North East Harrier League - Alnwick
Alnwick Harriers hosted the penultimate race in the North East Harrier League series against the breathtaking backdrop of Alnwick Castle.
The undulating course would prove to be a tough test, even for the more seasoned cross country runners and would be a good taster for the last race at the notoriously hard Prudhoe event.
With league places at stake, former Harrier League Champions Wallsend Harriers fielded a strong team in the hope that success in this race would stave off the threat of relegation from Division One. This tactic certainly paid dividends as Lee Kernohan raced to a popular victory.
A relative novice to running (he has only been running competitively for one year), Kernohan took the lead on the second of three laps with a strong push up the hill on the far side of the course. It seemed that on the last lap his only worry was being caught by the fast pack runners who were closing down quickly. In the end though, it was a comfortable victory.
The undulating course would prove to be a tough test, even for the more seasoned cross country runners and would be a good taster for the last race at the notoriously hard Prudhoe event.
With league places at stake, former Harrier League Champions Wallsend Harriers fielded a strong team in the hope that success in this race would stave off the threat of relegation from Division One. This tactic certainly paid dividends as Lee Kernohan raced to a popular victory.
A relative novice to running (he has only been running competitively for one year), Kernohan took the lead on the second of three laps with a strong push up the hill on the far side of the course. It seemed that on the last lap his only worry was being caught by the fast pack runners who were closing down quickly. In the end though, it was a comfortable victory.
The team event was won by Tyne Bridge Harriers. The club, only formed last year and so have have had to start life in the North East Harrier League in Division 3, kept up there perfect record. Led home by Louis Goffe in 3rd place, they finished ahead of not only all the Division 3 teams but Division 2 and also Division 1! With promotion secured, it seems just a matter of time before the Newcastle based club will be competing for the overall league title.
Fastest time of the day went to Morpeth's Lewis Timmins who weaved his way through the field from the fast pack to finish 4th,. Timmins warmed up for the Inter Counties Cross Country Championships at Birmingham next week with a strong, solid run as he held off the challenge of New Marske's Richard Morrell and team mate Peter Newton who finished 6th and 7th respectively.
Louise Hayes
In the ladies race victory went to North Shields Poly's Louise Hayes. Hayes romped home very strongly and was never in danger, finishing 35 seconds ahead of Alnwick's Johanne Gascoigne-Owens who provided the host club with their moment of the day as she finished to huge cheers from the home faithful.
On a successful day for Morpeth Harriers, Jane Hodgson managed to get through to a magnificent 3rd place from the fast pack to record the fastest time of the day. Mooney was 30 seconds ahead of her nearest rival, guest runner Jacqueline Fairchild of Trafford AC. Next fastest local runner was Claire Simpson of Jarrow and Hebburn.
In a very close team team, Division 2 leaders Gateshead just pipped Division 1 leaders North Shields Poly by one point.
A great day's racing and thanks must go to Alnwick Harriers who made the day run very smoothly. A special mention must also go to the Duke of Northumberland who let the North East Harrier League use his land!
Well done to everyone that took part. See below for video footage of the two senior races.
Ladies results can be found by clicking here
Men's results can be found by clicking here.
Men's league table can be found by clicking here
Ladies results can be found by clicking here