“After 2 days of dot watching the 50/100 milers and trying not to think “maybe next year”, it was the turn of seven hardy souls who turned up to run the Northumberland Coastal Run – the first time for me in over 30 years I reckon.  It’s a well organised event so taking Jane up, getting parked, and getting on the transfer bus, then arriving at the start was an easy process.

“At the start, the baggage bus was handy – with Ted happy there was no security checks as he was the only one in the race carrying a bread knife in his baggage  ….. mmm? (more on that later!!)

“On the start line the weather was fine, with a threat of rain from time to time, but the tide was out giving us hard sand to run on, which was a bonus, but dry feet were just a pipe dream.

“So off we went – personally I set off too fast but really, I should have known better (Dunstanburgh Castle was in full use when I began my running career!) so I paid the price after Craster.

“If you can manage to look up from your feet, the views are tremendous, taking in three beaches, some trail and some road.  

“Everyone seemed to have a good run, with Charlotte flying past me and disappearing into the distance late in the run and at the finish we all cheered each other in.

“There seemed to be mixed reactions with regards to the tshirt depending on who you spoke to, but I was fine with mine I have to say.  

“So we tootled off to find a seat, whereupon Ted produced the said bread knife and amazingly Charlotte produced a whole loaf which she had baked the previous evening, with cheese, Prosecco, and Orange juice also supplied – all of it very nice and appreciated (It is Derwent Valley after all!!)

“Having replenished ourselves we slowly took our weary bones on the mile walk back to the car park, with Teds discomfort taking another turn as the male loos were out of order  … oh dear!!

“For anyone in the club who hasn’t ran this event before it’s really worth a go, but bear in mind it’s harder than your average half marathon due to the beaches etc.

“A huge thanks to my teammates and a massive well done to them all who, as ever, made it a great day out. Also a huge thanks to Alnwick Harriers for making it happen”.