Gibside 10k, 1st May 2024
Two Claremont Road Runners went for a run up some hills this Wednesday evening. Lynne Cornell reports:
“As per 2023 I entered this race before I knew about the NEMAA relays plus I had company this time – a friend who fancied a trot around Gibside.
We arrived at a slightly misty Gibside and proceeded up the hill to collect our numbers. At this point it brought back memories of just how steep the hills are!!! Pam, an ex work colleague, who was handing out the numbers, told my friend she was ‘in for a treat’!
At the allotted time we made our way to the start line on the Long Walk. The mist had disappeared leaving slightly damp, dull, still conditions which the midges loved. You could see people at the start flapping them away. I’m pleased to report that once we got going the midges seemed to disappear (apart from the one I swallowed just after the start – extra protein?!) unless I was too busy concentrating on looking where I was going and didn’t notice them.
After a brief instruction, including following the pink arrows, we were off. Same course as last year-started on the Long Walk, went past the walled garden then we met the first hill at 2k. It was then on tracks through the forest with the next uphill at 4k, followed by a steep downhill between 4 and 6k on gravelly track. At this point a marshall said to enjoy the downhill bits as more uphills to come!!! I’m not a fan of downhill on gravel but quite like running uphill (!) and relayed this message to him. His response was I would be a ‘happy girl’ on the second part of the course. He wasn’t wrong!!!
6-7k was alongside the River Derwent then past the Column of Liberty at 8k. Last uphill was between 8 and 9k then downhill (not too steep)/flat all the way along The Long Walk (again!) and past the Walled Garden (again!) to the finish where we were rewarded with a wooden medal, a choice of beanie, socks, bottle or buff, a snack and a drink of our choice. It was a lovely trail run through glorious countryside and my friend, though exhausted, had a great night too.”
Well done Lynne, who came first in her age category, and to Jenny, following not far behind.
Position | Runner | Time |
100 | Lynne Cornell (1st VW60) | 57:02 |
106 | Jenny Roberts | 58:55 |