Port of Blyth 10k, 2nd April 2023
This Sunday marked the return of the Port of Blyth 10k, organised by Blyth Running Club, where we were incredibly well represented by six Claremont ladies.
Some impressive results all round, with Sarah finishing 2nd in her category and overall 6th female, and Lynne also finishing 2nd in her category. Heather and Izzy also got a top 10 in their age categories, 5th and 6th respectively, while also finishing 4 seconds apart, while Nina and Claire were comfortably in 14th and 16th place in theirs. Massively well done everyone!
Izzy and Lynne have very kindly provided a few words on how the race felt from their perspective, which will hopefully encourage some more sky-blues to try it next year.
Izzy:
I can’t actually remember signing up to Port of Blyth 10K but the date of email suggests some kind of January behaviour. After some vague enquires amongst Claremonters and my other running friend were met blankly, I presumed I would be there alone (and more concerningly would have to source a car). Sunday brought warm spring weather and bright blue skies, and despite a parking fine and a few wrong turns on my journey up the coast, I arrived in Blyth feeling positive. It didn’t take long to bump into the other club members and my decision to wear the club vest paid off. Photos taken, Sarah lead an alarmingly long and energetic warm up before we assembled on the start line. Normal pre-race mutterings amongst ourselves about taking it easy/just going to enjoy a nice run along the coast etc jarred with the sea of pointy elbows, pogo-stick running shoes and the strong stench of deep heat. The out and back route to Seaton Sluice was mostly flat with stunning views out to sea. I employed my normal technique of haring off with the fast people and then spent rest of race being overtaken. Heather gave me some needed encouragement in the final couple of km, and I pushed to end, finishing just behind her. Everyone had a great race – in particular Sarah who got both a PB and a prize position. I had to head off quickly but stopped for a quick takeaway coffee and cake from the surprisingly hipster Kings Head cafe. Well done to all runners and thanks to Blyth for a great 10K race.
Lynne:
I think there were 6 Claremont ladies who took part. I always love this race and this year was as good as ever. Perfect day for running and all too quickly I realised a t-shirt under my running vest was not required!!! The view towards St Mary’s Lighthouse was gorgeous in the sunshine and a run along the Eve Black Coastal Walkway is always a treat. Water station at 5k then back along the road to the finish for a most welcome bottle of water and a t-shirt that actually fits. A lovely race-looking forward to next year already.
| Position | Runner | Time |
| 68 | Sarah Kerr | 39:45 |
| 172 | Heather Steel | 44:34 |
| 173 | Isabel Neatrour | 44:38 |
| 251 | Lynne Cornell | 49:03 |
| 255 | Nina Jensen | 49:12 |
| 371 | Clare McKitterick | 51:20 |
Some of the photos below are by Ian Harman Photography.
