Ice Cold in Druridge Bay
With the weather more in favour of Windy Miller (ask your parents) than racing, the intrepid JJs rolled up to a wind swept and cold Druridge Bay for the lovely Northumberland Beach Trail Runs. These comprised of a 10km and a Half Marathon. With both races setting off together, there was a last minute decision of what clothes to wear, borrowing of gloves and Simon Baker still in his tracksuit one minute before the start. With kit discarded, the race got underway. A quick trip round the lake, then it was on to the beach for a wind swept three miles on hard compacted sand. The 10km race departed half way along the beach to get their run in to the finish with Laurence White being the first JJ, and 2nd M50, whilst our other Lawrence, Dr Chris, was the second home. With evergreen Storm Smith bringing up the rear.
The Half was still in progress and Tom Dowling was having an outstanding race, coming home in 4th place and 2nd V40. Not to be outdone, Laura Chapman bagged a place on the podium with a stunning 2nd place and 1stsenior woman. Cliff Veitch was next home and 4th V50 with Simon Wells next with a 9th V50 placing. Simon Barker was next home and Jessica Williams followed with her 2nd half marathon in as many weeks. David Newman shrugged off a heavy cold to bring up the rear with his third half marathon in as many weeks. Sadly, the race was slightly short due to a human error and the tide being in, but this didn’t distract from a great race round a lovely part of Northumberland.
With the wind still biting the JJs cheered each other home before dashing for the car and Cliff kindly allowing your chairman to put on the heated seat for the journey home.
Race results: 10km Race
13th Laurence White 00:45:47 V50 2nd
18th Chris La Lawrence 00:47:13 Senior 8th
85th Storm Smith 00:56:42 V50 15th
Race results: Half Marathon
4th Tom Dowling 01:21:39 V40 2nd
18th Laura Chapman 01:33:20 Senior 1st
30th Cliff Veitch 01:36:40 V50 4th
51st Simon Wells 01:41:11 V50 9th
56th Simon Baker 01:42:28 V40 11th
119th Jessica Williams 01:54:58 Senior 15th
157th David Newman 02:03:51 V60 9th