North Tyneside 10K, 21st September 2025
Traditionally held on Easter Sunday, this year’s North Tyneside 10K was moved to September as the work to create the new cycle path meant that some of the pavements used on the route were out of action at the time. It turns out that the weather can be just as variable in September as it can be at Easter, but, thankfully, Saturday’s monsoon had abated and we woke to a bright, chilly morning with a bit of a breeze – not too bad at all for running.
There was the usual fast start as the route took us downhill to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the Fish Quay, before the pleasant stretch along the river towards the mouth of the Tyne. Reality starts to bite with the climb up to Tynemouth Priory, and then we were running into the wind as we headed northwards along the coast. Those of us who are used to running in this part of the world know that the wind can be a lot worse, but it still made the going that bit harder. At least there was a nice clear sky and great views of the beaches and bays to enjoy (if you could get your head up and look!).
Then it was past the Spanish City to run along the Links, which seemed never ending to me – that lighthouse never seemed to be getting any closer! Finally by the Pitch and Putt course, nearly there, keep on pushing and the turn for the last few hundred metres to the finish line. Now it was time to look for friends and discussed everybody’s race experiences.
Although I was a bit disappointed with my own run, there were some excellent performances from other Sky Blues. Expertly paced by Jack Shawcross (mysteriously not in the results), Luke O’Neill ran a 10K PB to be first Claremonter across the line. There was also an excellent 10K PB for Gill Milne, making me a liar of me as I always say that you can’t get PBs at our age! It was no surprise that the much improved Lena Lou clocked up a course PB.
Hazel Juggins also posted a fantastic time to win her age category, and there were 2nd places for Janet Palmer and myself. Nicki O’Brien also deserves a mention for finishing 4th in what is a much more competitive age group.
Finally, a special mention for Becky Webster, who showed true grit and determination to keep going to the end despite having an asthma attack.
Well done to everybody. It was a good turnout from the club, a few North Tyneside debutants, and I am sure that there were other personal achievements that I have failed to mention.
| Position | Runner | Time |
| 36 | Luke O’Neill | 38:19 |
| 41 | Roberto Marzo | 38:40 |
| 88 | Anton Mirafsari | 40:30 |
| 139 | Tom Tinsley (2nd M65) | 42:44 |
| 228 | Chris Jones | 45:10 |
| 236 | Nicki O’Brien (4th F40) | 45:26 |
| 296 | Arthur Liu | 46:50 |
| 340 | Aoife Monaghan | 47:17 |
| 427 | Nina Jensen | 48:42 |
| 494 | Antony Darne | 49:47 |
| 558 | Tara Hipwood | 50:34 |
| 695 | Hazel Juggins (1st F65) | 52:57 |
| 721 | Lena Lou | 53:31 |
| 724 | Luke Woodend | 53:33 |
| 981 | Aaron Mansell | 57:31 |
| 988 | Gill Milne | 57:44 |
| 1011 | Janet Palmer (2nd V70) | 58:13 |
| 1049 | Chris Carr | 58:50 |
| 1176 | Sheelagh Woodcock | 1:01:19 |
| 1530 | Elizabeth O’Mahony | 1:10:59 |
| 1557 | Peter Noble | 1:11:44 |
| 1558 | Becky Webster | 1:11:44 |
| 1594 | Sarah Taylor | 1:13:40 |
