Get ready for an adrenaline-charged recap of the ultimate outdoor Fantastic Four showdown of the season, which unfolded on the electrifying date of August the 26th. Marking the next instalment of the Fantastic Four saga, this event sent shock waves of excitement through the air once more.

Imagin a vibrant scene as 40 spirited youngsters from Mandale (AC), Chester-le-Street, Houghton Harriers, Hartlepool Athletics Club, Gateshead and Darlington Harriers assembled, igniting the venue with their boundless energy for an afternoon of fierce and friendly competition.

As the echoes of anticipation reverberated, the children were divided into fierce factions,6 and 7 year old, 8 year old, 9 year old, 10 year old and 11 year old each group poised to claim victory.

Envision parents perched on the edge of their seats, a ringside view for their champions-in-the-making. The atmosphere crackled with fervor as they cheered on their young athletes, from the edge of the arena or the bird’s-eye view of the balcony, capturing every electrifying moment.

The heart-pounding action unfolded across multiple arenas. The junior contenders, aged 6, 7, 8 and 9 years, tested their mettle in the standing long jump, the howler throw, the 60-meter dash, and the 150-meter sprint for the little ones and 300 for the 8 year old. Meanwhile, the 10 and 11-year-old powerhouses engaged in their own feats of strength: the long jump, the howler throw, the 70-meter race, and an exhilarating 600-meter sprint.

These Fantastic Four showdowns are more than competitions; they’re a gateway to a world of thrilling possibilities for these young athletes. Here, the atmosphere is free from the weight of expectations—coaches, parents, and volunteers stand united in fostering a spirit of camaraderie and joy. These events aren’t just contests; they’re the spark that might ignite a lifelong passion for sports in these future titans of the track.

With the end of the competition the podium awaited, all the entrants were champions, etching their names in the annals of glory honour awaited atop the event’s podium, a testament to the grandeur of the journey these young dynamos had embarked upon.

A thunderous applause reverberated through the stadium, echoing the immense gratitude felt for the behind-the-scenes heroes. Richard Day’s meticulous behind the scenes work, the results management, Kate and Ailsa at registration, Toby Jones precision timing, Ray Oliver starter and watchful first aid, Alongside them, all the other official’s that came out elevated the event to a crescendo of excellence.

As the curtain fell on this outdoor epic, there is a promise of more thrilling times ahead. There are plans for a further meeting this time Indoors, in the Autumn again at the Sports Village, the echoes of cheers and the clatter of victory will resound once more. The meeting manager will be rallying parents to lend their support in simple yet crucial tasks—be it raking a pit or wielding a tape measure.

Keep a look out for the next instalment!

Photos of the event are available in our gallery and results are available here

By Cicero