Winners' thanks to top team

May 10 2007 By Bill Mcguirk, The Evening Chronicle

The cross-country season may have ended a number of weeks ago, but there was still one piece of action to fulfil - the presentation to the overall winners of the Start Fitness Harrier League.

At the stores' Newcastle branch, a number of the senior and junior winners gathered to receive their awards for the 2006-07 season.

And as well as it being a success for the athletes in question, it was also significant that the league went ahead at all, when it was thought no-one would step forward to take on the leading administration roles.

However, Tynedale Harriers' trio Selina Cross and Steph and Hugh Bingham stepped into the breach, and once again they made sure that the league, one of the oldest in the country, carried on smoothly.

Over 4,000 competitors lined up in the seven-race series which Selina, in her role as league secretary, handled as though she had been doing it all her life.

"I had a lot of help from Steph, Hugh and Audrey and George Ogle who had been doing the job before I accepted the role," said Selina.

"Also the athletes and club secretaries have been very understanding, so in the end it wasn't too demanding.

"Now that I've got the hang of things it should be a little easier next year."

Elswick's Judith Nutt, who finished third in the senior women's category last year, but was the overall winner this time round, was full of praise for the league and everyone who contributed to making it a success.

"I really enjoy competing in the Harrier League. It gives everyone a chance with the new handicap system in place," said Judith, after picking up her award.

"It would have been disappointing if the league folded because of lack of volunteers, so we should all be grateful to the people of Tynedale for making sure it continued, and also to Start Fitness for their input.

"They have been a great supporter of athletics in the North East for a number of years now and we are extremely lucky to have them on board."

Tony Wallett, the owner of Start Fitness, was on hand to present the awards, and announced that his company would be involved once again next season.

"The North East Harrier League has always been popular with athletes of all abilities, so we are more than happy to be involved," said Wallett, who competed in four of the fixtures last winter.

"Hopefully, the league can grow in strength and we are only too pleased to help in any way we can."