It’s time to get gannin’

Mar 4 2008 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

ENTRIES for the 28th Blaydon Race open today, even though the route of the course is still to be decided.

The ever-popular race takes place on its traditional June 9 date but, as always, competitors are being warned to get their entries in early. Regardless of what course is decided on after meetings with the relevant authorities next week, the field will once again be capped at 4,000 for safety reasons.

Entry, via the form printed below, is on a first come, first served basis and last year it took 15 days for all places to be filled. The road race, organised by Blaydon Harriers, tries to stay faithful to the famous 1862 song from which it takes its name – hence the fact it always takes place on June 9.

But over the years there has been tinkering with the course for safety reasons and to allow more runners to take part. This year it could change again. “We’re still discussing the loop on the south side of the river,” said organiser Bob Houston. “There’s discussions going on between ourselves and the police, so we don’t yet know for certain what the exact route will be. It may be the same, but there may be alterations.”

The race starts outside St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle City Centre and travels 5.7 miles before ending outside Geordie Ridley’s pub in Blaydon. However, the finishing post will have to be moved in 2009 due to planned developments in Blaydon.

The event is noted for a whole range of Geordie idiosyncrasies and has enjoyed a huge following since its first running in 1981.

As well as attracting its fair share of elite athletes, it also draws club runners from across the country and fun-runners aplenty. This year’s official race charity will be Grace House North East Children’s Hospice Appeal.

“There’s a tremendous shortage of hospice places in the North East and Grace House are aiming to build a new hospice in Sunderland,” said Houston. “Last year we raised more than £23,000 for St Oswald’s from the race alone, so we’re hoping to make a big contribution to Grace House this year.”

Last year, the date fell on a Saturday but this summer it is a Monday, allowing the race to revert to its usual midweek start time of 7.15pm. That should mean cooler running conditions for the competitors.

Northumbria Water will, as usual, be providing free water for all the runners at the finish. They will be handing out bottles of “97 Tap Water” – not available in the shops and so called because it is put through 97 different tests before being bottled.

The race has a new title sponsor in Mizuno. Among the other sponsors is The Journal, which will carry a full finishing order for the starting field of up to 4,000 on Tuesday, June 17.

As well as prizes for the first lad and lass, there are also awards for the first married couple, first gadgie (man over 40), dame (woman over 40), young lad (under-19 man), young lass (under-19 woman), male resident of Blaydon and district, female resident, team, lasses’ team and gadgies’ team.

Houston is also appealing for anyone who does not fancy running but would be interested in being a race marshal to contact him on 0191 413 3154.