Newburn River Run, 21st June 2023

Another summery evening for this year’s River Run, and once again Lynne Cornell was turning out in Claremont colours:

“It was a very warm summer solstice evening for the Elswick Harriers Newburn River Run. I bumped into Howard MacLennan as people were gathering at the start line, and then just as we were about to set off Kimberley Metson appeared alongside me. Then we were off, and Kimberley was away into the distance.

This is the first time I’ve done the shorter 5 mile course-the course used to take in the south side of the river Tyne as well, but due to erosion on the south bank a new out-and-back route was introduced in 2022.

The first mile or so was quite congested, with 311 runners all trying to squeeze along the newly laid path alongside the river, but things soon seemed to settle after that as the route went along the waggonway path towards Wylam. The trees provided shade which was very nice, but like many I was pleased to see the water station which is just before the half way point. Then back the way we had come to the finish, and a most welcome bottle of water.

Back to the race HQ at Newburn Activity Centre to collect our sandwich and this year ice-cream as well. Most welcome for many in the heat. Not a favourite of mine, but my husband loves ice-cream so I had arrived prepared with a cool bag (!) and Kimberley kindly gave me hers as well as she feared it would melt on her cycle ride home.

A really good evening despite the heat and the sandwich was as good as ever!”

Position	Runner	Time
111	Kimberley Metson	36:09
160	Lynne Cornell	39:25
171	Howard Maclennan	40:07