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