No racing this week, and several members on holiday / injured, but 4 of us had a lovely run out on what we call the ‘Glendale Gallop’ with an extra loop over Humbleton Hill – 6 glorious miles with plenty of chat! Panoramic views but unfortunately slightly hazy tonight. We didn’t see a sole until the summit – perfect timing for taking our photo!
Two events in 1 week! This time it was a (slightly) less competitive event – the annual ‘find the picture’ tour hosted by Tweed Striders around Berwick Upon Tweed. Teams were made up of Wooler Running Club, Alnwick Harriers and Tweed Striders and we picked either the 3 mile or 5 mile route, searching for up to 16 features around the town including statues, signs and cannons. In the end, we all did so well that it came down to a prize draw to win seaside related trinkets, but more importantly; the night was topped off with fish and chips for everyone at Coull’s in Castlegate!
Last night, Wooler was invaded by runners! Local clubs Alnwick Harriers, Blyth Running Club and Tweed Striders joined us for a 3 or 5 mile run around Humbleton Hill. The weather didn’t dampen our spirits and about 35 of us continued the chat in The Angel afterwards. Hopefully we have social runs hosted by these clubs to look forward to in the future.
On Sunday, Janet, Pam and Tim travelled to the borders to take part in the Kelso 10k, held as part of the town’s civic week. The course was set in the picturesque and idyllic grounds of Floors castle, home to the Duke of Roxburgh.
We set off promptly, which was just as well as the parking signage was highly ambiguous to say the least and it gave time for the obligatory pre-race photo bomb. Luckily, the forecast inclement weather didn’t materialise so there was no need for the ponchos this time out. The undulating course was a mix of tarmac, farm tracks, pavement and grass. The blustery conditions gave us a tail wind along the banks of The river Tweed but it became a sole destroying head wind for the last mile back up the drive to the chateau.
At this point there’d usually be a laconic summary of times but none have been released, which isn’t surprising as the event seemed to be organised chaos.
Congratulations to Janet, who was first female home in her respective age category adding to her haul of prizes from the Borders X Country Series and Les Allcorn 10k. Gala Harriers took the spoils in the team event narrowly pipping WRC to the post.
Once we finished, we received a goody bag, which set the world record for the amount of flyers handed out in one go. The extensive array of post-race insalubrious cakes, buns and tray bakes was something to behold, put on by the local WI in aid of Macmillan Cancer Suport.
We all had a pleasant day out putting the world to rights and hearing about Janet’s obelisk building, which are used to prop up Morning Glory. Lovely stuff.
Thanks to Janet for driving, Pam for treating us to coffees and Pam’s family, who kindly came out and supported us.
What a long winter with weeks where running proved almost impossible due to snow drifts and flooding… hence all the alternative activities.
We have started our Spring/Summer club runs on Tuesday evenings; now meeting at the Duckponds/Wooler Common at 6.30 pm. So far it hasn’t felt like warm weather training with freezing winds, snow and knee-deep bogs, but at last we are back in the hills!
Many thanks to everyone who supported the event on 20th January 2018. We raised £1060 for Macmillan and Breast Cancer Care.!!
It a was cold, but sunny day. Fortunately the road up to the Golf Club had thawed by the time folk arrived, thanks to John and Glen for helping to spread salt and grit. Fantastic turn out (more than expected) – 126 runners and walkers set off, from 3 to 70 years old. All in good spirits with snow to play in and stunning views of the Cheviots. Mary and Michelle performed miracles in the kitchen with magic soup pots. Pam, Cherry, Twink and I juggled with raffle tickets and prizes. Cool runnings by WRC with Toria, Simon and Saul placed in the run. Great support from WRC , Sarah helped mark the course and overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity with raffle prizes etc. A good day was had by all, looks like we might have to do the same thing next year….