• Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

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New Trail Run Established in Tribute to Alnwick Harrier

One of north Easts most active running clubs, Alnwick Harriers, lost one of their popular club stalwarts – Anne Allan – to Motor Neuron Disease last year.  In her memory, a new 10k memorial race has been organised by their clubs Memberships Secretary, Shelley Coates.

Anne Allan was a particularly active member of, and driving force behind, the Northumbrian based running club for over 25 years. Renowned for her dedication to running, she was a highly respected member of the club.

Instrumental in turning the beautiful Northumberland Coastal Half Marathon into the Alnwick Harriers’ most popular event – attracting more than 1,000 runners from far and wide – Anne’s passion and enthusiasm for running was tangible; taking her around the country to participate in a variety of races, and earning her a number of roles within the Harriers itself, most notably, Club Secretary.

Now she will forever be remembered in the namesake ‘Anne Allan 10k Coquet Trail’ which will take place on Sunday the 3rd of September in Felton, Northumberland – the village where Anne lived. The route follows one of her much loved trails along the River Coquet and through the picturesque Felton Park Estate, thanks to local landowners.

Speaking about the event, Shelley Coates said: “Anne’s energy touched the hearts of many and was the main catalyst in inspiring me to organise this trail in her honour. The event is in its first year and the amount of interest has already exceeded our expectations, a trend we hope will continue for years to come.”

“Doing what she did, Anne was a big supporter of charity and community which makes this celebration of her life all the more worthwhile.”

Aside from her running, Anne was also known to many as an accomplished Inspector of Northumbria Police, a rank she rose to after a long and fulfilling career which began in 1989. In an act of respect and remembrance, Police Cadets from the force will be marshalling the trail alongside Anne’s friends.

The 10k will start at 1pm beginning at the Felton village war memorial before winding along the River Coquet and eventually joining up with the well-known St. Oswald’s Way. There will also be a junior race and a ‘Foxy Trot for Tots’ course prior to the main race.

The Anne Allan Shield – sponsored by Anne’s husband, Phil – will be presented to the first female and male Alnwick Harrier. There will also be medals for all finishers along with trophies for category winners – sponsored by Anne’s parents – and prize money. All proceeds from the event will go to towards local youth recreational amenities, encouraging children to enjoy the outdoors in Anne’s memory.

Entries for the 10k will close on the 27th August at: https://www.sientries.co.uk/event.php?event_id=3788

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For more information contact Shelley Coates at anneallan10k@outlook.com.

By admin