Chester le Street Harrier League 03.02.07

If you require race results please click here.

I am not normally stuck for words, but this time I am struggling. I had been out on Friday afternoon, and had clobbered my leg with a hammer on Saturday morning, and so despite harping on at people for not racing, this week I didn't manage to start myself never mind finish. It was a canny day, although this is becoming a more common cry, it was a canny day again spoiled only by football!!!!

The under 13's were well represented, almost managing to field two teams. The notable performance being Robbie Loraine, who despite being bottom of his age group managed the fastest time. Adrian did say he was disappointed with his run, still 10 seconds behind Robbie, but he does favour a hilly course does our Ade. Mark still running well….for a footballer, was happy with his run, but as he runs from the fast pack, wasn't happy with his position.

The under 13 girlies race set off while the lads were still running, which kind of confused me cos my head was still fuzzy!! The lasses are managing a full team more and more these days as Chelsea has entered the age group. The outstanding run was Our Sophie…4th overall from the fast pack. It is good to see friendly competition, team mate Paige competing with Sophie, ran her heart out over the last 150metres, but Sophie, who is still fighting back from a nasty chest infection, managed to hold her off. It was good racing for the club as their competitiveness earned Birtley two runners in the first five.

Next race I actually saw was Steph. An excellent race, also finishing 4th overall from the fast pack, and Dad wasn't there to see it, I did hear he had just turned 50, but that was unconfirmed….so we had better not tell anyone in case it isn't true!!!! Steph was looking really good as she ran through the finish line, probably the best country race I have seen her do for ages, well done Steph. Sophie, that is Sophie Robinson….not Our Sophe…had a very good run, and we will expect to see her running from the fast pack at Prudhoe, after she finished in a very creditable 9th place.

The next race, I only saw the first two laps. Despite Zak Scott dropping out (he had been ill all week leading up to the race) we still managed a complete finishing team (See you don't need me!!) A big welcome to Fred Smith, who ran his first harrier league, and Tommy said the next morning that he had thoroughly enjoyed himself. Perhaps there are a few other members should have a chat with him and see how much fun racing is. Dave Ransen also head a good race, and the next day Karl told me he had enjoyed his first medium pack race.

I didn't see anyone else's race, the results show that there were other good performances from Monique and Maggie in particular, but I trudged away to watch another poor game of football at Newcastle.

The day was saved by me winning 1500quid on the lottery….ha ha anyone jealous????

I would hate to miss our Trace out, Birtleys' favourite non-Birtley runner. Not running this week saving herself for the nationals, and just gracing the course with her elegance, supporting her best lad Lee!!

YB