AHRC Athlete of the month

Every month from December 21,  the committee award  now two of our members with this prestigious award for both Male & Female performance.    It may be awarded for many reasons, such as effort, determination, improvement, or for supporting & representing  our fantastic club .  It's not about being the fastest, but for doing your best and showing true Hirstie spirit

Embracing the Hirstie’s, Richard is one of our club regulars and running really well at training sessions.  ​

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Also a parkrunner he did brilliantly at Hexham on our recent parkrun tour.​

Looking forward to seeing him take part in our upcoming spring relays and much more.​

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Congratulations Richard

Relay Rosie ran brilliantly at Wallsend, and along with hill training and efforts is loving club  - she must be as she’s smiling!​

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Continuing to improve, we know there loads more to come.​

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Well done Rosie!!

Since joining the club, Colin’s times are improving and we have seen many PB’s.​

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He has just represented us at the Good Friday relays with yet another personal best, and great to see him taking part for the first time in his club colours.​

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If running clubs had a category for Vikings, he would fit in just right ​

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Well done Colin

Taking over the club records in her age category, Julia has just grabbed another at the Blyth 10k.  Although looking as good as she does, we might either need to ask for some ID or rename her Benjamima Button.​

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A regular at Alf’s efforts, this is definitely keeping her young and we know she will continue to run brilliantly​

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Congratulations Julia

King of the crazy long runs, another 34 miler finisher but this is nothing for Stephen who is a regular ultra runner with some unusual training plans getting a train to town and running back home with Laura.​

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But it pays off, he supports others during these events and definitely keeps them going.​

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Well done Stephen!

 Just like Chesney Hawkes, this is (allegedly) Michelle’s one and only ultra marathon completing the Bridges to Boundaries 34 miler along the banks of the Tyne.​

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Totally smashing her training, she really did complete some miles and effort sessions along the way.​

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Great achievement, well done!

Martin loves being part of a team, not just once but twice in February in both cross country and the Signal relays wearing purple & gold.​

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Often the lone ranger of Group 1, he never gives up trying to get new recruits to his 8:30-10 min gang so why not go and join him as he always makes sure no one is left behind.​

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Well done

Small but mighty, Lilly did a great job representing us at the Signal relays along with her team, but only a day after smashed a half marathon PB of 1:34:51.  ​

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Great to see how well Lilly is doing, whist fitting everything in with Uni so there must be some secret training going on in Durham!​

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Congratulations!

What a run at the Newcastle 10k this month for Dan, knocking 6 minutes off his PB, finishing in 47 minutes.​

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Since joining the club, he’s had a great positive attitude and trained well, and that positivity rubs off on others in the group.​

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Dan is always a pleasure to run with, always happy but maybe he needs to incorporate his entertainer skills in the next group 1 and give us a song along the way!

Emily had a fantastic run at Wreckenton cross country, 2nd lady home for the Hirsties and  great to have you run for a represent the club.​

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Throughout January we’ve seen her at effort sessions, and clearly the effort put in has delivered .​

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Well done Emily!​

Harry & his amazing hair has had a fantastic month, a club record at the Fell ‘em Doon, but then smashed it again at Newbiggin parkrun the following week.​

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What looks like effortless running is really just brilliant running, and no doubt down to the training plan put in place by grandad Wilf.​

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Well done Harry

 Helen has been improving week by week since joining the club, and most recently getting her PB at parkrun.​

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Not only that but a fantastic run at Chopwell, with mud, hills and a storm to deal with.​

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Well done Helen, your achievements will no doubt continue.

 A fantastic month by Dan, club records in 1 mile, 5k and 10k, as well as representing the club at Gosforth relays recently.​

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Again, we will continue to see more brilliant times from him over the coming month.​

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Well done Dan!!! 

Our travelling Cross Country reserve has had a great month.  Always giving her best, improving in sessions and ran brilliantly in the recent 1 mile time trial.​

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With every achievement, your confidence should grow so be proud of all your do Anna-Louise just as we are.

He may be quiet but when it comes to following  a training plan, Matt should be shouting from the  rooftops. So dedicated to his training, this has been on his  bucket list since joining the club to call himself a  marathon runner. But to do it at Kielder, is  fantastic and in a great time.

We are so proud of your achievement Matt, and  hope you are too!  

 If there was a PB for number of PB’s then  Kate would have it. Phenomenal training and  endurance and she really has been flying. Of course, we predicted she would do  amazingly well in the Amsterdam marathon  and with a sub 4 hour, she didn’t disappoint.

Outstanding running Kate well done!  

