Blyth LInks 10K, 29th August 2023
The Blyth Links 10K is a free, invitation-only event organised by the lovely folk of Blyth Running Club. In years gone by, it was open to all Claremont members but, since restarting post-pandemic, it is now limited to members of Blyth and those running in the North Shields Poly Grand Prix, of which this is race number 1.
Claremont have 3 teams of 8 in the Grand Prix and we had a good turnout of 20 runners, so despite a few absences due to holidays and injuries, there was a fair sprinkling of sky blue amidst the sea of Poly red. On top of this, we probably had more support than they did! We definitely had the most vociferous crowd as, fuelled by drinks from the Kings Arms and fish and chips from the Harbour View (highly recommended but, beware, the portions are huge!), our 7 strong all-female supporters club were out on the course complete with Claremont hoodies, cow bell and rattle. Dave Roberts was also there to cheer us in at the finish, having arrived too late to run himself.
It was a bright, sunny evening but there was a strong, blustery wind. Indeed, the breeze made it a bit chilly while we were meeting to collect numbers and generally gossip, with some of us regretting stripping down to vest and shorts a bit too far in advance!
The course is very scenic, and the wind was mainly across us as we ran on the undulating path through the dunes to Seaton Sluice. Then we turned into it as we rounded the headland (with great views across to St. Mary’s Lighthouse – I never tire of this beautiful stretch of coast). Unfortunately, we then met the wind head on as we made our way up the hill to the main road by the Delaval Arms, before turning back and returning through Seaton Sluice to the dunes. Finally the course descends to the promenade to pass the beach huts before looping around the bandstand to finish on the road.
There was a strong start from Jack Shawcross, who established an early lead, until he was passed around the mile mark. Jack stayed strong and held on to 3rd place to win a prize, a great training top in Claremont colours!
Jack’s wasn’t the only excellent performance. Despite the wind and undulating course, both Laurie Johnson and Aaron Mansell ran 10K PBs. Laurie not only broke the 40 minute barrier for the first time, he absolutely smashed it. Kimberley Metson showed just how strong a runner she is, finishing first amongst the Claremont ladies, despite having run a very tough, hilly trail half-marathon the day before.
After the run, we were treated to wonderful skies as the sun set and an incredible (super?) moon rose over the North Sea coast. A great way to finish an enjoyable evening.
| Position | Runner | Time |
| 3 | Jack Shawcross | 34:59 |
| 25 | Laurie Johnson | 39:12 |
| 28 | Paul Robinson | 39:32 |
| 40 | Tom Tinsley | 41:54 |
| 69 | Aaron Mansell | 45:18 |
| 74 | Kimberley Metson | 45:42 |
| 77 | NIcki O’Brien | 46:14 |
| 80 | Isabel Neatrour | 46:25 |
| 84 | Julie Cross | 46:45 |
| 113 | Alex Harding | 49:24 |
| 114 | Nina Jensen | 49:25 |
| 133 | Rachel Hurdman | 52:18 |
| 138 | Tara Hipwood | 52:48 |
| 169 | Luke Woodend | 54:44 |
| 183 | Holly Porter | 56:40 |
| 192 | Kat Truong | 58:11 |
| 193 | Anneliza Andreadi | 58:11 |
| 213 | Janet Palmer | 62:44 |
| 231 | Lena Lou | 70:27 |
| 232 | Rose Hawkswood | 71:31 |
