A record number of runners took part in the Essity Prudhoe Miners 10k and junior events on Sunday 1 October.
Race coordinators Run Nation Events reported a forty per cent increase in entries compared to last year, with over 400 people taking part in the adult road race around the town and two children’s runs at Riverside Country Park.
Sponsored by local tissue maker Essity and hosted by Prudhoe Town Council, serious athletes, school children and fun runners came out to pound the streets and riverside pathways.
Andrew Alderson from Blaydon Harriers & Athletics Club was first to finish the 10k with a time of 35:30. Catherine Young from Claremont Road Runners was the first female to finish recording a time of 40:52.
The men’s team prize went to Blaydon Harriers; Andrew Alderson, Jack Boaden and Nicholas Stevenson. The women’s team prize was won by Gosforth Harriers Ladies; Jenny Graham, Elizabeth Evans and Kayleigh Nugent.
Following the adult race 160 youngsters took part in the junior 3k and mini 1.5k events at Tyne Riverside Country Park.
Luke Shears from Prudhoe won the 3k for 11 to 16 year-olds crossing the finish line in 11:34 and Charley Lee, also from Prudhoe, was the fastest girl across the line in 14:04.
Issac Gollings, another Prudhoe native won the mini 1.5k run for 5 to 10 year-olds.
Councillor Gerry Price, Mayor of Prudhoe, said: “The Council is delighted the Miners Race attracted a record number of entries, it’s very much a community-focused event and all signs indicate it’s become a key fixture in our events calendar.
“On behalf of the Council, I’d like to congratulate the winners and extend our warm thanks to everyone who took part and helped to make our sixth Miners Race a success, especially all the volunteers who gave up their Sunday morning to marshal and steward the races. I’d also like to thank Essity and Run Nation Events for their continued support.”
Local toilet tissue maker Essity has been supporting the Town Council in hosting the event since its revival in 2012 to celebrate the London Olympics.
George Placogiannakis, site manager at Essity’s Prudhoe Mill, said: “We’re very proud to support the Town Council and Run Nation who work extremely hard to host the Miners Race every year. It’s absolutely fantastic to see it growing in popularity and bringing individuals and communities together regardless of age or experience.
“The Miners Race is not only a celebration of our heritage, it also keeps local history alive for future generations and provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase our beautiful town and bring people together to have fun and get active.”
The full Essity Prudhoe Miners’ Race 2017 results are available at: https://www.runnation.co.uk/prudhoeresults2017/