Entries for the next league match (June 2nd) close at 5pm on Friday, NO EXCEPTIONS!  I'm away on my holidays on Saturday and leaving the results in Marsha's capable hands for Monday, but as I need to pass on the results program to her before I go, and my packing isn't done yet, there will be no late entries this time around. The same thing goes for seeding or event changes - tell me by 5pm on Friday or it isn't happening. You have been warned!!

NEMAA were saddened to hear of the sudden and tragic passing of Stuart Ryan in Taipei. Stuart for the last ten years has been one of the region's leading master's throwers, particularly specialising in the Shot Putt, but equally successful in all throwing disciplines. He had travelled to Taiwan with his wife Debbie to compete in the 2025 World Masters Games, where he was a strong favourite to win the M60 Shot Putt. Shortly after arrival earlier this week, Stuart became very unwell.

Stuart was dedicated to competing in Masters competitions. He was enthusiastic, popular and held in great respect by his fellow athletes. Inspired by his father Hugh, Stuart became involved in Masters Athletics when he turned 50 and was coached by Tony Livingstone. Not long after, Stuart turned to coaching and Tony described him as his right-hand man, assisting him in coaching many youngsters.

The following shows his undoubted talent and successes:

• Ranked nationally in the 1st 3 in his age category for the last ten years.
• 17 NEMAA Record/Best Performances in various sections.
• 47 NEMAA Championship (including NECAA) medals, 39 in first place.
• Showing his support to his Scottish roots, 31 Scottish Masters Championship medals, 25 in first place.
  
• 34 BMAF Championship medals, 10 in first place.
  
• 2023 1st European Masters Games Shot Putt, 1st Discus, 2nd Hammer.

His father Hugh was proud of all his achievements, and Stuart likewise would have been delighted when Hugh recently going into the M90 category, broke the BMAF M90 Javelin and Hammer records earlier this week. NEMAA send their most sincere condolences to Debbie and all of Stuart`s relatives, friends, fellow athletes and training group at this so sad and difficult time.

It looked like everyone had a good time at the road relays last week, and now it's time for track season! Are you ready to spend the day running, jumping and throwing? Entries are now open for the champs and are still an absolute bargain at £6 for your first entry and an additional £2 for each extra event . You can enter via our own website as usual, or directly through Roster, whichever you prefer. If you'll be competing in the league this year (and entries for that first match close on Friday at 5pm, don't miss out), you'll be using the same number for the championships, so keep it safe! 

First of all, a big thank you to everyone who took part tonight, looks like it was a good night for running looking at the results! I would also like to commend the team managers who all managed to pre-declare before the race (a first for me!) and special mention to the clubs in race 2 who all returned complete teams (also a first I think!). Thanks as always to our road & XC secretary Paul Bentley who organised the whole race, and the endurance officials, the marshals and results runners who all helped make this race a success. Thanks also to Michael Bunn and Jarrow & Hebburn AC, who hosted the event magnificently.
The results can be seen on our results page and below are a few pics of the winners taken by Keith Willshire, thanks Keith!