Gateshead Harriers take clear victory in road relay

Apr 3 2010 The Journal

GATESHEAD Harriers gained a clear victory in the senior men’s relay at yesterday’s Elswick Road Races, held at Newburn Riverside Park, writes LES VENMORE.

The recent heavy rain meant that parts of the normal course were flooded, and a revised route was devised.

Durham’s sole runner, Shaun Moralee, led on the first leg from Sunderland’s Gavin Massingham. Moralee’s time was not bettered throughout the race.

Sunderland led on the 2nd leg through Nathan Reed, while Ryan Stephenson had lifted Gateshead from 4th to 2nd place, only seven seconds behind.

Adam Carmichael took Gateshead into a 35-secs lead over Morpeth on leg three, with Sean Hall crossing the line 29 secs ahead of Morpeth’s Matthew Nicholson on the final leg. Sunderland finished in a distant third position.

The Wearsiders gained some consolation to win the veterans’ relay. Brian Rushworth gained the advantage on leg 2, overhauling early leaders Morpeth and clocking the day’s fastest time.

Catherine Riley of Trafford comfortably defeated the local opposition to win the senior women’s race.

Riley, best known as an 800m runner and who is advised by Lindsay Dunn, pulled away from Morag McDonnell of Chester-le-Street in the closing stages.

Danielle Hodgkinson finished in third place, leading Wallsend to the team title.

Charmaine Porter from Jarrow & Hebburn, who is still in the under-15 category, won the incorporated under-17 event, while the host club’s Alison Dargie was the leading veteran.

Other victories went to Callum Johnson of Gateshead (under-17 men), Jonathan Nisbet of Morpeth (under-15 boys), Jed Marshall of Gateshead (under-13 boys), Sophie Forster of Birtley (under-15 girls) and Lydia Turner of Birtley (under-13 girls).

The sixth North Tyneside 10km Road Race takes place tomorrow (10am start).

Competitors cover a coastal route from the Park Sports Centre, North Shields to St Mary’s Lighthouse, Whitley Bay.