The Tynedale 'Jelly Tea' 10 mile
Lee Morgan writes....
In times when local road races are diminishing by the year, one race that goes from strength to strength is the Tynedale ‘Jelly Tea’ 10 mile road race that took place on Sunday 6th September with almost 600 competitors taking part.
The race, organised by Tynedale Harriers, starts at Hexham then follows mainly country roads and paths, through Corbridge and finishes at Ovingham, the last 600m being downhill (the same downhill stretch that you start down in the Tynedale 10km race). The course is pretty fast and proves popular with many runners who use it as a warm up to the Great North Run which takes place two weeks later.
Whether it was the opportunity of a fast time or the fact that it was the 7th race in the inaugural Open Race Grand Prix series, Wallsend Harriers again turned out in their droves as more than twenty athletes toed the line. Many more made the long trip to Hexham then followed the race in their cars to lend their support at different parts of the course (thanks to the O’Gara crew, Emma Walton, Kerry Bentham and Paul Hilton for their encouragement along the way).
A true testament to the commitment of our runners and/or success of the Grand Prix is that so many could turn out in a 10mile race just a couple of weeks after more than thirty competed over 5km at the Exhibition Park (especially during the school holidays and a week after Coast to Castles weekend).
The event can be seen as a race of two halves. The first five miles are mainly uphill, the long gradual drag from the three-mile point through Corbridge up to the half way point can cause havoc with those who go off too fast. Once the five-mile point is reached however, the course is downhill and takes in some breathtaking views of the Northumberland countryside, the opportunity to make up lost ground and pick off those who may have gone off too fast can add to the enjoyment of the race! Energy must be saved for the nine-mile point, though, as a tough ‘Crow Bank’- like hill has to be negotiated before the brisk downhill finish.
Tony Carter led the Wallsend runners home in a highly creditable tenth place in a time under 57 minutes, consolidating his position as Wallsend’s number-one endurance athlete (surely a Coe-Ovett style clash over 10km with inform ‘fast lad’ Marc Fenwick is what everyone would like to see???). Dave (double D) Daniels continued his fine form with a sub 59min clocking and with back up from local bobby Kenny Macpherson, who sneaked under the hour for the first time. These three counters meant that the team finished 3rd .
Vicky Hindson’s PB (another sub 70 clocking) led her to 5th place in the ladies event, and with back up from Gina Howarth (who’s 70.18 was possibly the run of the day) and Emma Moir, the ladies team finished 4th .
Another great day for Wallsend Harriers and certainly a statement of intent to other North East clubs at the start of what will no doubt be a long hard winter season.
Well done to everyone.
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