As one of the long tenured Hirsties, Kev for many​

years has attended training sessions via Zoom, but has maintained his annual Facebook subscription to the club.​

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But now out of running retirement, Kev has made the comeback of all comebacks, racking up PB’s at parkrun almost every week and increasing distance on weekends.​

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With his sidekick Joe with him at club sessions and some Parkruns, Kev really has put so much effort in with fantastic results.​

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Club Relays soon!!!​

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Well done Uncle Kev!!!

After a string of PB’s, Alexandra got yet another at the Edinburgh Women’s 10k in September.​

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Chasing Rob has paid dividends, pace improving all the time and is now one of our new Run Leaders so she can share her running tips with others.​

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Congratulations Alexandra!!

If you’re going to run your first marathon, make sure you do the hilliest one you can find on the hottest day.​

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Military training at its best saw Andy conquer Scarfell Pike Trail marathon with 5138ft of elevation, finish in 21st place and in a time of 5:51.​

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No doubt his live in personal trainer helped a bit too, but what an achievement by Andy​

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Congratulations

In the middle of her marathon training, a brilliant time was ran by Lindsay at the mile time trial of 7:05.​

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A regular at Alf’s efforts, with improvement month after month we know she will be brilliant when she completes her first marathon at Kielder as she has put so much into her preparation.​

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Well done Lindsay​

 In recent months Lee has represented the club in team relays, and has consistently improved  his running along the way.​

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Now running at a faster pace, the effort he has put in really shows and with a 10k PB at the Great North 10k in July we know he will continue to get better and better.  Now go smash the GNR!​

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Well deserved Lee

 Not only has Bethany swiftly moved up from Run/Walk to Group 3, she is also the pied piper of Sunday runs.  Encouraging others each week to do that bit extra and increase their mileage, she really is what this club is about.​

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But really this is all about the effort she has put in to her own training and improvement, and the GNR will be a breeze.​

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Well done Bethany

After some impressive months of training, healthy eating and determination Pud has improved so much.  Previous months of racing put him in good stead for a super PB at Morpeth 10k, and continues to work hard for further improvement and even on his holidays!​

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He’s half the man he used to be, but twice the runner and always our Pud ​

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Well done, keep off the bread!

Those little legs have certainly picked up sone pace lately. She was on fire at Blaydon and the first Hirstie lady home, and again representing the club at Weetslade Relays she made that mountain look like a molehill with her speedy performance.

But we have worked out her secret formula...Burgers + cake = Super Stewart!

Well done Louise!

Some absolutely outstanding times by Claire, at both Wallsend relays, mile trial and the club relays.

 Taking a new club record in the mile, and all because of hard work & attending effort sessions.

Yet another happy smiling runner, who makes it look way too easy!

Congratulations Claire 

Well this one has been a long time coming, but after 3 PB’s in a row at parkrun, and great performances in both the mile trial and club relays, this really is the time to award our youngest Hughes.

He finally got the sub 25 parkrun he’s been chasing, and not as quiet as he used to be – especially when he is forced to ring the PB bell!

Great running Lachlan!

Louise has only been a Hirstie for a few months, but has thrown herself into it. Always willing to get involved, a true team player taking part in Good Friday relays, encouraging others, joining in with non-club training runs, and took part in the Samaritans run.

She has improved so much since her first training session with us, and now comfortably runs in group 2 after progressing.

Group 1 beckons!! Well done

Never mind Doctor Who… we have Doctor Wilkes.

Always at the sharp end of efforts and group 1, month on month his pace just gets faster and finally he has gained that magnificent achievement of a club record. Plus, I’ve never seen someone so excited to have cake at the end of a 5cake run.

Scott regularly represents the club in individual races or team relays, and always gives 100%.

Well done to the head of the Von Wilkes family runners

Since moving up to J’s efforts in the last few weeks, we’ve seen Alex’s pace improve so much . Having previously represented the club at other events, Alex was a key part in the “more senior ladies” section of the Good Friday Relays, running first leg to get the team off to a fantastic start, with the team eventually winning second place ladies O50 team.

Don’t spend the £5 voucher all at once Alex! 

Congratulations, you’ve had a fantastic month

From 2.2 miles to 34 miles, our extreme runner Martin has had his best month ever. After conquering the ever-growing distance of the Bridges to Boundaries Ultra (his first Ultra), to then representing the club yet again at the Good Friday relays.

Martin is a great example of how you can include club team events into your regular training, and he supports others along the way.

Well done!!

Joanne has been losing pounds, and minutes! Pure determination has driven her improved pace, and has gone from Run walk to Group2!!! Yes Group 2 I said!

