From John Hayes…
This was the first time I’ve run this iconic half marathon. It has been on my wish list for various reasons, the most important being that I love the Red Arrows!
When I mentioned this to Sarah, she didn’t show the same childlike enthusiasm as me. Don’t get me wrong, she thinks their flying skills are impressive. But she seemed much more excited by the spectators handing out ice pops along the route.
At the start line I was hopping around expectantly, waiting for the jets to fly over, when the warm up man appeared on the big screen. This meant I could hop around and clap my hands, wiggle my body and wave my arms (somewhat hazardously) at the same time. For a few minutes, some of the other runners squashed in next to me joined in. But they quickly tired of this and reverted to their own special stretches. I carried on “dancing” for a bit but then I started feeling self-conscious and gave up too.
The crowds were unbelievable the whole way round and the final approach to the finish line along the coastline at South Shields is very special.
There were lots of Harriers doing the event, all of whom put in great performances (times below – apologies to anyone I’ve missed). Hats off too to Andy Burnham who ran and raised funds for charity. I wonder if we should entice him to have a crack at Ilkley half marathon sometime. Or perhaps, if he’s looking for a new challenge, the Ilkley fell race?
John Hayes 01:29:46
Steve Murray 01:30:54
Luke Watkeys 01:48:48
Josh Harris 01:59:40
Sarah Hayes 02:08:29
Vicky Rutherford 02:10:21
Keira Burnsall 02:10:24
Lucy Lowe 02:11:27
Jacqui Weston 02:13:51
Jon Nelson 02:16:30
Charlotte Smithson 02:22:03
Alex Stanley-Hyde 02:32:55
David Ibbotson 02:36:17
Clare Patchett 02:48:35
Elaine Ibbotson 02:59:17
Claire Machina 03:00:08