harrier league resumes at thornley

The start of last season's Senior Women's race at Alnwick. Photo: Stuart Whitman

The local cross-country season gets under way this Saturday at Thornley Farm, just south of Peterlee. With several cancellations last year, the league have juggled the fixtures round, scheduling Thornley – where car parking has at times been an issue in the past – early to get it out of the way.
Registrations for Morpeth Harriers are now in and there are NO on-the-day registrations, unfortunately, for the first fixture. However, if you’re not yet registered you can be for any future fixtures: the next one is at Druridge Bay on Sunday 13 October with Lambton falling hard on the heels the following weekend, also on a Sunday this time.
If you’re new to the league, please make sure you bring a change of clothes for afterwards, some pins for your number (which you will need to retain for all future fixtures – please note that, having paid for registrations, the cost of which has gone up, the club will not pay for lost or misplaced numbers, which have gone up to the princely sum of £10!) and suitable footwear: Thornley might be suitable for trail shoes or spikes, maybe even road shoes, but the course will need looking at on the day.
Can we please remind all runners of the importance of getting there in good time – ideally an hour beforehand – and also to bring £3 IN CASH for parking. Best route is via A19 then A181 just south of Peterlee. The venue is on the left after crossing back over A19 onto A181, about ten minutes up the road – it is a sharp left turn and there should be signposts and marshals present. Sat Nav is DH6 3LY.
Club tent will be in normal spot, first on the left as you access the field, just past the house.
Refreshments are normally available, and portaloos. I’m told the bar at the farm will also be open, although whether this is to provide dutch courage or to drown sorrows isn’t clear.
Link to registered runners and packs here (a number against your name – but not a zero – indicates you have been registered): List of registered runners for Morpeth Harriers & AC (harrierleague.com)
Link to NEHL page is here. Course map is on their facebook page. Start Fitness North East Harrier League