No going back for her now, a huge achievement and an award well deserved.

Congratulations Joanne

No red or yellow cards for Clive this month, he’s comeback from injury through run walk, regular attendee at club and now running so well in group 4. He’s PB’d at parkrun the last 2 weeks in a row, but also supporting others along the way.

At least you get a trophy this season Michael’s dad.

You can have your own identity now Clive as its so well deserved

How we have enjoyed seeing Margaret’s journey since joining the club. Starting off in Run/Walk, the difference is fantastic and now a regular in group 4 and making it look easy. 

You can really see how happy she is to be part of the club, and we hope you are proud of what you have achieved so far Margaret.

Well done!!!

Never mind Tyne Bridge Harriers when you can be a Hirstie instead. He has ran some cracking races over the last few months, finishing off most recently with a brilliant 1:42 at the Brass Monkey Half Marathon. He trains so well and represents the club regularly.

Clearly all Rob needed was a good woman and change of club colours !!

Congratulations!!

From one McGregor to another….

After overcoming injury Christine has been back on form, training really well and after previous months stepping in to represent club at relays she then had a brilliant performance at the FED in December.

With marathon training about to start, we’re going to see even more from her and we know she will be ready for Manchester in April.

Well done!!

As one of our younger members, Ewan has over the last few months really improved and runs with great pace. A regular at J’s efforts, represented the club in recent events and given his time to help out at the FED. 

But this is for his determination and dedication to training, always looks like he enjoys his running and a great example of a team player.

Congratulations Ewan

Wonder Woman/Super Gran has had a superb month (and longer really). Running to club then doing efforts before running back home has seen Margaret’s pace rocket. Not only running well at club, she even got a PB at Newbiggin on the coldest, wettest, windiest Saturday! 

It’s all down to training and wearing shorts at club when its -10c, that and plenty of holidays in between. It is easier to find her holiday snaps than running photos!!

Congratulations Margaret

Not only does our youngest McGregor get faster through training at J’s efforts, he ran a brilliant race representing the club at Norman Woodcock relays at Gosforth in November. His great pace supported a fantastic team performance.

A 19:02 park run at Blyth parkrun delivered a fantastic PB on 25thcompleted a great month of running for Sean. 

Well done!

What a month young Lydia has had. Not only did she have a fantastic performance at our club relays earlier in October, she also won 1st place in the Kielder U15’s girls race – and she is only 12!!! Beating girls much taller and older than herself, it shows that it’s training and determination that makes the difference.

Since joining us she has become one of the Hirstie family and fits in so well with both juniors and senior members, and to think she came to us after spotting our club colours at Newbiggin parkrun!

Well done Lydia!!

Yet another triumphant junior for this month’s award!

To see this young man enjoy the club relays, have a smile on his face and you could really see how proud he was of himself. Fastest leg 1 runner, and we think he actually surprised himself let alone his dad!

Slowly we have seen Harry gain his confidence, but he came good and with a performance like that his team placed as prize winners.

Well done Harry!

Lydia’s distances have been steadily increasing, in line with her marathon training. That, as well as a great time of 2:01 at GNR, a regular promoter of extra miles at weekends and encouraging others to train with her too.

Always keen to help others, a positive attitude, and fundraiser for her favourite charity. A shining example to us all

Well done Lydia, your training has paid off!!

Everybody loves our Gordi!

Always keen to run, step in at the last minute and loves a relay and a cross country. Wreckenton saw Gordi showing off the latest running footwear trend after forgetting his running shoes. Dedicated to representing his club in true Ashington style he ran the 6 mile course in hiking boots. 

A transformed runner, a regular in J’s efforts with huge improvement he is a credit to the club.

Next we hope is Come Dine with Gordi after seeing his culinary skills on Facebook

Well done!

What a journey Ann has had since joining the club. First race ever at Edinburgh earlier this year and the transformation since then is outstanding. 

Once a run/walker and now she is in group 3!!!

Taking part in effort sessions, your confidence really shines Ann, and we never see you without a smile on your face. 

You’ve really earned this, well done.

What a run at Gateshead Trail 10k, first Hirstie home in 43:55. 

Geoff is now a regular in Group 1 and J’s efforts and his pace has improved so much since joining the club (and he was already pretty fast), but the training he has put in has paid off.

Always supportive of his fellow runners at training, he really shows the Hirstie spirit and represents out club so well.

Congratulations Geoff

Teresa really has come on so much since joining the club, and a regular at Alf’s efforts with some great improvement.

She is now training for a marathon, andachieving some great PB’s along the way especially at the Great North 10k.

