On Wednesday 31st May the ‘Ernie Johnson Memorial Penshaw Hill Race’ takes place and it’s an event not to be missed if the last thirty years are anything to go by.
One name is synonymous with the event and that is Brian Rushworth, the Sunderland Harrier notched up a remarkable 18 victories, the last of which came in 2012 aged 49 years old! Over the years the former Great Britain international took on all comers including, fell, cross-country and track internationals. They all came and they all failed in their attempts to dethrone the “King of the Hill”.
The first to defeat Rushworth in the race was Morpeth’s Nick Swinburn in 2008. However, Rushworth avenged this defeat in his final Penshaw victory in 2012.
There have been many close finishes up that final steep incline to the famous monument none more so than the dramatic 2012 race, when 49 - year old Rushworth held off Swinburn. Kevin Carr reported in the Sunderland Echo at the time “Fell running international Nick Swinburn lined up as a clear favourite to lift his second title. But it was not to be. It was Rushworth who claimed his 18th title in the 22nd event after he seized the initiative after the 24 year old Swinburn went off course. The Morpeth Harrier, the 2008 winner, had won the award for the first athlete to reach the monument on the opening lap. But after turning around the pillars of the famous monument, he suddenly darted down the hill, in true fell runner style, heading back to the start. He had gone off course. It was only the shouts of spectators that brought him back on the right track. Rushworth had now found himself in the lead, facing an almighty battle to hang onto his surprise 18 second gift. Swinburn closed him down rapidly, but it was a dogged Rushworth that prevailed by three seconds, to pull off one of the most astonishing victories of his athletics career. His course record of 15.04 was set in 1996.”
The host club, Sunderland Harriers are the most successful club in the history of the event with 23 wins in the 30 additions. The Sunderland winners are Brian Rushworth with his record breaking 18 victories, three times winner Nathan Reed, Liam Taylor has also won once as a Sunderland Harrier (two wins in total) plus 2022 winner Adam Hughes who became the youngest King of the Hill when he took the crown at the age of 17.
In the women’s event Houghton Harrier Sheila Allen, holds the record for the number of wins (six) ranging from 1993 to 2003. The female course record stands to Karen Hind (Gateshead) with 18.20 from 1999.
With just over a month to go until the big event now is the time to sign up, entry links and forms can be found on our website, club members wishing to compete should speak to Men’s and Women’s Team manager Jimmy Johnson.
Unlike the upcoming coronation we don’t know who will be crowned King and Queen of the hill but one thing is for sure we are guaranteed drama! Be a part of it, sign up now.