Saturday April 30th marked the start of the 2022 North East Track & Field league and you’d have been excused for thinking it was mid summer with the Churchill track in Monkseaton an oasis of bright sunshine, warm temperatures and resplendent green.
For those who haven’t attended a T&F fixture before, or perhaps aren’t fully acquainted with T&F, there’s a wide range of running, jumping and throwing events packed into the schedule giving everyone an opportunity to compete. It’s the inclusivity and diversity of the event that I perhaps enjoy most – there’s young and erm… not as young… fast and less fast… throwers, jumpers… everyone has a shared goal to try their best and have fun.
The black & white clad Tyne Bridge Harriers had over 20 members representing the club on this occasion, I think with all of our usual training groups represented – a great turnout!
At time of writing I didn’t have results to share though they’ve since been posted here stat fans- https://www.facebook.com/groups/tynebridgeharriers/permalink/5257612250943584/ – TBH edging out a CLS/Durham collective to finish 2nd, with many fantastic performances. Highlights that I saw were Ryan Holt & Sparrow Morley going head-to-head in the 1500, Zak Kettle taking 800 victory, Fraser Bigg blowing away the field in the 3000 Steeplechase, Hannah Stewart running the track after a long marathon training run, newbie Jen Lockett taking on seemingly every other event in pursuit of points for the team, and Alison Ennis powering her way to a strong result in the 100m. There were most certainly others.
Shout outs also go to Sandy Anderson, Michael Nemeth and Chris Desborough for stepping in to officiate/volunteer (again, there were likely more), to Jake Moir & Zak Kettle at the younger end of spectrum putting in great performances, to whoever (Yam?) baked the delicious cookies & brownies, coach Dave Moir for showing the ropes, and to Rachel Adamson-Brown for her usual fantastic organising and cheerleading.
For those not sure whether to participate… just come and give it a go… several of the team, myself included, referred to “not having done it since school” or even trying an event for the first time. There’s no scrutiny or criticism- just a collective spirit of everyone wanting to have a good time and support each other. Absolutely enjoyable- competitive but with a social/collective feel. You don’t always get that in the local Road events…
Thanks for reading, and I hope this has inspired you to join the team next time out. That’s Sunday 12th June by the way- mark it in your diary now!
David Cornish (long jump, triple jump, shot put and 400m hurdle extraordinaire!)
