Members Update 2002

In the absence of a number of the best local runners the quality of the field inevitably suffered. But nevertheless Rob Hand from Durham continued his good form of late to win the race.
Neil Morris was the first Low Fell finisher in 24th place (7th in the V40 class), with Brian Hume, 59th (4th V55) and Geoff Hume 81st (7th V55) completing the counters for the veterans team who finished in seventh place.

The Low Fell contingent numbered five for this race run in the grounds of Gosforth Park.
The first Low Fell runner was Mick Graham (61th), followed by Brian Hume 8th in the V50 category (82nd overall), Geoff Hume 4th in the V60 (112th), Bill Doidge 14th V50 (127th) and Bill Ireland 4th V55 (129th).

Six members ran at Blyth in which runners receive a time handicap for the race from Blyth sands to Seaton Sluice and back.
The first Low Fell runner was Geoff Hume (20th), followed by Brian Hume (23rd), Mick O Brien (34th), Mick Graham (65th), Bill Ireland (67th) and Bill Doidge (73rd).

Seven runners made the journey to South Shields and were rewarded with an excellent fourth place in the team race with 51 points, behind Chester-le-Street on 45, Sunderland 16 and Morpeth on 12 points.The 3 team counters were: Jonathon Archer (7th), Mark McDonald (11th) and Neil Morris (34th).

Colin Drummond (55th),Michael Graham (86th), Bill Doidge (127th), and Alan Elders (139th) completed the Low Fell runners.

Another good turn out from the club with eight runners (and two spectators), choosing to forgo the dubious delights of watching Newcastle on the box. And given the result, the right decision (match and run).

Mark McDonald running from the fast pack crossed the line in 17th place (8th of the fast pack runners),Neil Morris was in 45th (17th from the medium pack),Colin Drummond 85th (29th from the medium pack).Andy Hughes 102nd (35th from the medium pack).

Jonathon Archer produced an excellent run to finish in sixth place behind winner Mike Openshaw (Birchfield), who once again showed a clean pair of heels to the rest of the field.

There were good performances all round with Mick Graham second Low Fell finisher followed closely by Brian Hume (4th in the v 55 age group).Geoff Hume was next in, (2nd in the v 60 age group) with Bill Doidge and Bill Ireland (8th in the v 55 age group) coming home within 35 secs. of each other. Douglas Ball completed the Low Fell entrants finishing 17th in the v 50 age group.

Seven runners made the trip to Sunderland and the team gave another good performance finishing second team in Division 3 of the harrier league with 126 points,behind Gateshead on 47 points. Repeating the effort of last week at Chester le street.

The course was a much tougher test in both distance, terrain and conditions, but still provided some notable runs , with Mark McDonald finishing in 8th position of the fast pack runners and Neil Morris18th of the medium pack runners. With solid runs from Andrew Hughes and Colin Drummond 42nd and 48th from the mediums and from the slow pack Mick Graham 38th, Steve English 92nd,Mick O Brien 98th and Alan Elders 185th.

The first Harrier League Race of the season was held on the course that will be used for the North Eastern Counties Cross Country Championships, and had good support with 11 members entering the race.

The course was modified from last years by taking out the crossover/collision point, which meant that each lap was a little shorter.This seemed to bring about a little confusion about it's route and number of laps to be run, and which was confirmed by not only the quicker than usual times for this type of race and post race chat/inquest, but by the announcements the next day in the local press. To the effect that "Due to an error in the written instructions, competitors only covered three of the intended four laps". Well, we all could have told them that.

Depending on which way you look at it it was either a blessing, as in, it was too fast and not having the extra lap saved you from blowing up , or you were just getting into a rhythm and could have done with the extra lap. Both views were encountered (no names!)

Some good performances not least from Jon. Archer running from the fast pack, who posted the fifth fastest time of the day (23:06) and Neil Morris who was in eighth position running from the slow pack (24:59) .These results together with the rest of the team meant Low Fell finished second in division three with 93 points, behind Gateshead on 54.

Lets hope we can muster the minimum team of six for a few more races so that promotion can be gained. See you all at Farringdon on November 2nd.

I Managed to miss the start of this one! But on a wind swept but scenic course Neil Morris showed little tiredness from yesterdays Cross Country to finish first Low Fell Runner in 44:56, followed by Mick O Brien in 50:42. who was fairly happy with his days effort, and Shaun Dunlop 52:52.

I did not stay till the end so appologies to Stan,Geoff and Chris.Although i did get a few pictures, just follow the links from the side of the screen

If there is a more scenic finish to any race, i have yet to see it. With the long tree lined carpet of grass approach to Gibside Chapel framing the runners as they run in. What must it be like in the Summer?

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