CALUM JOHNSON, English National X-country Champion 2020, what an achievement, the last time a Gateshead Harrier won this title was in 1977 (43 yrs ago) by a certain Brendan Foster, it was great to see the Gateshead vest flying the flag again, through our endurance athletes.
The weather had been and was quite bad, resulting in parts of the course being water-logged and the rest (with the Senior Men’s race being last) was just mud, but Calum who was always in the leading pack battled his way through the conditions to come away a comfortable winner. The look on his face and his emotions as he crossed the line showed just what this meant to Calum and a massive boost to his confidence, the club but also to North East Athletics, maybe a full GB Vest might follow.
Calum has been in the club 9 years and come through the Endurance system, this can only show our current young athletes what can be achieved with sensible progressive training and hard work.
Gareth Phillips also traveled to Nottingham and flying the flag for the club in a field of 1700 runners he battled through to finish further up than he anticipated in the Senior race, so well done.
Amy Baker in her first year in the U20 age group ran a really good race in the conditions using this to gain experience and also prep. for the Inter-Counties Champ. and English Schools Champ. which are coming up in March.
The Road & Cross Country season is moving into the final couple of months of competition which includes some major championship races which includes Inter-Counties & English Schools X-country’s and the Northern & National 12 Stage Road Relays, as well as the final Harrier League fixtures plus the Elswick Relays locally, so a busy 4-6 weeks ahead.
Write a comment: