Anita Nott Womens only 5K – 26th June 2020

by Sam Dixon

Lisa, Gayle, Megan, Joanne R and I made the trip to Jesmond Dene to compete in the women’s only 5k organised and ran by Heaton Harriers.

The race is organised annually in memory of a former Heaton Harrier runner, Anita Nott who tragically lost her life in a road traffic accident while out running in Richmond.

The run is essentially 2 out and backs on undulating paths and well maintained tracks in Jesmond Dene. Starting on the bridge and turning left going immediately downhill through the tunnel and gradually going uphill to the turn point. Coming back toward the start point and this time going over, the route takes you sharply down and then sharply back up to the next point meaning you’ve got a good slog back up the finish!

Jo “The Rocket” Raine and I started a few rows behind the start line; we were a bit packed in as it’s quite congested on that bridge, but managed to break away and get some space after the first turn. Keeping an eye on the competitors ahead and picking out who could be best to stick to, I quickly identified a certain South Shields lady I wanted to try and maintain the gap, if not close it. Futile as it turns out as she must have had her Weetabix that morning, storming up that penultimate and pretty brutal incline to the last turning point. (It was honestly never-bloody-ending!) Pleased to have placed 13th overall and 2nd in age category.

Highly recommend this race to the lasses as it’s a challenging but lovely route and has a lovely atmosphere. Defo not a PB course if you’re wanting fast a time but it’s a lovely June evening race and couldn’t have asked for better conditions.

Results

Position Name Time Category Cat Pos
13 Sam Dixon 20:29:00 VF35 2
23 Joanne Raine 21:02:00 V40 2
46 Lisa Donaldson 22:21:00 VF35 8
147 Megan Race 26:03:00 SEN F 67
198 Gayle Askwith 27:27:00 V40 33