THE North Eastern Counties Veterans’ Annual Cross Country Championships were staged in Middlesbrough on the tough Acklam Grange School course.
Despite the conditions, not one athlete dropped out and the men and women in the age range of 35 to 75-plus displayed great tenacity and determination over the 10,000-metre course.
The overall winner of the men’s race was former British international Brian Rushworth of Sunderland.
Richmond and Zetland’s Ken Harker took silver in the 35-39 age group while Middlesbrough and Cleveland’s Steven Small struck bronze.
Joe Blackett of North Yorkshire Moors AC was a clear winner of the 40-44 age-group, with Middlesbrough and Cleveland’s Brian Saysell in fourth place.
Mark Gamble-Thompson of New Marske won the bronze medal in the 45-49 category and was an excellent fourth overall.
Barry Emmerson of Billingham Marsh House Harriers took the silver medal in the 75-plus category.
The overall winner of the ladies 5,000-metre race was Diane James (Elvett Striders), with Middlesbrough and Cleveland’s Andrea Ansell second in the 35-39 category and New Marske’s Sharon Gayter second in the 40-44 group.
Results:
Men (10,000m): 1, B Rushworth (Sunderland, O-45) 35.36; 2, I Crampton (Durham, O-45) 35.54; 3, M Thompson (Gateshead, O-35) 36.05; 4, M Gamble-Thompson (New Marske, O-45) 36.31; 5, K Harker (R&Z, O-35) 37.03; 6, J Blackett (N Yorks Moors, O-40) 38.14; 7, K Mackey (S Shields, O-50) 38.32; 8, S Marshall (Durham, O-50) 38.43; 9, T Tate (Durham, O-45) 39.00; 10, A Dent (Blaydon, O-50) 39.10; 12, A Jenkins (Morpeth, O-55) 39.55; 16, H Matthews (Elswick, O-60) 41.12; 27, S Strand (S Shields, O-65) 48.11.
Ladies (5,000m): 1, D James (Elvett, O-40) 19.59; 2, H Robinson (Chester le St, O-45) 20.29; 3, H Lambert (N Shields Poly, O-50) 20.45; 4, F Shenton (Elvett, O-45) 21.12; 5, D Hales (Durham, O-35) 22.16; 6, S Phillips (Darlington, O-45) 22.21; 7, J Tinkler (Chester le St, O-45) 22.25; 8, H Connally (Swaledale, O-45) 22.45; 9, A Ancell (M&C, O-35) 22.58; 10, L Marr (Tynedale, O-45) 22.59.
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