The Jesmond Joggers launched their cross country season in the Start Fitness North East Harrier League on Saturday 27^th October, at East Cramlington Nature Reserve, Blyth.

Both the senior men and women turned up with full teams along with high hopes of promotion to higher leagues by the end of the season. All the senior races were organised with a handicap.

Jesmond Joggers had a strong representation of ten runners among the men, with the first six positions counting towards the points.

Michael Hedley was first in, in 49^th place with a time of 36 minutes, 15 seconds.  Second over the line was Maurice Woodward with 39 minutes, 33 seconds,  shortly followed by Tim McGahey with 40 minutes, 43 seconds, earning him 132^nd place.

Kevin Richardson, David Coe and Ben Darcy were the other three members to make the team, scoring 788 points, putting them third in division three, with Blyth and Jarrow looking like their main rivals for promotion this season.

Jesmond Joggers only had four women competing this time; the first three make a complete women’s team.

Captain Alice Holmes was first over the line in 22^nd place overall, with a time of 29 minutes, 52 seconds. Rachel Maloney and Jennifer Hoban made up the other two places for the women’s team in 50^th and 70^th place respectively.

These positions combined place the women 4^th in division two, with Elswick in 3^rd just 17 points ahead.

Both men and women are on track for promotion after the first meeting. The next cross-country race will be held on 17^th November 2012 at Shibdon Pond, Blaydon.