After last weekend's North Eastern Track and Field Championships, which saw some great performances by  Birtley (full results here), Saturday saw the return of the Signal Relays, over 18 months since the last time they were held due to Covid throwing a spanner in the works. There were some amazing performances from all of the teams out (and we had multiple teams in some categories!), with special mentions going to the Masters ladies team of Lisa Short, Lorna Graham, Tracy Millmore and Ruth Dadswell, who were pipped to gold medal position by a mere 7 seconds, with our senior men just missing out on a medal position (full results on our results page). The relays also saw some of our Birtley joggers group out representing the club for the very first time - congratulations, we look forward to seeing more of you out over the upcoming XC season! 
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Sunday saw the younger members of the club throwing, running and jumping at the Tartan Games at Gateshead, with lots of medals being won - lots of great performances, too many to mention here but full results are on our results page (a breakdown of the U11 can be found on the results page). Birtley girls swept the board, with a Birtley athlete in top place in all events and age categories - well done girls!

Let's not forget Watergate multi terrain on Thursday, which again was well attended by Birtley athletes, both juniors and seniors/masters. A link to results will be posted once available.

Well done to everyone who ran this morning for our club at Gosforth Summer Relays. Some amazing performances across the board especially our Birtley Ladies who were superb winners.

Results as follows (approx 3K).
Teams
4. Birtley A 29.13

• David Young 9.12
• Craig Buchanan 9.52
• Nigel Simpson 10.09

18 Birtley B 35.47 (7th Vets)

• Peter Gill 11.22
• Graeme Swaddle 12.16
• Paul Brennan 12.09

21 Birtley Ladies 36.27 (1st Team)

• Chloe Price 11.11
• Rebecca Pottinger 13.18
• Lisa Short 11.58

Chloe was also fastest Lady on the day.

Next Relay event is The Signals on Saturday 28th August at Hetton Lyons Park. If you haven't already signed up please have a look at the details HERE and put your name down if at all possible. The "Birtley Bandwagon" is starting to roll and we want everyone to be part of our Team Success.

As most of the more established members know, every year our club volunteers to help out on the finish line of the Great North Run. Last year didn't happen for obvious reasons, but this year it's back, and while it's in a slightly different format (starting AND finishing in Newcastle) our services are still required.

As almost anyone who has done this before will tell you, this is a really worthwhile thing to do - the finishers are so emotional crossing that line, and they really appreciate us being there to help, it's a great feeling. You'll also get a free top, a parking pass for the day, and lunch (Gregg's!) out of the deal, what's not to like! There's a bit of info below, we need 15 volunteers and the places usually fill up fast, so if you're interested please drop me an email [email protected] Thanks!

It's on Sunday 12th September, and the estimated finish times are:
Wheelchairs 10.00
Women 10.27
Men 10.45
Last runners 17.10

Helpers will need to be on site by 9.45

There will be official parking on the Town Moor with access in and out throughout the day.
It is not expected that everyone will need to stay until 17.10.

The duties will be to move finishers onto the grass and to keep the finish area (this year on the road) clear.
Volunteers may be asked to help lay out finish packs next to our finish area should a bottleneck develop.

We will need 15 volunteers and their top sizes about 2-3 weeks before the event. Car park passes and event passes will be given our with officials' tops. Packed lunches will be provided by Greggs.