The Blaydon Race:

Taking part in the infamous (locally at least) Blaydon race has long been on my running bucket list, inspired by the Geordie folk song (sung by the Toon Army at football matches). The Blaydon Race is a 5.9-mile road race from Newcastle to Blaydon that takes place on 9 June every year and starts with the singing of ‘The Blaydon Races’ (the words are the basis for the whole race).

So you can imagine how chuffed I was when I managed to secure one of those limited places. Or at least I was until I realised I’d double-booked myself with going to the four-day Download music festival the same weekend. 

After some deliberation, I decided I could do both. If Phil Collins could play at Live Aid in the UK and the US at the same event/weekend, then why couldn’t I do the same, albeit a lesser profile, budget version?

So we left the North East for Castle Donnington and Download on Thursday, sitting in miles of traffic getting in just in time to see Metallica perform the first of two nights. Then, we arrived at our digs in the early hours before heading off the following day for Derby train station.

As I sat on the train heading back 180 miles to Newcastle, I had time to reflect on this ‘bright idea’ and whether this was something I should’ve dismissed immediately. This running thing can affect the brain.

The race itself was a great experience. The start was bizarre. Who knew the Blaydon races song had so many verses, with everyone twitching to start as the guy singing paused before launching into what seemed like an endless stream of verses? Perhaps this was the extended 12-inch remix. But who am I to question Geordie a tradition?

The crowd lining the route was great, as were all the volunteers who helped make this event possible. A large part of the route (after you leave the quayside) is unremarkable, with no spectacular views, challenging terrain, and nothing to write home about. However, this race is a great experience and a must-do if you get the chance, but this race is all about the Geordie people taking part and watching.

Only at this race, as you cross the finish line, would you be presented with a goodie bag that, along with a race t-shirt, contained a beer and a ham & Pease pudding stottie (a local delicacy/sandwich) for those of you who may never have heard of it.

So that’s the Blaydon race ticked off my list, and as I travelled back to Download, I reflected on my ‘unique’ Download weekend experience (I say unique as I’m pretty sure that I was the only one of the 125,000 at the festival who did the Blaydon race). It was a great weekend full of great experiences. Would I do it all again? I’m not entirely convinced I would do them again at the same time (I’m not a fan of trains), but given the opportunity, I will absolutely do both again.

Chip time: 51mins 29 secs

Placing: 1988 (out of 3910)

The Blaydon Race

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