Better Weather Hoped For Gosforth 5 Miler!

1 DEC2009

The Norman Woodcock Memorial Race takes place again this year in Gosforth Park on the 5th December in Newcastle. This road race has been held since 1974 in memory of Norman Woodcock who kept the club afloat after the Second World War. The Race over the years has had many famous winners including Brendan Foster, Steve Cram, Paul Davies-Hale, and Mike Mcleod who has won it on no less than ten occasions.

Last year's race had to be postponed at the very last minute due to icy conditions which made the road surfaces too dangerous to race on. Organisers this year have changed the course for various reasons as Race Organiser Frank Watson explains:

"It wasn't just the slippery conditions underfoot which led to the postponement of last year's race but the fact that more and more traffic is now using the road through the park. With health and safety being of prime importance nowadays we looked at a number of options of how we could eliminate traffic problems and we have decided that the race will take place completely inside the racecourse itself. We have had it remeasured and the race will consist of three circuits of the tarmac ambulance track which means that athletes will encounter a traffic-free course, which is a first for the Norman Woodcock event"

The race starts at a leisurely time of 2pm, with entries on the day being taken until 1.30pm at race HQ opposite the Border Minstrel Pub. £5 for club members and £7 for non-club entries. Changing facilities and refreshments are available within the park for runners and spectators in the Border Minstrel Pub.

For further details contact Frank Watson or visit the Elswick Harriers website.