WHEN it comes to races in the North-East, both of the Tynedale Harriers' events, the 10k and 10-mile jelly tea race, have great reputations.
With more than 400 club and recreational runners turning up at the start line in the village of Ovington, this week's Tynedale 10K again scored big thumbs up with the running fraternity.
And having taken part in the midweek event myself, it's not hard to see why so many people have such a fondness for it.
Excellently marshaled by encouraging Harriers, the 10K route, with rolling road closures, through Ovingham, Wylam and ending along the Tyne Riverside Country Park at Low Prudhoe is, like many others throughout the Tyne Valley, a picturesque one.
And what's even more enticing about the course is that it is a fast one - largely flat with the main incline coming as it heads up to Wylam.
I was among the many to record a personal best time, crossing the line in 42:58 minutes which was a time I would never have dreamed of before the event. My previous best was 47:12 at Stamfordham, so the target was 45, even if I thought that was a bit of a stretch.
What struck me more than the fast, scenic route, though, was the electric atmosphere before, during and, especially, after the race.
All huddled up in the small village of Ovington at the beginning, you could barely move for people jostling for room, and a mixture of excitement and nervous energy filled the air.
The buzz continued as the run progressed, the marshals providing timely spurs of encouragement, and it was hard not to find that extra bit of motivation in a sea of colour provided by the various club vests.
The cool conditions and heavy rain certainly helped runners round too, and people were happy to mill around getting wet to applaud each other over the line.
A pie and pea supper awaited participants back at Ovingham Middle School, and it's hard to describe the childlike glee on adult faces at the prospect of tucking in to a well deserved steak and kidney.
Sadly, I had to forego my pastry in order of getting home as soon as soon as possible, to avoid facing further wrath from my beloved wife!
Choosing to run on the night of her birthday after being at work all day didn't go down too well, but I suppose a night in the dog house, where I've seem to spent most of my married life (!), was worth it to sample the excellent experience of the Tynedale 10K!
Next up on the list of activities for 2017 is another event high on the priority list, the Hexham Half Marathon on Sunday, July 16.
Having scored a town centre start opposite Hexham Abbey, and the Courant office, I have a feeling this is going to be an event to remember.
Date
Event
Venue
Organisers
Time
Saturday 4th March
Mad March Mare
Hexham Racecourse
Challenge Northumberland
01:06.36
Sunday 14th May
Tynedale Half Marathon
Hexham Market Place
Run Northumberland
01:44:35
Wednesday 24th May
Vindolanda 10K
Vindolanda Roman Fort
Run Northumberland
00:48:47
Wednesday 21st June
Stamfordham 10K
Stamfordham Village Hall
Run Northumberland
00:47:12
Tuesday 27th June
Tynedale 10K
Ovington
Tynedale Harriers
00:42:58
Sunday 16th July
Hexham Half Marathon
Wentworth Leisure Centre
Greg Urwin
Wednesday 19th July
Wallington 10K
Wallington Hall
Run Northumberland
Saturday 29th July
Mestival
Hesleyside
Events of the North
Sunday 3rd September
Matfen 10K
Matfen
Run Northumberland
Sunday 10th September
Great North Run
Newcastle
Great Run Company
Sunday 24th September
Tynedale Jelly Race
Hexham Racecourse
Tynedale Harriers
Sunday 1st October
Prudhoe Miners' Race
Front Street, Prudhoe
Run Northumberland
Saturday 11th November
Prudhoe Riverside parkrun anniversary
Prudhoe Riverside Country Park
Volunteers
Sunday 8th October
Kielder Half Marathon
Kielder Water
Northumbrian Water
Sunday 26th November
Big 10 Miler
Kirkley Hall
Run Northumberland
TRAINING MILES
January
31.8
February
54.9
March
58.2
April
55.2
May
41.4
June
40
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