MIDDLESBROUGH TEES PRIDE 10K & PCT FUN RUNAppendix 1
17 SEPTEMBER 2006
Middlesbrough Tees Pride 10k
Quotes
" I want to thank everyone concerned in arranging the event.
I went to see my son run in the first London Marathon and it was tremendous and the excitement was great. I felt the same excitement as me and my husband hurried towards S. Chads, I couldn't get there quick enough to applaud each runner as they passed.
It is so good that Middlesbrough has encouraged and started this event that gave discipline and character for the runners and excitement and pride for us the spectators.
There is too much bad news and disinterest these days - it is refreshing to hear and see so much good happening.
When the roads were closed around our house the peace and quiet was so lovely I went in to the garden to savour it without any traffic, so unusual and pleasant"
Mrs Marjorie Reevell, Resident and Spectator, Tollesby. Aged 72.
"The race was really well organised, right down to the finer detail. For example, distributing the bags and T-shirts indoors was a real bonus in comparison to many other races, where quite often this is done on the road side when you are starting to get really cold after the race.
The course itself was very fast and an excellent surface, we really enjoyed the day, it was great"
Dame Tanni Grey -Thompson
"Congratulations on staging a really tremendous event on Sunday. It was a triumph for everybody involved. But Particularly for the town and all that participated. I know that making the whole event function so seamlessly must have been the product of a great deal of hard work, imagination and tenacity."
Alastair MacColl, MD Gazette Media Co Ltd
"Thank you so much for making the first Middlesbrough Fun Run and 10k road race such a huge success!
My family and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the day. Even though I don't still live in Middlesbrough, family and friends turned up to support us and seeing a few old school friends was good too.
As a club runner who has done races in various places and at different distances this race is certainly one I will add to my calendar, I look forward to next year, although I don't know how you be able to improve on this year's run!"
Jacqueline Keaveney, Richmond. Runner.
"Congratulations on the Tees Pride 10k. The route, organisation and support were excellent. You must have been delighted with the turnout, it already has the feel of a large well-established event. Roll on next year!"
Gary Moore, Acklam Road. Runner
" I just wanted to drop a quick line to say thank you and well done to you and your team who organised the race. My running partner and I thought the event was really well organised both before and during the day.
In the weeks leading up to the race I had to call the office to ask a few questions and on leaving answer phone messages my call was always returned promptly, which I was really impressed by given the amount of work you must have had on! It was a great atmosphere on the day, we both thought it was better than the Great North Run!
It is nice to see something-positive happening in Middlesbrough. I just hope it happens again next year!"
Alex Cornwall, Stokesley.
"Just wanted to pass on comments for the group I took round the Fun Run on Sunday.
The Sure Start group who participated thoroughly enjoyed the event and were proud to wear their T-shirts and medals, this was a great achievement for them mentally as well as physically. They were also inspired watching the 10k race that they want to have a go next year.
These ladies have also continued training on a regular basis, had this event not taken place they wouldn't have given running a second thought.
As my role with Sure Start is to increase moderate physical activity within Sure Start east Middlesbrough, I'd like to thank you for helping our members become moderately active, not only for the event but hopefully for the foreseeable future"
Sarah Turner, East Middlesbrough Sure Start.
"Just a quick thanks for the great organisation of the race yesterday which was a great success. A fun day had by all and a PB thrown in for good measure!"
Mike Atkinson, Darlington.
"Thank you for yesterday - a great run, superbly organised and a lot of fun to be part of.
For next year is the date staying the same, as it clashes with the Great North Run and as somebody who did both this year, it will be tough call to choose."
Andy Fisher, Acklam.
"Many thanks on a superbly organised race which surpassed all expectations. I lost count on the number of people I heard saying the course was one of the best they had run on, and the sense of achievement written all over peoples faces was great to behold."
Angus Hoy, Evening Gazette.
"I want to let you know what a good day Sunday was. Everyone I spoke to had a really good time and the organisation was brilliant - no hitches at all."
Linda Cummins, Middlesbrough Community Protection.
"I would just like to congratulate you and your team on the excellent 10k run on Sunday. I have entered a number of runs recently, many of which have been operating for years. I believe that the Middlesbrough event was better organised than many of these, even though it was the first year of the event. I cannot begin to imagine the time, effort and headaches that went in to the planning, but obviously this showed and clearly paid off."
Philip Stack, Stockton.
"Thanks for organising a tremendous event, I thoroughly enjoyed it as did my family who came to support me"
Nick Holgate
"What a great event, well organised and a great course, my club is really buzzing and loads of PBs………this will easily make the national top ten road races"
Jeff Marriot 'Up and Running' Darlington, and Quaker Running Club.
