NEHL Lambton, 25th October 2025
It was a bright, blustery, chilly day as the North Eastern Harrier League returned to Lambton Castle. Where the lions once roamed in the beautiful settings by the River Wear, runners now have to test themselves on a hilly course with some steep ups and downs, combined with a long stretch on tarmac that makes even choosing the right footwear a bit of a challenge.
Charlotte Kerr was our only junior this time out, and she tore out of the blocks to take an early lead. Whilst she couldn’t stay out in front, Charlotte came home in an excellent 7th place. Her strong run has earned her promotion to the fast pack, so she will find it a bit tougher next time!
Charlotte’s mother, Sarah, was also in good form, striding through the field from the medium pack to lead the Claremont ladies home. Julie Cross was next to finish, with Claremont cross-country debutants Sarah Williamson and Ana Prodan completing the ‘A’ team. The next couple of minutes saw a cluster of Claremonters across the line, with 10 finishers in total. We had an 11th runner, Hazel Juggins, who, in true Claremont spirit, had valiantly tried to give it a go despite being under the weather, but realised that a second lap would have been unwise.
Unfortunately injuries and illness struck our, admittedly small, pool of male runners and only 4 made it to the start line. One of those who did, Chris Jones, was also struggling to overcome recent illness, though it didn’t stop him from being the fastest Claremont man on the day. The experienced David Lydall was next, followed by relative newcomers Mark Flynn and Terry Franklin, who have quickly become cross-country enthusiasts.
We may have been short on numbers but, as ever, we weren’t short of cakes and other baked goodies. At least we excel at some things!
| Under 13 Girls | ||
|---|---|---|
| Position | Runner | Time |
| 7 | Charlotte Kerr | 16:46 |
| Women | ||
|---|---|---|
| Position | Runner | Time |
| 46 | Sarah Kerr | 34:29 (Medium pack, actual time 32:03) |
| 92 | Julie Cross | 35:50 |
| 170 | Sarah Williamson | 37:49 |
| 184 | Ana Prodan | 38:21 |
| 196 | Cate Walker | 38:48 |
| 202 | Anna Round | 39:10 |
| 207 | Jenny Roberts | 39:16 |
| 242 | Lena Lou | 40:39 |
| 273 | Rose Hawkswood | 42:23 |
| 335 | Ann Smith | 48:12 |
| Men | ||
|---|---|---|
| Position | Runner | Time |
| 287 | Chris Jones | 50:42 |
| 330 | David Lydall | 53:15 |
| 387 | Mark Flynn | 58:03 |
| 409 | Terry Franklin | 62:21 |
