On Your Marks For Coastal Run Entry

13 JAN2012

Runners in the north-east who want to take part in the popular Northumberland Coastal Run in July should get off their marks quickly and sign up soon after entries open at midnight on Saturday, January 21. The 1150 places are expected to be filled in 24 hours. Entries will be accepted for the multi-terrain run on Sunday, July 22 via www.entrylive.com, and full details are available at the site.

The first ever Beadnell to Alnmouth Race was held 1979, with 12 competitors and in those early days competitors had to choose their route starting in the sandy bay next to Beadnell Harbour before heading south to Alnmouth (approximately 14 miles). The winner of the first race was Morpeth Harrier Archie Jenkins in 1:22:30.

In the first two to three years many changes were made to the route as runners found the short cuts and quickest routes. Apart from one or two sensitive areas the course is unmarked and competitors are responsible for choosing their own route. The course is however, now well established as it makes its way from Beadnell to Alnmouth using public footpaths and roadways. The course which most competitors choose to run is approximately 14 miles long (depending on whether the tide is in or out).

Ian Harding (1:16:27) and Jane Mooney (1:29:56) were the fastest competitors in 2011 and over 800 runners completed the course, a few really enjoying the views to record times of over three hours.