Quartet of Sunderland Harriers scoop gold at Monkton Masters

Sunderland Harriers had a number of fine performances in the North Eastern Masters' Track and Field Championships at Monkton.
Sunderland Harrier Kevin Jeffress.Sunderland Harrier Kevin Jeffress.
Sunderland Harrier Kevin Jeffress.

Four of the athletes won gold medals and they were headed by Kevin Jeffress, who won an exciting Over-35 5,000m contest.

There were so many competitors that the event had to be split into two events, and the Seaham man proved the best by winning the A race and retaining his title.

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He was challenged throughout by New Marske athlete Michael Joyeux until the final lap when he pulled away to win in 15.40.9. Joyeux clocked 15.45.9 in second place.

Sunderland Harrier Ian Dixon won the Over-40 title in 16.33.5 and Paul Merrison was second Over-55 in 17.59.9.

Nicola Woodward won the Over-40 800m (2.31.9) and finished second in the 400m (65.5), while clubmate Vicky Haswell was second Over-35 in the 800m (2.37.1). George Harden was third in Over-55 800m (2,26.1).

Houghton Harrier Steve Todner gained a sprint double in the Over-60 100m (13.7) and 200m (28.4). Phil McCluskey won the Over-50 400m (59.7) and was second over 100m (13.4).

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Elswick Harrier Guy Bracken broke the Over-55 British 1,500m record in winning his event in 4.20.7.

At the North East Grand Prix at Monkton, the Stan Long mile was won by Under-17 athlete and Houghton Harrier Henry Johnson.

The youngster beat all the senior men, winning in 4.17.10. Middlesbrough’s Greg Jayasuriya was second (4.18.5).

Sunderland Harrier Mark Smith was fifth (4.21.8) and Houghton Harrier Alex Brown finished eighth (4.24.48).

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Steve McMahon’s quest to beat the two minutes benchmark for 800m took him to Loughborough for a British Milers’ Club Grand Prix.

The Sunderland Harrier finished a cat’s whisker off his target when clocking 2.00.9. He was in illustrious company as just ahead of him was GB international Lynsey Sharp, who recorded 2.00.44.

McMahon said: “My previous PB was 2:01.74, so sub two is definitely on this summer and I think the Trafford BMC GP in August might be the one, but I have got an 800m BMC in Leeds next Monday to give it a right good crack.”

A group of Sunderland Harriers and Silky Striders raised money for charity when they tackled the Sunderland Three Peaks Challenge.

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They ran from Silksworth Sports Complex to Tunstall Hill, back to Silksworth then on to Hastings Hill before finishing at the top of Penshaw Hill.

The money raised will go towards 16-year-old Sunderland Harrier Rowan James’ fund for his World Challenge in Nicaragua next year.

The runners were led to the top of Penshaw Hill by Rowan’s brother Oliver, on holiday from university in the States, and his American friend Fisher.

Just behind came Karl Robinson, Sarah O’Mahoney, Lauren Flaxen, Linda Mudford and Paul Pigford.

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Heaton Harriers’ Anita Nott Memorial Women’s Only Race was won by the host club’s Danielle Smythe (18.37).

In second place was Chester-le-Street’s 14-year-old Emily Chong (19.27) and third to finish was Birtley’s Katie Francis (19.43).

Sunderland Strollers had Over-45 Wendy Chapman in fourth (19.45) and Over-35 Gillian Ritchie 11th (20.44). Sunderland Harrier Eve Quinn was 14th (20.55).

Low Fell Running Club will be holding their annual Angel View Race tomorrow night. The race starts near the Angel View Hotel and follows a route around the Angel.

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Junior race (approx 1-1.5 miles), under 15 years old will start at 6.30pm £3 entry. Senior race (approx 5.5miles, 15 years+) will start at 7.15pm £12 entry, (affiliated £10).

Entries available on the day with Senior race £2 extra. Race registration and number collection will be at Angel View Hotel.