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REFLECTIONS ON THE GREAT NORTH RUN
Last week’s Great North Run was the biggest half marathon
in the world, with fifty thousand runners making it to the start line and
thousands more sitting at home having had their entries knocked back.
Yet at first glance the reasons for NOT doing the race seem compelling.
For a start the entry fee is three or four times more than a normal half
marathon, and to be added to that is the cost of a long journey to the North
East. Also the traffic congestion
in the area before and after the race is legendary, and the people congestion is
worse. The field stretches so far back that competitors have been known to give
up before they reach the start line!
Having said all that, the attraction of the event is undeniable, as illustrated
by Steve Durose doing it for the 18th time despite running with an
injury which any other day would make stopping in bed the sensible option.
Steve was joined by eight other Striders, none better than Andy and Julie
Masterman, who achieved a rare husband and wife one-two for the club.
They weren’t far off their personal bests either, an excellent effort
in a start so crowded that getting a move on is almost impossible.
Striders’ times:
Andy Masterman 84.16, Julie Masterman 93.52, Dave Hanney 96.00, Steve Durose
113.39, Alison Hoggarth 115.05, Graham Walker and Jed Stone 117.50, Rob Oldridge
129.13, Kevin Sipling time unavailable.
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