Sports City, Manchester
Sunday 24 September 2022

Nicola Birch

 An army of eight ventured across the Peaks to compete against the best the North has to offer at the Northern Road Relays on Sunday, September 25th. 

Taking place at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, even the slightly uninspiring 6 and-a-bit kilometres consisting of loops around the stadium and laps around the carpark couldn’t dampen our team spirit. 

Our team spirit was fuelled knowing that this event was particularly special, as we bid a poignant farewell to the Senior Endurance Group’s longstanding coach, mentor and friend, Keith Whitelam. 

Keith has spent the past 22 years coaching for Hallamshire Harriers and it was only right we did him proud at his final race. 

The women had two teams racing, a testament to the flourishing strength in depth the Senior Endurance Group now has. 

Laura Robertson led out team one, handing over in a fantastic 19th place amongst many of the teams fastest athletes (24.47). In form Cat Allen led out for team two, fresh from breaking 19 minutes over the 5K for the first time, finished not far behind Laura in 21st position (25.04). 

In team one, it was Hannah Metherall’s turn to race around the windy loops of the Etihad – and she did that in brilliant style – staying strong and bringing the team through to 16th position (26.09). In team two Hannah Whitelam ran a solid leg, handing over in 26th place (27.10). 

Nicola Birch ran leg three for team one and managed to pick her way through the field, handing over in 11th place. In team two, this was Ellie Crownshaw’s first road relays for some time. She demonstrated that she certainly has skill over the roads as well as the fells and cross-country, finishing in 38th place (29.35). 

In team one, it came down to Nicola Squires to get the job done and bring the team home. You couldn’t ask for a stronger or more experienced athlete on the last leg – she brought us home in 8th place (24.53). Finishing in the top ten is a fantastic achievement against some brilliant teams. 

In team two, Jenny Evans surged through the field to bring the team home in a solid 32nd position (26.09). 

There was a sense of relief and pride as the teams gathered afterwards, and fortunately no one gave the game away about Keith’s upcoming surprise party! 

Bring on the National Road Relays, where the women have three teams ready and raring to go at Sutton Park.