New Marske Harriers

THE club held their annual cross-country and fell presentations at New Marske Sports Club and special guests included Ken Oakley, president of the North of England AAA with over 100 present.

The award winners were based on best three out of four NYSD cross country meetings.

Girls - Under-13: Penny Wilson. U-15: Tilly Dunne. U-17: Johanna Jackson. U-20: Abi Silcock. Vet 1 lady: Helen Humphrey. Vet 2 lady: Isabel Conaghan.

Boys - U-13: Graeme McPherson. U-15: James Fahey. Senior men: Shaun O'Grady. Vet 1 men: Tony Livingston. Vet 2: John Kettle. Vet 3: Jim Conaghan.

Merit awards went to all athletes who completed the four races: Penny Wilson, Tilly Dunne, Johanna Jackson, Abi Silcock, Helen Humphrey, Rebecca Livingston, Graeme McPherson, Shaun O'Grady, Tony Livingston, John Kettle, Jim Conaghan, Stuart Dickinson, Paul Welham, Andrew Sugden, Colin Scollay and Ian Povey who has not missed a NYSD cross country race since January 1990.

The Bells Store annual trophies for top male went to Shaun O'Grady and top female to Johanna Jackson.

The Christmas handicap winner (Stuart Edwards Trophy) went to Helen Humphrey and the junior winner was Christopher Skidmore. Top fell runner (male) was Ron Sherwood and top female Kay Neesam.

Finally, the Bernard Foulkes Memorial Trophy for top V2 male fell runner went to Keith Hildore.

The following day, in the London Marathon, Dave Jones ran 3:01.45, Doug Scott 3:13.57; Bill Gayter 3:24.25; Sharon Gayter 3:34.18 and Chris Kelly 3:51.59 and, of course, recent member of NMH Tanni Grey-Thompson won the ladies wheelchair race for the fifth time in 2:13.55 despite having a slow puncture.

Elswick Harriers

Elswick were in force at Sunday's Flora London Marathon. Ieuad Ellia was first home for the club in 43rd position in a time of 2:27. He also had the honour of being first veteran man which was a tremendous achievement. Club captain, Martin Connelly was next to finish for Elswick in 2:39, a great run after the disappointment of 2000 when a blister forced him out of the race.

Alan Hetherington and John Bell both broke the three hour barrier in 2.56 and 2.57 respectively. Bob Wilson ran a very respectable 3.03 in spite of injury worries. Michael Russell ran 3.08 with Andrea Banner first lady home for the club in 3.13. Suzanne Morton, in a personal best of 3.14. Phil Leaf finished a time of 3.18 with Rob Coulson 3.23 and Keith Frost 3.28. John Baker was troubled with blisters but finished gallantly in 3.38.

The party of athletes and their wives and friends who travelled down to the capital enjoyed a great weekend are already looking forward to 2002.

Elswick's Newburn River Run, due to be held on Wednesday, June 20, is still in doubt due to foot-and-mouth and a decision on the event will be made in the next three weeks. Any inquiries (0191) 2673088.