Member Article

Prudhoe awash with runners for Town’s heritage race

The fifth annual Prudhoe Miners’ race and junior fun runs took place on Sunday 25 September.

The town welcomed over 300 runners from running clubs and schools throughout the region.

Prudhoe Town Council, local tissue manufacturer SCA and Run Northumberland are the organisers behind the traditional sporting event, which dates back to the early 20th century and was resurrected in 2012 to mark the London 2012 Olympics.

The 10k adult race took runners on a traditional route through the town centre which climbs towards the top of the valley before descending back through the town and finishing at the Riverside Country Park.

Terry Scott of Tyne Bridge Harriers and logistics manager at SCA won the Men’s event. He set a new course record, completing it in 34:07, to take the title from Lee Bennett of Elswick Harriers, who won last year’s race in 34:11.

Andrew Alderson and Hedley Fletcher from Blaydon Harriers were second and third respectively.

The winner of the women’s 10k was Helen Gertig from Ryton, she completed the course in 40:05.

The adult event was followed by two junior runs at the Riverside Country Park.

Jack Boaden, age 15, from Blaydon Harriers triumphed in the junior 3k finishing it in 12:33 and Keely French, age 14, from Tynedale Harriers was the fastest girl recording a time of 16:10.

Brandon Wheatley, age 10, from Prudhoe was the first boy over the finish line in the mini 1.5k and Leica Parker, age 10, who lives over 300 miles away in Winchester, won the girl’s title.

George Placogiannakis, site manager at SCA Prudhoe Mill, was on hand to start the race and cheer participants over the finish line, he said: “I’d like to congratulate everyone who took part on Sunday. As Prudhoe’s largest employer, we are keen to support events that bring individuals and communities together, encouraging all ages to have fun and get active regardless of age or experience. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event and are confident the Miners’ Race will keep growing in popularity as an annual community sporting event.”

Richard Whinney, race coordinator for Prudhoe Town Council, said: “The Council is delighted to report that the 2016 SCA Prudhoe Miners’ Races attracted more entries than ever before. The Council warmly thanks all of those who helped make this event a success, especially the volunteers who gave up their Sunday morning to marshal and steward the races. The Council is already looking forward to the return of this Olympic legacy event in 2017!”

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