"I would like to thank you and your staff for all the hard work you must have endured in order to organise such a wonderful events as the 10k and Fun Run. My family participated in both events and what a fantastic time we had. I have attended many similar events over the years as a spectator and this is up there with the best."
John O'Boyle, Nunthorpe.
" My friends and I had the great pleasure of taking part in the Middlesbrough 10k yesterday.
We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would like to extend our thanks to you and your team for the excellent organisation on the day"
Mrs L Armstrong and the Purdy family.
"I am a club runner who thoroughly enjoyed running yesterday's race. I was a bit dubious about the car parking arrangements, so I parked in Stewart Park and enjoyed a 2 mile warm up and cool down along a deserted Lane, except for the large number of Marshals already in place, which was great to see. Everything went perfectly thanks for a well organised race."
Graham Youngston, Loftus AC.
"Just a quick message to say I really enjoyed the event and hope it takes off in the next few years."
Anna Cooper
"As a participant in Sunday's race, may I thank you and your team on a splendid day"
Kristina Slater
"Just wanted to congratulate you on the success of the pride run, it was loads of fun! Both me and my father enjoyed it greatly, and are both signing up for next year."
Eleanor Forrest
"Many thanks to you and your team for a great day on Sunday."
Ken Farrell
"Just a note to say how much we enjoyed the Middlesbrough 10k on Sunday. We got lots of support from local people on the way round the very good course, and the race was well organised and marshalled. We will certainly be back next year."
Jan and Marion Golding, Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers
" Having participated in yesterday's 10k I would like to offer my thanks to you and your team for arranging the event. From my friends' perspective and mine everything went perfectly.
I am a member of New Marske Harriers and with my daughter living in Holland we have developed strong links with a local running club. I am certain a strong contingent will come over for next year's race."
Stuart Edwards, Acklam
"Thank you for organising and administrating the Tees pride 10k Road race. It was most enjoyable and very efficiently done by your team.
I'm looking forward to next year already so well done and here's to next time."
Robert Stocks, Linthorpe.
"I would like to say how well I enjoyed the day, it was extremely well by the organisers. The use of the Cleveland Army Cadet Force to help Marshal and shout encouragement was great and I hope it becomes an annual event"
George Honeyman, Marske.
"Thanks for a great day on Sunday and I hope it goes as well next year."
Gary Scorer, Hartlepool.
"May I congratulate you and your team on a very well organised event. I thoroughly enjoyed the run and the atmosphere"
Michael Threadgill Billingham.
"Hi, had a great morning yesterday, everything seemed to be very well organised and already looking forward to next year's event"
Gary Dearlove Marton Rd, Middlesbrough.
"Thanks for a really good day on Sunday, we all had a great time"
Roger Morgan, Derbyshire.
"Really enjoyed the race - well organised"
Colin Stead, Hartlepool.
"Can I just say that my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed Sunday. It was organised and also well supported throughout the course and we will definitely be back next year. Well Done!"
Simon Jones, Acklam, Middlesbrough
"Thanks for all your hard work in organising yesterday's event, which was very well supported. I for one had a really good day and did a PB.
Thanks again and I will be supporting any future events."
Joyce Willson, Nunthorpe.
"Just wanted to drop you a line to congratulate you and your team on a great event yesterday. We all thoroughly enjoyed it and was great fun cheering the runners on at the Magic Mile marker which we felt really did give the runners alift as they entered the home stretch"
Dawn Gibson TFM Radio
"It was great to see a good spirit and I had a very enjoyable time"
Paul Gordon, New Marske.
"Congratulations on a really well organised 10k road race, the good quality T shirt and medal will be a permanent reminder of a great day."
Gerald Lavin, Brookfield.
"Great event at the weekend - well done. Really well organised"
Patricia Hawkins, Knavesmire Harriers, York.
"Well done to you and your team - great race, many thanks"
David Wilberforce, Hartburn.
"Well done. Race was good organisation was good. It was a fun morning. Can't walk now but it was enjoyable"
Pete Thomas
"Just a quick note to say thanks for organising a great race on Sunday……..Hope you don't change the date though, I am sure plenty of runners would choose Middlesbrough!"
Emma Morley, Darlington
Just wanted to write a quick note to say thanks for organising what turned out to be a great event on Sunday. As a participant the experience was very smooth indeed, very relaxed and it was a great atmosphere. I'm really glad I took part and experienced what I hope will be the first of many such events in Middlebrough.