You never see her without a smile on her face too!

Well done, very much deserved

What a difference in this young man since joining the Hirsties. His confidence has grown in line with his impressive running pace, and he had an excellent run at the FED 5 miler earlier this month. 

Parkrun PB’s, moving up the training groups and we know we will see much more from Luke

Congratulations Luke and get your mam to buy you a reward!!!

The youngest member of the McFriberg household is definitely leading the way. A regular at Alf’s efforts and run groups has allowed Beth to improve on her times, with PB’s at parkrun during June.

On 26th June, Beth attended her first official race as a Hirstie at the Anita Knott 5k. How anyone can get a PB on that hilly course (and on a hot evening) is outstanding and she did it by 30 seconds!  

And if that wasn’t enough she also got a flying feet photo at the finish.

As it was a ladies only race, we can only hope that you gave jogger Friberg a full race report afterwards on an event he can’t run J

Well done Beth, you’ve had a great month.

Improvement week after week from Braj and since joining the club we have seen him move up the groups and is now comfortably at the front of group 2. 

Always keen to represent the club, and most recently stepped in at Weetslade relays with a fantastic performance.

How anyone can look so happy after running that hill, but he certainly looks like he’s having the best run ever.

Congratulations to you Braj, you’ve worked hard for this award

She may be wandless but she’s definitely magic!

Week on week we have seen improvement, represents the club and what a great run at Wallsend relays.

A real team player, a great example of improvement.

Well done Julie 

The fastest runner at our club relays in an outstanding 11:47.

And that time didn’t come from nowhere, effort sessions each week and some previous fast times at events - so this award is well and truly deserved.

Congratulations Mark!!

As the leader of the Shaw/Hutchinson family runners, Laura really shows how hard work pays off.

Training so well for months, with previous great cross country runs, but in April smashed the 10k age category club record – about time too!!

Well done Laura and carry on leading the Hirstie version of the Von Trapps!

Dan has been consistently improving, up front at efforts and of course at parkrun. His most recent parkrun PB has got him to 19:44 mins at Newbiggin and we know he will continue to improve.

Such a polite, kind and supportive young man!

Just like Eddie Howe you’ve had a great month Daniel – Well done

What a performance this month by Liz, doing effort sessions in her own time, running while on holiday (although she’s barely home), but all towards the goal of competing in the New York Half Marathon. And in my best Brucievoice “didn’t she do well!” A PB of 2:13, knocking off 6 minutes from her previous one. What an achievement, and where better to do it.

We couldn’t be happier for you Liz, and to think you’ve done it whilst having to put up with Jimmy and his trains – now that’s dedication

Well done!!

From PB to PB to PB – a month in the life of our younger Mr Storey!

Alex just gets faster and faster, training so well and always at the sharp end of J’s efforts there’s just no catching him. Supportive to our juniors at Park Run and a shining example.

1. Alex, now you just need to sort your dad out and we hope he’s proud of yet another Storey AOM award. Dot might get it next time! 

 After joining AHRC, “The queen of the stretch “ has improved so much. After completing our C25k a few months ago, she is now a regular in Group 4 and her determination and effort has most recently given her PB’s at park run in February and previously taking part in the FED for her first ever race.

Your current performance Christina shows to all what you can achieve, from non-runner to runner. Plus your support to others always with a smile.

But if you see her with a drumstick in her hand run for your life, its gonna hurt!

Well done  Christina!

What a performance by our Jamie at Thornley Farm cross country!.

Finishing in 3rd place overall you made every one of us proud of you and this in addition to what you achieved with your school athletics.

He works so hard at efforts, one of our junior “team” as the support they all give each other is amazing and Jamie plays a huge part in that.

Jamie, once your mam stops crying make sure she buys you an extra big ice cream at Berterolli!!

Congratulations young man.

Claire has clearly perfected the art of running with her eyes shut (every photo Claire!!), but with such strength and improvement.

With brilliant times/runs at both Temple Park XC, and the FED Claire continues to improve, race well and represent the club at team events which is what XC is all about.

Claire quietly gets on with her runs, does what she needs to do to achieve her goals and that of AHRC at the same time. 

Well done!!

Did you know it takes Wayne longer to get himself cleaned up and changed after a race than it does to actually run it? J

What a performance at the FED on Sunday, our first male Hirstie home in an outstanding time of 18:02 and claiming a new age category club record! The same top performance again at Temple Park XC earlier in the month (and he ran in brand new shoes).

Pace definitely runs in this family, and Wayne is so supportive to our juniors when he has chatted to them at races and training.

Congratulations Wayne!!