Sand Dancer 10K, 14th April 2024
Thanks to Lucy Keating for this report on this year’s Sand Dancer 10K.
“Two Claremonters – Nina Jensen and Lucy Keating – turned out for this scenic annual race organised by South Shields Harriers.
After a somewhat underwhelming Easter, weather-wise, it was quite disorientating to see the South Shields seafront looking gloriously sunny. The Sand Dancer pub and Colman’s Seafood Temple also looked particularly inviting as we gathered at the start line, but alas, we runners had other priorities.
As you would expect, it’s a very scenic route along coastal paths: I gather it’s a very similar course to the South Shields parkrun, except with the bonus of an extra lap. And fortunately, almost no sand, despite the name. I had only run this race once before, six years ago, and as we soon headed up a sharp incline, I immediately felt guilty after reassuring a friend on the start line that it was completely flat….how had I forgotten that hill?
I found the coastal paths pretty tricky, and really had to concentrate on where I was putting my feet, but the marshalls had helpfully marked the big potholes in red, and we were also able to skirt round the lingering swampy sections. There was a pleasing tailwind (accompanied by unexpected sunshine) as we headed south east, but when the route turned back north, I found it tough running into the wind. I kept up my inner ‘dig in!’ voice as my legs begged to differ.
As we finished the second lap and headed to the finish, I saw the welcome sight of runners ahead descending sharply, together with the sky blue vest of Nina. I tried to keep Nina in my sights as we headed back along the prom to the finish lap of the Gypsies’ Green track, but I knew I was onto a loser, as she eased away like a champion!
A fetching medal and buff in my football team’s colours were welcome rewards, and thanks to South Shields Harriers for a friendly and enjoyable race. My 10K time was over four minutes slower than six years ago, but still just about below my age, so I guess l’ll just keep concentrating on getting older…”



Position | Runner | Time |
111 | Nina Jensen | 52:35 |
118 | Lucy Keating | 53:00 |