The Redcar Half Marathon celebrated its 35th year last weekend with more than 1,500 runners of all abilities and ages taking part in four separate races through the seaside town. Competitors ranging from fun runners to serious athletes took part in the annual event organised by Everyone Active and New Marske Harriers.
The wet conditions didn’t dampen the spirits of our younger competitors taking part in the junior races, prior to the main event. First off the mark was the 2k Fun Run at 9.30am. The two notable performances from our junior Harriers were from Joe Reeve (U13) and Freya Talman (U11).
Joe is making quite a name for himself and, as always, produces the goods on the day. Today was no exception – Joe lead the race from start to finish and crossed the line in 1st place in a time of 7mins 42 sec, beating his PB by one second! Freya, despite still being only 9 years old, produced one of the best results of the day, beating many youngsters older than herself in the process. As the first girl of her age to cross the line, she finished 18th with a time of 9mins 26sec. Well done to you both, fabulous running!
Not far behind them were brothers, Ewan and Harry Rogers. Both regulars on the Darlington Parkrun scene, they are well used to pounding the tarmac! From a field of 200 competitors, the boys performed admirably; Harry, still only 7, finished 28th in a time of 9 mins 58 sec, and hot on his tail was older brother Ewan in 36th place with a time of 10mins 13sec. Excellent performance boys, keep up the good work!
Starting just before the half marathon and using the same start line, next up was the Beacon 5k and Wheelchair Half Marathon. Keen to do well in the 5k were two of our U15 Harriers, Liam Brittle and Tom Finney. With the minimum age of entrants being 14, and Liam and Tom both still being 14, they were two of the youngest athletes taking part, competing against mainly adults.
After a busy season on the track, Liam now turns his attention to the road and cross country. He ran as always, with 110% effort , and produced another impressive performance finishing 8th overall (1st for his age and the youngest in the top 10), with a time of 18mins 38 sec, only 14 seconds off a PB! Nice one, Liam, excellent result!
Not really a fan of the track, Tom feels more at home on the road – and today it showed. He ran with confidence and in a field of 223 runners he was the 3rd 14 year old to cross the line (27th overall). Considering this was his first 5k, he still managed to finish in a time of 21 min 07sec. Well done, Tom, a great run! We hear that Tom is competing in the Alwinton Show Fell Race (Northumberland) in a couple of weeks time, so we look forward to reporting on how he gets on. Good luck from us all, Tom!
A great performance from all our Junior Harriers! Here’s a few photos of the day’s events (and a big thank you to Karen Harland)….
