Hexham Sundowner 10k – 17th July 2024
by Amanda Taylor
Apologies this report is a bit late, I have no good reason other than I’m forgetful.
Anyway, Hexham Sundowner wasn’t really on my plans, I only entered because a running friend said she was thinking about it but then forgot so I ended up driving up on my own, which was fine as I knew Peter, Frank and Matty were going to be there, so I wouldn’t be a lone Crookite.
Advertised as being a fast and ‘largely’ flat road race this 10k started on the outskirts of Hexham, headed out towards Corbridge along Corchester Lane before turning back the way it came to finish on Tyne Green where there were refreshments, street food and music.
Bumped into the lads just as I jogged from my car to try and find the start but we ended up nattering and wandering aimlessly, in the wrong direction as it turned out, but soon realised and corrected our error and headed over onto an industrial estate where we had about 10 minutes till the safety briefing. Did I get a warm up in? Err, no.
As a lot of you know, I was after a sub 50 this year (I know, I’ve only been running 13 years!) but had ear-marked Redcar 10k for this attempt later in the year and considering the temperature was 22.5° I didn’t think it would be a possibility at Hexham – I’m no warm weather runner.
So, after an awfully long briefing where a good half a dozen folks had lots to say and thanks to give to all and sundry, we eventually got off later than the planned start time of 7:20pm. By this time I was chomping at the bit so did my usual thing and flew off way too fast then got progressively slower until mile 5. It was super hot and the sun was glaring on the road which made for a very uncomfortable run and I wasn’t really thinking of anything but getting to the finish in one piece. I didn’t look at my watch ’til after mile 4, I just concentrated on staying with the other 2 girls I’d been with for a couple of miles. I got past them on the down bits then they would overtake me on the inclines…it wasn’t as flat as they claimed!
I somehow managed to pick it up a bit on mile 5 but then there came what felt like a mountain as we approached a little footbridge and I started to walk a few steps thinking, “I can’t finish this,” till I heard the cheers from the finish line which was just round the corner. The 2 girls passed me at this point but urged me on so I pressed on after them and crossed the line not much later in a time of 48:53 and 3rd/35 in my age category.
Matty and Peter were already there having ran 44:19 and 46:44 respectively so we just awaited Frank who came in at 1:15 before we got a couple of post race photos.
I really did not expect to get a sub 50 that night so I was elated, so much so I couldn’t get to sleep for ages, was knackered at work the next day and had to nab an early finish. The joys of being self employed.
I’ve got to be honest when I say it wasn’t the nicest race, just an undulating out and back along a road with a little grassy bit at the end and I’m sure there are faster 10ks out there, I think I just got lucky. Medal at the finish though, which made it worthwhile, I love a medal.
For the record, the 2 senior women I’d ran a big part of the race with both crossed the line just in front of me but on checking the results my chip time was slightly quicker than theirs…..my little win for this race.
Amanda T
