 The start of the 2019 Weetslade Relays Now in its tenth year, the Weetslade Relays, hosted by Claremont Road Runners, took place on a warm but breezy summers evening in Weetslade Country Park Wide Open. (Wednesday 19th June 2019) The friendly, low–key atmosphere provided an opportunity for runners of all abilities to enjoy a multi terrain, traffic free course taking in a challenging hill climb and rewarding them with far ranging views of the coastline and an abundance of wild flowers en route. Each team had to be composed of one woman, one veteran and any other athlete. We were fortunate to field six teams, all of whom finished in the top half of the results table. Morpeths A team Richard Johnson, Jane Hodgson and Sam Hancox claimed an emphatic victory with a one minute 20 second lead over second place finishers Tyne Bridge Harriers. Richard Johnson rose ably to the challenge and was backed up by the fastest female and male performances of the night by Jane Hodgson( also the fastest V35 15:27) and Sam Hancox, fastest male runner (13:34). A timely confidence boost for Johnson and a job well done for the reliable Hodgson as she continues to return to fitness following a prolonged spell of injury. A delighted Sam Hancox brought the team home in a total time of 43:20. As well as the fastest time of the night Sam produced the biggest smile of the evening and it was fabulous to see him leading the team home so decisively.  (L to R) Richard Johnson, Jane Hodgson and Sam Hancox at the Weetslade Relays The Morpeth B team Matthew Briggs, Michelle Thompson and Lee Bennett finished in 7th place. Matthew celebrated completing his final A’ level exam in fine style by finishing strongly in second place in the first leg. Michelle , a welcome new addition to the club ran strongly on her first outing in Morpeth colours handing over to Lee who ran a solid last leg.
Our other teams including Jamie Johnson, Tayla Murdy and Jason Dawson finished in 22nd place. All three athletes proved to be pretty handy over the 2:67 mile course. Jamie competing in one of his first relays for the club and likewise Tayla showing her potential as a very capable and strong runner over the second leg. Jason Dawson, enjoying the opportunity to compete in more team events held his own on the third leg. Andrew Hebden, Jill Bennett and Matthew Boyle finished in 27th place. Andrew enjoying a better run than he expected finished strongly in the second leg handing over to Jill Bennett, followed by a very pleasing run by Matthew Boyle. David Swinburne, Sue Smith and Paul Waterston made a compelling trio. Dave led the charge and Sue came up trumps with a top-notch run leaving the Glory leg to a resolute Paul bringing the team home in 38th place. Another sturdy team effort came from Phil Walker, Frances Naylor and Mike Winter. Phil ran the fastest leg of the three and handed on to Frances who put in a first rate run leaving the unshakeable Mike Winter to bring the team home in 55th place. Comments are closed.
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