Firstly, a great big thank you to all the volunteers for their services today, and to the mathematician wizard for getting the results online so quickly. Without being too melodramatic, if it wasn’t for the tremendous help by these guys and gals there simply wouldn’t be a parkrun event for the rest of us to enjoy. Although after today’s experience I’m not sure enjoy is the correct word to use.
After three weeks away, during which time I took in both the Middlesbrough and Sunderland parkrun events, it was good to return ‘home’ and see so many familiar faces. Although the same can’t be said for those fu flipping northerly winds which seem to blight Newcastle parkrun every time I make an appearance. I only pray I’m not a Jonah to Newcastle parkrun, otherwise I’ll be asked to run elsewhere every week.
Yet in spite of the high winds Newcastle produced another record attendance, with a magnificent 121 finishers completing the 5k run. Of course, the fact Lucozade were handing out post-race freebies on the day was purely coincidental. As was the (unfounded) rumour that Nike were going to be hosting a parade of their latest sports bra’s down the finishing straight. But for me, the most pleasing aspect of the day was the high number of first timers, 24 to be precise, and I hope the windy conditions didn’t ruin their experience.
Undeterred by the horrible conditions however were the 24 runners who managed to record PB’s during the run, with the biggest improvement coming from Bruce Robertson, who knocked an incredible 3m 13s off his time. As for the run itself, first across the finishing line was Tony Carter (Wallsend Harriers), in a time of 16m 45s. After a brisk opening 500m, during which he was closely tracked by eventual 4th placed runner, James Dowdle, Tony gradually pulled away and never looked in danger of losing his lead from that point onwards. In second position, and making his parkrun debut, was unattached runner Joe Waugh, completing the course in 17m 07s. After a steady start Joe slowly worked his way through the pack of runners, reaching second place just after the 1k marker and holding onto it until the end. In third place – and missing out on a hat-trick of wins following recent successes at Middlesbrough and Sunderland – was yours truly, David Daniels (Wallsend Harriers), in a time of 17m 17s. And if you think I’d be bitter and twisted at missing out on the hat-trick you’d be dead right.
First lady finisher, and 8th position overall, was Julia Orr (Dundee Hawkhill Harriers), in a PB time of 18m 20s. Second lady finisher was Joanne Lee (Tynedale Harriers), also clocking a new PB time of 19m 09s. Third lady was Yamuna Thiru (Elswick Harriers), with a time of 19m 40s.
Only four runners managed to break into the excellent 80’s in the Age Grading category, these being Pamela Gold, 83.62% (Heaton Harriers); Howard Gold, 82.40% (Heaton Harriers); Julia Orr, 80.73% and Yamuna Thiru, 80.42%.
In the Male points table there is a terrific tussle going on between two of parkrun regulars, with Kevin Lister currently holding a 168 points advantage over Peter Conroy, while in the Female points table Dianne Ford currently leads Davina Horn by 546 points.
Finally, sincere thanks to Phil the cameraman for his photos this week (check them out on the facebook page). I’m not sure about the black & white close-up shot (arghh!!!) but the rest of them were fantastic.
Finally, finally, good luck to anyone racing this week. Whether it’s the Exhibition Park 5k, Carlisle 10k or Blyth 10k, have a great run.
Anyone interested in volunteering for a future parkrun event can contact HQ at HYPERLINK "mailto:NewcastleHelpers@parkrun.com" NewcastleHelpers@parkrun.com