Geoff Field, Ingleby Barwick
"I would like to offer my congratulations on the organisation, facilities provided, and the atmosphere on a really good day. I think the 10k will undoubtedly gain in popularity year after year and become a fixture to look forward to. Not just by the thousands of runners who enjoy competing in organised events, but by really top class athletes."
Norman Robinson, Yarm
An excellent event well organised, brilliant course and good for PBs. Really enjoyed the bands that were dotted around the course and the road cordons seemed to workwell.
Martin Murray, Guisborough
"Terrific 10k………………!!!!!!
I just wanted to say Well Done! - It was a fantastic day and I've heard lots of positive feedback, people really enjoyed it. The atmosphere was great, my throat is sore from the shouting!"
Jo Malone , Middlesbrough PCT
"The event was very well organised and it was a great occasion for Middlesbrough.
My husband ran in the 10k race and my daughter and son both ran in the Fun Run. They all had a great time taking part and I thoroughly enjoyed watching - I am in training for next year!"
Linda Mcgrath, Linthorpe. Spectator.
"It was a very well organised race on a good fast course. There were plenty of Marshals and more important enough water stations to rehydrate the runners on a warm morning."
Brian Burdon, Darlington
"Congratulations to you and the organising committee on such a successful event! It was fantastic!
Let's hope it will be the first of many.
Jeff Winter was a real'gem', a good laugh and never lost for words - terrific!"
Roy West, International Official race starter.
"As a local resident and council tax payer, I think this was an excellent use of council money.
The organisation was superb and the event itself was a tribute to the town and those who made it possible.
I've never entered a road race before but I'll certainly be entering next year."
Richard Hawkins, Linthorpe
"My husband and I did the 10k run on Sunday. We both had a lovely day, organisation, route, and friendly people, well done."
Rita Anderson, South Shields
"Just want to congratulate you on an excellent event today, the feedback from staff and customers who took part has been very positive. We thoroughly enjoyed the morning. We have a good relationship with x4 and fitness class users at the Centre and this event has helped us develop this further and has acted as a great motivational tool for customers and staff. We are now looking forward to next year's event!"
John Clifford, Southlands Leisure Centre.
I just wanted to say congratulations and thank you for a wonderful Tees Pride run yesterday.
I was amazed at how well organised the whole event was, particularly considering it was the first.
Normally if I do a poor time I have a poor impression of the run, and yet even with a slow time I can't speak highly enough about yesterday.
I thought the organisation was superb and all the marshals and officials were helpful and cheerful. The atmosphere was really good and I thought Jeff Winter did a magnificent job at the start and finish. The crowds along the route were superb.
The event exceeded all my expectations and I'm really looking forward to next year.
If the Tees Pride is the same day as the Great North Run I will definitely choose the Tees Pride. I've done 16 Great North Runs and will happily miss that for the Tees Pride. A number of people I spoke to yesterday were of the same mind.
I'd like to thank you and everyone involved in making yesterday such a great day. It really did make me feel proud to be from Teesside and you and your team must be very proud of what you have achieved."
Mick Fern, Billingham
"Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the 10k run, really well organised"
Julie Allison, Diabetes Nurse, Middlesbrough PCT
I have to say that I thought the race was well organised, friendly and a good fast course. Hopefully I will be fit for next year.
Jean Blacket, Barnard Castle.
I must congratulate you all on what appears to be a successful Middlesbrough 10k. You must have been pleased at the high turnout of runners, on the whole well organised.
Ian Close, Blackpool.
"I am writing to applaud the endeavours of the race events team in what proved to be a manifestly successful staging of the inaugural Middlesbrough Tees Pride 10k.
The publicity apparatus, with the charismatic Ray Mallon at the forefront was the catalyst given the prodigious turnout in the feature race and Fun Run.
The appealingly colourful and informative application brochure was compelling stuff and the subsequent 'IMPORTANT INFORMATION' brochure embraced the whole community with the clarion call 'this race is yours, it's Middlesbrough's, please support it!
The public responded manifestly, there being no stationary vehicles on the road or pavements to impede runners while the residents and pedestrians were supportive and obviously enjoyed the occasion as much as the participants. The positioning of runners at the start in relation to their anticipated performance times alleviated the all too common congestion in races of this numerical scale.
I urge you not to rival the Great North Run, you achieved a spectacular coup with the Middlesbrough Tees Pride 10k. Develop and cultivate this race and it will acquire its own unique quality and prestige"
Arthur Potter, Chester-Le-Street. North East Veterans