A Muddy Weekend

Saturday saw first NEHL fixture of 2017. Herrington Park was the venue for a great new route – ‘proper’ cross country – with the event hosted by the Wearside Athletic Network comprising Sunderland Strollers, Sunderland Harriers, Sun City Tri Club, Houghton Harriers and Sunderland Council. Stroller’s secretary, Harry, was largely responsible for the rather undulating and clarty course which gave hours of fun to participants and spectators alike. Cheers to you HH and all who helped out on the day.

Our counters for the men were Brendan O’Grady, Ken Maynard, Andy Duke, Mark Anderson, Chris Dwyer and Luke McCormack. The ladies were led home by Jill Sardine with Ashleigh Bennett, Michelle O’Neill and Pip McDonald as the other counters. Well done ladies and gents, and indeed to all who turned out for the club. The pea and ham soup back at the club was delicious too!

On Sunday, the Old Monks race was attended by some of the Strollers who had missed out on Saturday’s mud fest. Although fewer of us than usual were there, we still walked away with two prizes. Lyne Valentine was the first MV60, no surprise there, and Bill Kirk rocked up to take the M60 title. Well done you two, golden oldies indeed! Gary Hargrave was first Stroller home. Denis Hargrave also ran. Bev and Sheila, arriving fashionably late, drove through the start, hastily parked and joined on at the Community Centre.