Jesmond Dene Handicap
2010 Details in brief:
The dates for 2010 series are expected to be May 3rd, May 31st, June 28th and July 26th. Further details to follow.
General event information
This popular event first entered the local athletics calendar in Heaton's centenary year of 1990. Each year the series consists of four races. There is a staggered start, with runners each given a handicap time based on their recent performances or expected finishing time. The aim of the handicapper is for all runners to finish at approximately the same time. Handicaps are adjusted for each race, with those competitors who improve most over the course of the year most likely to be successful.
Typically there will be just over one hundred runners in each race of a broad range of standards. In 2008, over 200 runners competed in at least one race. Of these, roughly 70% were club runners and 30% unattached.
The course covers roughly 3.41 miles, a scenic and undulating course passing through Jesmond Dene, Armstrong Park and Heaton Park. In the early years of this event, the course started and finished at the old Heaton Library on Heaton Park View. These days it starts at the Dene entrance at the east end of Armstrong Bridge, and finishes on Armstrong Bridge itself.
Usually there are prizes for the first ten finishers in each race, plus one for the fastest male and female on the night. At the end of the series there will also be awards for the top three runners in the series, based on the sum of their best three finishing positions.
A page has been added showing a selection of photos of the course.
Further information will be added to this page as the races get closer, and results will be updated after each race.
External links to 2009 event supporters:
Start Fitness
The People's Theatre