Where else do we start this one, other than the iconic Blaydon Race!

After having a few group photos, we headed over the Millennium Bridge to join the thousands of others lined up on the quayside, for opera singer Graeme Danby’s full rendition of the Blaydon Races – much to the surprise of some, to hear about the actions of Coffy Johnny…

Then we were ready for the off – with the traditional bell sounding the start of the 5.7 mile pilgrimage, gannin’ alang the Scotswood Road…with the DVRC aces!

As usual with the Ninth of Joon, it was a stunning night for running; with the water station at the old Armstrong’s factory probably keeping some from needing to see Doctor Gibbs, before we passed the folks upon the road and headed into Blaydon toon…

Leading the Derwent Valley charge home was the Hewitson 1-2, with Chris coming in 305th, in 36:45, and Bex following in 38:05 for 388th place. Duncan Marshall, Glen Cooper and Alex Fiddes following in quick succession.

In total, we had 35 runners representing the club with other highlights including Sue Urwin coming in 7th in her category, Neil Frediani 32nd in his category, Theresa Owens 14th in her category and Katy Carr was 13th in her category.

Your DVRC rollcall for the evening (with most heading back to Swalwell Cricket Club for a club rehydration exercise) included: Nick & Melanie Armstrong, Susan Carney, Katy Carr, Emma Collins, Glen Cooper, Dave Cowell, Lindsey Dover, Alex Fiddes, Neil Frediani, Sally Ann Greenwell, Ashleigh Hancock, Jo Jarvie, Louise Liddle, Duncan Marshall, Chris Morris, Theresa Owens, Vicky Parker, Jane Parnaby, Natasha Powell, Sarah Reay, Claire Reid, Kieran Ridley, Kirsty Robson, Caroline Smith, Lauren Smith, Rachael Smith, Paul Stephenson, James Toal, Sue Urwin, Andrew Walton and Graham White.

Full and club results can be found at: Timing Up North Results

With a whole host of photos available from Picture Perfect Photography and Ian Harman Photography

Saturday morning’s ParkRun saw Lindsey Dover, Sally Ann Greenwell and Chris Morris volunteering at Chopwell Wood, with Matthew Scott, Claire Thompson and Terry Owens running. Neil Frediani ran Prudhoe Riverside and wrote their run report as a volunteer, while Paul Stephenson ran a course PB over at Keswick.

Speaking of the Lakes, Laura Peacock and Eleanor Shotton were also over that way for the Coniston Trail Challenge 15km – another “scorchio” day clearly didn’t stop our two, as they both finished inside the top 100, in 2 hours flat… before heading off for a dip in Coniston Water!

While over in the Pennines, Paul Brunger was taking home 3rd place and pocketing a cool £15 to spend on pies at the Roman Wall Show Fell Race, Peter Storey also smashing out a tremendous effort in the heat of the midday sun!

Sunday saw the social gang head for the relative shelter of Chopwell Woods

And last, but by absolutely no means least, was our man John Kirby completing the little matter of the 100 mile, Ultra Scotland 50 & 100 Mile 2023

Not only did John complete the full distance but he only went and finished 6th out of 22 who managed to complete the full distance, out of 63 starters!

Monumental effort from John, despite Mr Brunger giving all of the encouragement to continue running at mile 89 – we’re told the air was turned ever-so-slightly blue… probably rightly so! John will be bound to throw a huge amount to credit to wife Rachel for crewing him, as well as Paul for running 32+ miles along the way.

This club… Stunning.