June was a busy month for the Tweed Striders’ athletes

The 6k Castle Bank Challenge, hosted by Norham Running Club, brought June to a close for Tweed Striders when, on the gloriously sunny evening 27 Striders made the short hop, skip and jump to Norham.
Tweed Striders at the Norham 10k.Tweed Striders at the Norham 10k.
Tweed Striders at the Norham 10k.

In the team event, the Striders men’s team of David Arnold, Ciaran Gallagher and Dave Watson gave it their all and finished with a combined total of 1.13.03 but this was not enough to beat the Chirnside Chasers men so, sadly, they had to relinquish the trophy they have held since 2017.

However, the Striders ladies’ team of Emma Jones-Watson, Michelle Douglas and Laura Jeffrey, with a combined total of 1.17.33, did regain the trophy they have also held since 2017. Moreover, the ladies did well in the individual event with Emma finishing as 1st lady (24.18) and Michelle as 1st lady vet (26.17).

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Also going home with a prize for 2nd in the 11-12 year age category was Joseph Close who ran in the shorter junior event (18.35).

Tuesday (June 25) was a very straight forward one for Sarah Capes, Liz Howlett and Susan Howlett. In fact it was straight up then straight down Humbleton Hill in the Wooler Vertical 1000 feet challenge. Liz, Susan and Sarah all completed the challenge in 51.44.

Saturday, June 22 saw Joseph Close run for his school in the Northumberland County Championships held in the famous Gateshead Stadium where he finished 4th in the Year 7 800m in a time of 2.29.4. It was an exceedingly tightly contested race as only 0.4 seconds separated 2nd, 3rd and 4th.

Six Striders ran in the Stichill 10k at probably a somewhat less frantic pace. Laura Jeffrey was first home for the club in 47.55, followed by Steve Lauder (52.53), Heather Barnes (56.04), Nikki Robertson (62.33), Lorna Patton (66.30) and Liz Howlett (66.31).

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Stephen Ball ran in the Penshaw Trail Half Marathon. Stephen put in a sound run to finish in 2.14.34.

June started with Tweed Striders making the short journey to Bamburgh on Sunday 2 for the Run Nation 10k and 14 returned home with PBs ! As in the Edinburgh Half Marathon, it was Paul Brothwood who led the club home, taking the tape in 46.13 - a PB by some 8 minutes.