NEMAA Relays, 7th May 2025

The North East Masters Relay Championships, aka relays for old folk, took place in their usual settings of Campbell Park / Bedeswell Park in Jarrow. The route is on tarmac paths around the edge of the park and is now faster, and possibly a little shorter, having taken out the two sharp turns of the original route. Running conditions were excellent, though it was beginning to get a bit chilly for the spectators after the sun set.

We had a good turnout of 6 teams – 4 in the ladies race and 2 in the men’s. First off were the ladies, with Heather Steel leading out the “A” team, who went on to finish in a very creditable 8th place. Most of our runners had experienced this event before, but for Steph Towers, Jo Perthen and Peter Noble it was only their second time in the sky blue vest. All did well, with Steph once again leading out her team and discovering how difficult it is to hold back when competing with the super-fast first leg runners! Peter had clearly given everything for the cause, and was very pleased with dipping under 6 minutes for a mile for the first time. Jo even managed to finish with a smile on her face.

Although there were no team prizes, Mark Anderson and Gill Milne were fastest in their individual age categories – though Gill was the only one in hers (she is very proud of being the oldest lady in the race!).

So a good night for all was rounded off with the usual variety of baked goodies, including vegan and gluten-free options. Next relays in just a week!

Ladies
Position	Runners	Time
8	Heather Steel Nicki O’Brien Catherine Young Team Time	11:23 12:12 11:10 34:45
18	Sonja Fenske Tara Hipwood Cate Walker Team Time	12:11 12:51 13:10 38:12
28	Steph Towers Jo Perthen Rachel Hurdman Team Time	13:08 14:07 13:59 41:14
32	Lucy Keating Gill Milne Julie Cross Team Time	13:29 15:34 13:01 42:04

Men
Position	Runner	Time
21	Peter Noble Laurie Johnson Anton Mirafsari Team Time	10:36 10:56 10:02 31:34
26	Mark Anderson Dave Roberts Chris Jones Team Time	09:38 11:11 12:01 32:50