Nick McCormich wins Norman Woodcock Road Race

Dec 7 2009 The Journal

MORPETH Harrier Nick McCormick repeated his 2006 victory to gain an impressive win in Saturday’s Norman Woodcock Road race at Gosforth Park.

Heavy rain had made the intended finishing area too dangerous, so the course, which covered three laps of the Ambulance Track, had to be adjusted at a late stage from the measured five-mile distance.

Seasoned middle distance international McCormick soon headed the 180-strong field, with Elswick junior Philip Hurst offering the only real challenge. McCormick, who held a four-second advantage after lap one, had increased the lead to 11 seconds after the second circuit.

The margin of victory at the finish was 26 seconds. Matthew Nicholson, of Morpeth, finished another 59 seconds adrift in third place. Morpeth easily won the team event.