Newcastle's First Marathon A Hit

11 DEC2009

November 22 saw Newcastle host its first marathon. With a limited entry of just 100 places, entries were snapped up extremely quickly. For those 'lucky' enough to get a number, they fought some tough weather conditions and a challenging course. Jamie Harding of local club Claremont Road Runners told
www.northernrunningguide.com about his experience of the race.

"The ominous weather forecast didn't help because this unique and ingenious course consisted of five laps, most of which were on paths on the open land of the Town Moor, with only limited distances on the pavements of Grandstand Road and the Great North Road"

"There were some sections of the course that seemed calm and peaceful, but the runners knew that the next turn would leave them running into the wind and, when it blew particularly hard, we struggled to make any progress at all!"

However Jamie is quick to praise the fantastic support that all the runners received from the marshalls, spectators and general dog walkers that found themselves caught up in the event!
"the difficulties caused by the weather and the exposed location were more than made up for by the excellent organisation of the event and the wonderful support. Claremont Road Runners and Heaton Harriers provided a great service and great encouragement at the drinks station and the start/finish area and all around the course there were officials and supporters making light of the cold to provide drinks, sweets and constant encouragement"

The footpaths on the moor were open to the public which meant that the runners had to share the space with passing walkers, dogs and cyclists, but Jamie points out that these fellow users proved to be a welcome distraction from the wind and the pain. Runners came from far and wide for the event, with the 100 marathon club being well represented with 33 runners among the 90 finishers. The first man home was Andy Sly of Retford AC in a time of exactly 3 hours and the first woman was Catherine Charlton of Redhill Road Runners in 3.30.57 The first representative of North East clubs were Michael Jones of South Shields Harriers (fifth) and Anna Heeley of Durham City Harriers (second woman).

The general view at the finish, from runners and spectators alike, was very positive and the inaugural Newcastle marathon was definitely a success and you can be sure that this will feature again next year and prove to be as popular with a larger entry number. To come will be the views of the race from one of the Race Organisers on his thoughts of the event...so watch this space!...

Full results and more runners comments of the event are available along with a video of the event!