Junior Grand Prix

25th March 2010

The final junior grand prix of the winter season proved to be the most exciting of the series. With the overall title hotly contested, the young people showed true grit and determination and were rewarded in almost all cases with personal best performances.

The winner on the night was Elliott Kelly, running from the back end of the field to triumph in his first grand prix. Elliott has been performing exceptionally well in the North East Harrier league this season, and is poised to finish in a top 3 placing in the league, with the final fixture being held on 27th March on probably the most testing of courses at Prudhoe. Elliott, still running at under 13 level, is certainly one to watch for the future. Elliott may have fooled the handicapper, but the rest of the field finished in quick succession, which may have been exciting to watch but proved a nightmare for the timekeepers!

Second home on the night was Ashley Brooke, also a promising under 13, but hot on his heels was first girl of the night, 13 year old Annie Henderson, who broke her previous personal best time by nearly 1 minute.

There were far too many notable performances to mention individually, however the fastest times of the series were decided on the night with brother and sister Anthony and Gemma Wallett triumphing. The overall series champion is Angel Chhina, who has performed consistently over the four races to win by 10 points with a tie for second place between William Robson and Hannah Gilroy. Vicki Tanner, the previous leader going into the final race, was pushed back into 4th place by a single point. She was however rewarded with a personal best time, placing her in 2nd fastest position behind Gemma. The real winners on the night however were the spectators; treated to such an exciting race. Well done to all runners.

Many thanks also to all the helpers and parents who have assisted with marshalling, timekeeping, Encouraging and recording. Without them this series would not have been possible.

Overall Grand Prix Positions

  1. Angel Chhina:  42 points
  2. William Robson & Hannah Gilroy: 52 points

Fastest Times: Girls

  1. Gemma Wallett:  7 mins 11 secs
  2. Vicki Tanner: 7mins 38 secs
  3. Sarah Woods: 7 mins 53 secs

Fastest Times: Boys

  1. Anthony Wallett: 6 mins 35 secs
  2. Mitchell Renney: 6 mins 42 secs
  3. Elliott Kelly: 6 mins 46 secs