Race Report by Karen Clark
The Great North 5K was held on Friday 5th September, as a warm up to the GNR weekend.
The course starts along the quayside, taking a short loop around the city before crossing the Swing Bridge and taking an out and back section on a service road, at the other side of the river. The course continues towards the Millenium Bridge, with a short uphill section before crossing the bridge and heading back towards the finish line.
The course had changed slightly this year, which I felt was safer. The route had been extended along a service road, at the other side of the river, so that as runners came back across the bridge, it was a left turn and sprint to the finish line, rather than turning to the right and looping around a narrow section, close to the river. (Last year, people were getting tired and slowing down at this point, making it difficult to pass, safely). On balance, although less picturesque, it was a safer option with the volume of runners.
Runners need to be in the pens by 5:40 for the 6:00 warm up and briefing. The advice was ‘Embrace the congested parts of the course, with the tight turns. Use the time to recover. Pick up the pace when you can’.
All sound advice. It is busy, but there is entertainment at the quayside and at set points along the route. There is good spectator support, which adds to the atmosphere
The start waves are similar to the GNR, striped bibs, start at the front, followed by orange bibs, ready for a 6:10 start. The green bibs, have a slightly later start, which eases congestion. The red wave, which comprises of Northumbria University students and staff, who are running for local charities, follow on a short time, after the green wave. Finally, the pink wave, start their 5K after another short break. This format spreads the runners out, so it is less crowded than the GNR.
It was a warm and dry evening. Brilliant conditions for supporters. Just a bit too warm for runners, but no one can change the weather conditions.
runners receive a Great North 5K medal, t-shirt and generous goody bag.
I would recommend the 5K, to anyone who is either participating or supporting the GNR or visiting the area, at the time. I’ve already entered for next year, as I will be travelling to Newcastle for next year’s GNR.
Striders Results:
| Position | Name | Time | Age Group |
| 240 | Karen Clark | 23.32 | F60 (2nd) |
The race was won by Michael Hedley from Tyne Bridge Harriers in 15.33. First female was Jessica Eaton, also from Tyne Bridge Harriers, in 17.45.
Full results: here