Author: carlliver

344
0

by Lisa Donaldson I booked this event in May as soon as the tickets were available because I just needed that medal in my life and after doing the “runs and roses” one back in March I knew it would be a good base line to maybe try for an Ultra as you don’t count the miles but the laps you do (doesn’t seem that bad then) so my mind was already set to just push that little bit further, even

335
0

by Caroline Teasdale The Heaton Memorial 10K takes place on the Town Moor in Newcastle - a flat course that can be notoriously windy on a bad day. Thankfully I arrived in Newcastle in bright sunshine, cold but no breeze! I walked to collect my number then made my way back to the car to take a few layers off and warm up. Lee and Stan invited me to warm up with them which was nice and they happily ran my

380
0

by Geoff Hewitson History Hosted by Elswick Harriers, this is one of the longest established road races in the North East, in name at least. The event has undergone several changes of venue and distance throughout it’s long history. Most older runners will remember it as a 6 mile race, mostly up and down the minor road that runs through the centre of High Gosforth Park. Increased development of sports facilities within the park, such as the golf driving ranges and outdoor

362
0

by Gayle Askwith Having caught the marathon bug last year, I jumped at the chance of running York because it was sold to me as flat. Those that know me, know that I never research the route when I enter these things. I reply on pure hearsay and rumour about what the course is like. Keeps me on my toes! I stayed in York overnight with my friend ahead of the marathon, sticking to tried and tested pre-race rituals including but not

320
0

by Denyse Holman After a five-year gap, I decided it was about time I challenged myself to run another half marathon. I had been studying Geoff’s Race Calendar for months before finally deciding that the Castles half marathon was the one to go for. Graeme and I have done a few walks up near Bamburgh, so I knew I would be treated to some fabulous scenery. Plus, given the time of year, I banked on the weather not being scorching hot. In fact,

351
0

by Lisa Donaldson Well where do I begin? It has been one hell of a weekend to say the least. This was my 2nd marathon for this year and 3rd overall, was so desperate for that Sub 3:30 after running London back in April 2023 and knew I didn’t push myself then, so there was defo more to be had!! We got to the airport Friday afternoon where we met Laura and Sam, a few airport drinks were had but not by

390
0

by Gerry Hehir Sunday morning saw me and Jane heading up to Housesteads roman fort for the start of the Hadrian's Wall half marathon. It was freezing 🥶. The race is well organised and runners set off in waves so that the narrow paths along the wall don’t get clogged up. I dropped Jane off at the start then drove back to the finish at Hexham and got the bus back up to the start. As I said, it was bitter, even with

343
0

by Paul Orange Steep decline signs are all around the course at the Kielder half marathon, and I thought that could be the title for the story of my build-up for this event, due to injury, poor life choices and work commitments. Despite the most horrible inverse taper you’ve ever seen, at 7.00, I was in my car headed up to Kielder, driving through endless drizzle, and parking up in yet more drizzle and mist, so much so, standing on the dam,

391
0

by Andy Turnell The Running Festival is a regular event at the end of September and packs four races into a single morning (early afternoon for the slower runners). There's a 2k Junior Fun Run, 5k, 10k and Half Marathon all starting before 10:15. Crook had representatives in the 10k and the Half. One of my long standing targets has been a sub 1:45 half marathon and, although the course has changed somewhat over the recent past, it's about as flat as you could

329
0

by Meadow Winham It all started when I woke up at 9:00AM. I got up and I got dressed into my Crook running vest and my shorts, when I was finished getting ready, I had my breakfast, I had a cup of tea and some toast. My mam put my hair in two plaits, when she was done, we set off to the cross county [my first ever one.] When we got there, we were struggling to find our tent because we did not