… for everything. But, like the rest of the world I may just be trotting my way back along the comeback trail…
With so much on seemingly indefinite hold for the last fifteen months, it was with a warm heart (if a little chilly cockles), that I resumed my place on Team Pops this morning to lend my best marshalling mitts to a new running event at the simply stunning Souter Lighthouse here on the beautiful North East coastline. The ‘Trust 10’ is part of a series of events — this one a free, last-Sunday-of the-month 10k trot at this historic landmark. With so many local running groups having to make the difficult decision to permanently call time on events, such was the loss of funding resulting from the shattering situation over the last year, today I felt particularly bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at the prospect of this first step back on to the running calendar.
Thankfully, yesterday’s murky mizzle (you know, that fine rain that soaks you right through) gave way to white overcast and teeny threats of sun to light up this personal favourite beauty spot. Souter has provided me with a source of inspiration for many a ramble — in both the physical and literal sense — over the years, and so it seemed fitting that it marked the spot for my first post-pandemic running event, as well as (I hope!) a kick-start to my foggy-brained writing hiatus. It’s fair to say that I underestimated the forecasted ‘light northerly breeze’ somewhat, beginning the morning in a laughably lightweight windcheater and finishing up like a multi-coloured Michelin man…
Cheery race organiser Vicki rallied the Sunday morning gathering of intrepid trotters; showing the route from Souter’s Foghorn Field, out to Marsden Grotto (another local favourite landmark) and back… and repeat… three times! I took up my position on a blustery corner, knocking out the occasional star-jump to warm up my main duties of pointing, applauding and doling out words of encouragement to the merry band of boys and girls.
It felt great to see runners doing what they love again: plodding along the trails — some solo and smiling, others engrossed in chat with friends, but all truly embodying two words that many say should never be uttered in the same sentence — ‘fun’ and ‘run’. I admired an impressive display of jazzy leggings (good work girls!), the efforts of a nippy teen showing Dad a clean pair of heels, and happy trotters of all ages, shapes and sizes shimmying their way along the clifftops. A grateful glimpse of good times in a world that has changed so much.
There were many other runners around as today is also part of a three-day virtual ‘Great Run’ event, where participants around the world are virtually gathering to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the world’s greatest half-marathon — the Great North Run — which starts in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and finishes not far along the coast in sunny South Shields. This weekend’s bonanza sees runners clocking up the iconic 13.1 distance from their doorsteps, whether that be in Gateshead or the Galapagos. I managed to bellow out a little rally call for our event — doing my best to spread the word to anyone who dared make eye-contact with this heavily layered, arm-waving local oddity — so here’s hoping for a safely growing group as the months progress.
Time passed in a flash and I was soon cheering everyone from the aforementioned nippy teen to the triumphant tail runner home to the freely fluttering finish flag. Back then to the café for the obligatory post-event cuppa and de-brief with my stopwatch-wielding Pops. We shared unanimous feedback of a great first event with Vicki, along with hopes for a safe route back to the re-emergence of community-boosting mass-participation events in this new world of social contact.
Free community events like this have been sorely missed. They’re not just about running; so many participants’ worlds have opened up as a result of taking part or helping out — improved health, regained confidence, fresh air, sharing skills, new friends — so here’s to staying safe and collectively getting back on our feet.
Here’s hoping to see you all here on Sunday 25th July. Now, where did I pack that thermal vest…
