NS Poly Grand Prix, 3rd February 2026

After a weather-enforced cancellation in January, competitors in the North Shields Poly Grand Prix returned to the prom at Whitley Bay, for their monthly dose of wintry running action. Wintry it was, a strong, freezing wind blowing in from the south-east, leading more runners than usual to don layers, leggings, gloves and hats. The conditions may also have played a part in over 100 of the 288 registered runners being absent for this one.

I was returning to my favourite fixture in the running calendar after almost 2 years, due to a series of mostly injury-related unfortunate events. On a night such as this, as intermittent rain punctuated the howling gale, I seriously questioned whether I had really missed it so much.

The headwind on the way out was brutal, with the announcer warning that due to the conditions we might expect “waves, debris, fish…” on the prom. As it turned out, there were almost no puddles to navigate, compared to some previous outings on this course, but it was a definite relief once we ascended the ramp at the halfway point, and turned for home with the wind now at our backs.

Alex Harding built on recent form, finishing in a sizzling 6^th place. Harry Mawdsley was naturally our fastest on the night, 4^th fastest overall. Despite a number of absences due to illness and other commitments, Terry Franklin, the beneficiary of a mid-season transfer, made his Grand Prix debut, and on crossing the finish line claimed to have thoroughly enjoyed it. This attitude bodes well for when the weather (hopefully) improves! One of the walking wounded, a well-wrapped Lena came out to stand resolutely by Spanish City, cheering us on (see video below!).

After challenging for (and indeed winning) honours in the last few seasons, it’s looking increasingly unlikely any of our teams will be contending this time, with only two fixtures left. The True Blood Blues and Rocks Stars are neck and neck in 16^th & 17^th, with The Full Claremonty not far behind in 20^th.

Better highlights to be found in the individual table, with Dean O’Brien riding high in 2^nd, and handicap specialist Dave Roberts also doing fantastically in 8^th.

Position	Team*	Runner	Race Time	Chip Time
6	TFC	Alex Harding	42:09	24:59
42	TBB	Dean O’Brien	44:46	26:16
51	TFC	Nicki O’Brien	44:53	25:43
60	TFC	Roberto Marzo	45:02	21:32
67	TBB	Harry Mawdsley	45:08	19:18
73	TFC	Rose Hawkswood	45:12	28:22
76	RS	Tara Hipwood	45:15	26:45
81	RS	Nina Jensen	45:21	26:51
85	TFC	Anna Round	45:24	28:34
116	RS	Dave Roberts	45:56	24:46
122	RS	Laurie Johnson	46:06	24:16
129	TBB	Aaron Mansell	46:13	31:23
136	TBB	Peter Noble	46:27	23:17
152	TBB	Janet Palmer	46:56	33:06
166	TBB	Cate Walker	47:40	29:50
175	RS	Holly Porter	48:53	28:03
179	TFC	Terry Franklin	51:23	32:33

^{* TFC=The Full Claremonty, TBB=True Blood Blues, RS=Rocks Stars}