Someone described the Cross Country course at Eltringham near Prudhoe as a ‘good test’ and for many, it was. Held in dry conditions, the strength of the wind meant that club tents were in short supply and runners had to brave the elements prior to their race.
The events are handicapped with runners starting from fast (F), medium (M) and slow (S) packs. It was good to see good representation from the Morpeth Harriers who turned out for the second race of 2026 in the Start Fitness Harrier League.
In the under-14 boys event, Will Fawcett (11th), Hector Ford Hutchinson (21st), Mason Ellison (26th), Luke Thompson (27th) and Ben Hodgson (28th) made up a talented group and were joined by Joseph Fawcett (15th) and Jacob Thompson (33rd) in the under 16 boys event, Joseph was the fastest being a lone runner from the Fast Pack, with a 60 seconds handicap, together with Heidi Wilkinson (7th) and Izzy Cromar (18th) in the under 16 girls event. There were 39 and 30 runners in the under 16 events respectively.
Nine men took part in the men’s and open event with the first six to count. Liam McDonogh (F-11th), Jack Walker (S-17th), Ellis McCoy (M-42nd), Cory Carney (S-67th), Will Clark (M-76th) and Anthony Jannetta (S-93rd) were counters with support coming from Richard Glennie (170th), Andriy Volkov(175th) and Bobby Hagan (199th). There were around 400 finishers in the men’s event. Peter Scaife finished 22nd in the V65 Alternate race.
Eleven women took part in the women’s event where the first four count. Cat MacDonald (F-11th), Lizzie Rank (F-16th) Caitlin Flanagan (M-22nd) and Jane Hodgson (F-33rd) were first in, with excellent support coming from Jessica Holman (41st), Lucie Todd (51st), Jane Briggs (105th), Kirsty Burville (F-130th), Gwenda Cavill (186th), Jasmine Jonas (304th) and Margaret MacDonald (306th). There were around 330 finishers.
Based on the results of this event, the men are currently climbing Mens Division 1 and the women are mid-table (Womens Division 1).
Race Results | North East Harrier League | North East Harrier League