North East Harrier League 2015/16: Race 1 results

UPDATE: 26 SEPTEMBER 2015

Well done to all the members who took part in today’s fixture at Tanfield Lea.

As defending champions, the club got off to a steady start, finishing 3rd in the Senior Ladies race and 2nd in the Senior Men’s event.

Ladies results can be found here and the men’s here.

Huge thanks to all the race officials and marshals.

More to follow.

Well folks, the Cross Country season is almost upon us and I for one can’t wait for it to kick-off.

Having (just) survived my first ever ‘Total Warrior’ race during the summer, a few laps around some fields is going to seem like child’s play (hopefully those words won’t come back to haunt me over the coming months!).

Last season was a historic occasion for Tyne Bridge Harriers, with the club winning both the Men’s and Ladies Championships for the very first time. But as the sporting pundits like to tell us, if winning a championship is difficult, then retaining it is almost mission impossible. So are you up for the challenge?

One of the many qualities of TBH is our strength in depth, and if we want to challenge for a second successive campaign then we need as many members competing as possible. Unlike most club races, where only the best 3 or 4 runners count towards team prizes, the harrier league is different, with every competitor playing a significant role in the final results. So come on folks, regardless of which training group you run in or how much cross-country experience you have, pop on that vest, lace up those spikes and let’s be seeing you at cross-country.

The first fixture of the season takes place on Saturday, 26th September 2015, and will be held at Hedley Farm West, opposite Tanfield Railway, NE16 5EQ. A map showing the location of the event can be viewed here. Parking will be available in the adjacent field (look out for signage and/or marshals).

This is the course used by the Senior Men in 2013 (for the Sherman Cup).

A couple of important points for the year.

If you’ve already registered your interest to run in cross-country (by adding your name to either the spreadsheet or club notice board), then your team captain will have your number prior to the race. New runners to the club, and members who have not signed up, will have to register on the morning of the race (cost £2) and be allocated a race number.

For the 2015/16 season, the following colours will be used for the numbers:

Women have YELLOW numbers
Men have PURPLE numbers
Juniors have PINK numbers
U11 runners have GREEN numbers

You keep your number for the whole season including the Davision Shield & Sherman Cup.

Do not throw it out after the first fixture.

If you run in the wrong number i.e. a number from another race, you will be disqualified. Similarly, if you run in a different coloured number you will also be disqualified.

If you’re not sure what your number is, please ask your team captain (Paul Hilton for the men, Sinead Coffey for the ladies), or check with the officials at race registration.

Club vests must be worn during races. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.

In terms of footwear, a cheap, comfortable pair of cross-country spikes should last you the season. You may also, depending upon course and weather conditions, be able to get away with wearing trail shoes at some events. If in doubt, ask some of the senior runners at the club who will by only too happy to guide you.

RACE TIMETABLE

The provisional timetable for harrier league fixtures is as follows (all times are approximate):

12:15 – Under 11 Boys & Girls
12:25 – U13 Boys
12:35 – U13 Girls
12:45 – U15 Boys
12:55 – U15 Girls
13:05 – U17 & U20 Women
13:10 – Senior & Veteran Women
13:50 – U17 Men
14:15- Senior & Veteran Men

As already mentioned, these times are set in stone so please listen out for the whistle calling your race.

Make sure you’re up there in time to get warmed up and to the start.

If you have any questions or queries please don’t hesitate to get in touch (either on the website or at a club session during the week).

Further information can be found on the North East Harrier League website www.harrierleague.com

Happy running!!