Member Article

Prudhoe’s historic race returns for a 5th year!

This Sunday 25 of September the historic SCA Prudhoe 10k Miners’ Race returns.

Prudhoe Town Council, SCA Hygiene and Run Northumberland have joined forces again to invite runners of all ages to get involved. With an adult race and two junior events there is something for everyone.

The SCA Prudhoe Miners’ 10k starts at 10am and tracks a scenic, undulating route around the town. It is part of the Run Northumberland 10k series and operates under UK Athletics rules.

Little legs will also be following in the footsteps of East Tynedale’s mining heritage as the annual miners’ race calls on youngsters from local schools and clubs throughout the area to take part in the Junior 3k Run for 11 to 16 year-olds and a 1.5k Mini Run for 5 to 10 year-olds.

The junior events take place after the adult race on a flat, traffic-free course at the Tyne Riverside Country Park. The 1.5k Mini Run is an out-and-back starter course for youngsters, and parents are welcome to accompany their children.

The 3k Junior Run is designed for budding athletes. It takes participants east along the Riverside Path and around the Spetchells chalk heaps.

Participants can enter the adult and junior events online at:

http://www.runnation.co.uk/race/sca-prudhoe-miners-run-10k/

http://www.runnation.co.uk/race/sca-prudhoe-junior-run/

Last year’s event attracted over 250 runners from local schools and running clubs throughout the North East.

The original race saw miners and other local men from Prudhoe, Mickley and West Wylam take to the streets to compete annually for a prized silver trophy. The event came to an end in the wake of the Second World War but was revived by Prudhoe Town Council as part of the London Olympic celebrations in 2012 and is now an annual celebration of Prudhoe’s industrial heritage.

The town’s largest employer, SCA, which manufactures the household tissue brand Velvet, has supported the Town Council in hosting the event since its revival five years ago.

George Placogiannakis, site manager at SCA’s Prudhoe Mill, explains: “The Miners’ Race is a great event for the town. It’s attracting more entries each year, showcasing Prudhoe and most importantly, it brings people together to have fun and get active.”

Councillor Jennifer McGee, chair of the town’s events sub-committee, said: “The Council is excited at the prospect of achieving another record number of entries for this year’s Miners’ Race. We are also looking forward to celebrating the achievement of all those who take part, whether they are seasoned competitors hoping for a personal best, or runners who have been inspired to start their sporting adventure in this historic event. Good Luck to all.”

Last year’s winners were Lee Bennett from Elswick Harriers in 34:11; he also set a new course record. The women’s race was won by Michelle Avery from Sunderland Harriers in 42:17. The Junior event was won by James Morris from Gateshead Harriers and the 1.5k Mini Run was won by Christopher Perkins from Birtley AC.

The SCA Prudhoe Miners 10k adult race starts at 10am. Prizes are awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female runners home. All finishers receive a commemorative race T’ Shirt.

The Junior and Mini events take place between 11:30am and 12 noon. All entrants receive a medal and there are trophies for the fastest boy and girl in each event.

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