Sunderland Strollers
Tynedale 10k Wednesday 2nd July 2003
Well, this one got off to a fine start when the bus didn't arrive on time. Still, it adds to the excitement, doesn't it?
A bus full of Strollers with a few Harriers and passengers headed off a few minutes late into the drizzle of Tynedale.
There was the usual long hike to the start from the race HQ at Ovingham Middle School during which we all got drizzled on some more.
About 500 starters headed off down the hill for the first half mile.. how comes everyone always remembers this race as being downhill when it's only the start that is?
After the first mile you get to the first of the "undulations", 5 of them (Geoff counted them), none particularly steep or long but still tiring, which take you down the valley, up over the bridge and then back up the valley for the fast last mile and a bit.
They really ought to get that 6 mile marker in the right place, it always seems to be 400 yards out.
The main points of interest were:
35 Strollers finished the race, not a bad turnout with 2 PBs reported so far.
Leading Stroller was Duncan Emmerson (pictured) in 76th position in a time of 38:54. Well done Duncan.
After years of trying, Paul Dunlop finally beat his brother, Shaun, who runs for Low Fell.
After months of wishful thinking, Mario finally beat his brother Angelo, much to Angelo's disgust! Mario is now considering retiring while he's ahead. Angelo is considering not showing his face at the club again!
Some prankster apparently told poor Rebecca that baggy red and white legwarmers and pointy toed stiletto boots are in fashion! The poor girl fell for it and turned out wearing the above complete with pink shoulder bag. Please remember, she's only 15 and you shouldn't take the mickey out of her like that. Someone will have to break it to her gently that red and white isn't fashionable any more!
As usual, the Strollettes beat the Harriettes. Is this 6 or 7 races now? I've lost count. We took the whole Harrier ladies(*) team on our bus to make sure they got there and they still didn't finish a full team. Turns out Vicki didn't put the team name on her entry form (is she ashamed to own up to being a harrier?) so she was entered as an unattached runner leaving only 2 Harriers for an incomplete team. It appears the Harriers aren't just incapable of completing a team, they can't even complete a race entry form!
It's become way too easy to make fun of them and it's gone on long enough, there's only so much mileage to get from the same story so I think we ought to stop mentioning the Harriettes for now. Thanks for the good stories, ladies!
(*) After the language they used when they saw the results I don't think we can call them ladies any more!
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