the performances were still fantastic and noteworthy – well done all. Now the back of the pack....this is a true sportsman like performance. Captain Courageous – Mick Skeldon. Mick gives so much time and energy to the club as a brilliant mens captain and although picking up an injury during the race he kept going to the bitter end (even if it did mean being overtaken by Kev!) to finish the race – a great example for us all Mick – well done – great performances from the front to the back of the Wallsend Mens pack.
Now at the front of the Wallsend pack there was a great race taking place and some excellent performances from the 6 counters for Wallsend – Harry (who also ran 4th fastest on the day!), Brian (who was 6th fastest vet on the day!), George, Paul, Will and John – well done lads. But mid pack the performances were still fantastic and noteworthy – well done all. Now the back of the pack....this is a true sportsman like performance. Captain Courageous – Mick Skeldon. Mick gives so much time and energy to the club as a brilliant mens captain and although picking up an injury during the race he kept going to the bitter end (even if it did mean being overtaken by Kev!) to finish the race – a great example for us all Mick – well done – great performances from the front to the back of the Wallsend Mens pack.
Pink Spike Brigade (minus Emma B)!
Next up were the women and it was the return of the pink spikes (unfortunately we were down to just 2 pairs as Emma Buckton was off enjoying wine this weekend!) but it was good to see them out ready and raring to go.
It was a fashion frenzy this weekend with the pink spikes and bobbly hats and Chrystal was not missing out on this as she revealed her new yellow shorts......fantastic! Just like the men the women were out in good numbers with 10 of us braving the cold and for once not having to brave the churned up muddy conditions!
It was a fashion frenzy this weekend with the pink spikes and bobbly hats and Chrystal was not missing out on this as she revealed her new yellow shorts......fantastic! Just like the men the women were out in good numbers with 10 of us braving the cold and for once not having to brave the churned up muddy conditions!
Chrystals cracking shorts!
All the girls were off in the first pack except for me (Website Wally!) who, missing the company of her Captain Hardcore Hindson who was studying hard, was the only Wallsend vest in the medium pack starting 2 minutes after the rest of the girls. Although it was a cold day you soon forgot about this as you headed out on the course and soon started the climb up the hills and carefully descend as you headed off round the back of the course. Now coming up that second hill was nothing short of magic! The support was immense and I am not sure that I have ever had such a feeling in a race before – as you looked up it was like the parting of the green and gold bobble hat sea with just your name being shouted from all sides of the path – it was AWESOME so thanks to all for the support!
That certainly helped me and after passing an injured Becki (get better soon!) at the end of the first lap we knew we all had to dig in to try and gain as many places as possible to get the points for the team. We all worked really hard and pushed right to the end – everyone giving a magnificent performance shouted in by Becki who was willing us all on. Well done to all the ladies – team counters – Myself, Laura and Chrystal followed by Ruth (improving her time from last year!), Sarah (also improving her time from last year!), Stacey, Amy (racing into the finish!), Katie and Jo. Well done ladies – what a team eh and what a great day!
A final note to those who cheered, rang bells, baked cakes...just gave a whole lotta love! Thank you thank you thank you! You were all fab and made the day even better! (And thanks Emily for managing to hold the little one in and not go into labour on the side of the big hill! Good luck for the next week from all your friends at Wallsend – we cannot wait to meet the newest addition to Wallsend Harriers!!)
More photos click here (not too many of the men sorry – too busy bell ringing!)
Mens results click here
Womens results click here
That certainly helped me and after passing an injured Becki (get better soon!) at the end of the first lap we knew we all had to dig in to try and gain as many places as possible to get the points for the team. We all worked really hard and pushed right to the end – everyone giving a magnificent performance shouted in by Becki who was willing us all on. Well done to all the ladies – team counters – Myself, Laura and Chrystal followed by Ruth (improving her time from last year!), Sarah (also improving her time from last year!), Stacey, Amy (racing into the finish!), Katie and Jo. Well done ladies – what a team eh and what a great day!
A final note to those who cheered, rang bells, baked cakes...just gave a whole lotta love! Thank you thank you thank you! You were all fab and made the day even better! (And thanks Emily for managing to hold the little one in and not go into labour on the side of the big hill! Good luck for the next week from all your friends at Wallsend – we cannot wait to meet the newest addition to Wallsend Harriers!!)
More photos click here (not too many of the men sorry – too busy bell ringing!)
Mens results click here
Womens results click here
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