Ian Hudspith admits keeping Blaydon Race crown will be hard

Jun 9 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

DEFENDING Blaydon Race champion Ian Hudspith is predicting one of the closest finishes in the history of the event.

Hudspith lines up to defend his crown today against a strong field that includes in-form North East athlete Ryan McLeod, Olympian Dan Robinson and the usual crop of talented African runners.

Those names make this probably the strongest field in the 30-year history of the 5.9mile Blaydon Race, which has mushroomed in popularity since it was first run in 1981.

“I ran the race of my life last year to win it and it was a privilege to be the first from the area to win it for a decade or so,” he said.

“I know it will be tough to hang on to the crown with the calibre of competitor that the race has attracted this year. Ryan (McLeod) I know well and I’m sure he’ll be up there again this year.

“It was a bit of surprise to hear that Dan (Robinson) was going to be entering. I know him and he’s run a couple of Olympics and is a real class runner so I’m sure he’ll be hoping to be among the leaders.

“I really think that it’ll be too close to call when we come round the corner into the finish. There could be five or six of us sprinting for the line.”

School teacher Hudspith took an extended break after winning in 2009 and has enjoyed an injury-free build up – unlike last year’s event when he was nursing a hamstring strain. He has been in training since March and says he feels in good nick ahead of his favourite race of the year.