Shildon R & AC have had a very busy last few weeks of the race season, with runners being selected to represent their counties on the National stage. Gateshead International Stadium hosted the ESSA on 6th & 7th July, and with torrential rain leading up to the games, it was no wonder that there was a delay to the proceedings at the opening events.
Sky HD  were present to cover the track and field events and 5 athletes were delighted to qualify to represent both Durham and Cleveland. Young Henry Johnson made it to the Junior boys 800m final after coming 3rd in his heat. Although he was plagued with a chest infection he came in 6th in the final just outside his seasons best.
Michael Bleasby had a hard race in the senior boys 800m, as the first lap was completed by the course leaders in 56 sec. However, Michael dug in and crossed the finish in 1.58 and was placed 6th.
Amy Etherington seemed to give it all she had but ran out of steam in the Intermediate girls 1500m and was so disappointed not to make the final. Laura Walker sprinted her way in the senior girls 200m with 26.06, and Rachel Hughes jumped well in her heat for the triple jump with 11.43. Cameron Boyek, won his heat in the senior boys 1500m with 3.57.53, but his race tactics did not go to plan and he finished in 4th place in the final with 3.51.99.
Still raring to go, the juniors made their way up to Gateshead Stadium again on Wednesday 11th July to compete in NEAL. There were some good seasons best performances from many of the group and Lizzie Cramb pulled out 2.43.45 for Under 13 girls 800m. Amy Etherington ran with more gusto and blasted the Under 17 girls 800m in 2.24.79 to be placed 2nd.
Only 4 athletes made the journey to Costello Stadium in Hull for the Northern Championships on 14th/15th July. Both Henry and Cameron qualified for their 800m finals and although it looked like Henry would be a medal winner after winning his heat, he came in a disappointing 5th place.
Boyek was back on form and played winning his heat in a steady 2.03 and blasting the final to be Northern Champ with 1.52. Laura Walker was 4th in 100m and Rachel McHugh was 2nd in Triple jump with 11m 55.