Photo: QRC members taking part at The Muddy Roads Pie and Peas 5k at Trimdon (Photo courtesy of Simon)
A very busy start to the month with Quakers taking part in over 20 races and events, home and abroad, from 1 mile up to 55k including parkruns, fun run, road runs, trail and fell runs, Cross Country relay, lapped events, Half Marathons, Marathons and Ultra Marathons, as well as Championship and 10k league races, and not forgetting another Lyke Wake crossing of 40 (ish) miles.
2nd April: Pie and Peas 5k trail at Trimdon Grange (Championship Race)
This Muddy Roads event is a beautiful scenic route with a mix of all terrain running down an old railway track then snaking through the beautiful woodland. The course starts on a flat open field, before heading off down a trail path onto a big open field. Once off the field, the route then snakes around beautiful woodland area and onto an abundance of nature with tree stumps and roots along the pathway. The route takes runners around a pond then up a hill, before finishing on the field.
Marc Ellis was first Quaker finisher, finishing in 5th place overall and 1st in age category in an incredible 20:55, followed by Rob Dent (21:52), Billy Harris (23:41 & 2nd in age category), Carys Samuel (25:43 & 1st in age category), Scott Beaumont (25:43), Rob Gillham (26:21), Chris Evans (27:30), Katherine Hackett (28:02), Emily Beaumont (28:08), April Corbett (28:11), Lisa Bowerbank (28:15), Simon Rek (28:55), Anthony Corbett (28:58), Chris Clark (30:35), Rachel Grayson (30:35), Wendy Colling (30:45), Sandra Cass (32:05), Gill Colling (32:14), Juliette McLaren (32:36), Lisa Jenkins (34:01) and Julie Whinn (34:03).
2nd April: Darlington Trail Series: Locomotion 5k
This fast and flat ‘there and back’ course starts and finishes near Sainsburys in Middleton St George and is described as ideal for both PB chasers or new runners.
Luke Hewitson was 1st Quaker finisher in 22:13, followed by Ian Burgess (26:34) and Chris Bowe (29:11).
5th April: parkruns – Redcar & Darlington South Park
At Redcar, Dawn Richardson was 1st female finisher in 20:24 whilst at Darlington South Park, Rob Dent was 4th finisher overall in 19:33, Andrew Vernon was 5th finisher overall in 19:40 and Ed Griffiths was 7th finisher overall in 19:48.
5th April: 34th Allendale Challenge (26 miles)
The Allendale Challenge is organised by North of Tyne Mountain Rescue Team to raise funds for the team, it is considered by many to be one of the toughest challenge walks around. The route covers some of the finest peat bogs in the North Pennines. Taking an anti-clockwise loop from Allendale town the route takes in Hard Rigg, Black Hill, Kilhope Law before returning to the town via the Spartylea, The Drag, and Ladlewell. The weather on the event can be as challenging as the terrain which all adds to the fun. This event can be ran or walked.
Helen and Chris Clarke completed the event in 7:40.
5th April: Mind Over Moors 10k
This is a new annual trail running event through the stunning North Yorkshire Moors, close to Whitby and this year supported The Lashes Foundation and Papyrus, raising awareness and funds for mental health support and suicide prevention with every penny going to the charities. The race was just shy of 10km.
Emily Beaumont, Lisa Jenkins, Karen Dove and Fiona Dixon completed the route.
Results to follow.
6th April: NYSD Cross Country at South Park
At the last event of the Cross Country season – the road relays at South Park – we had some fantastic results from our speedy runners with 8 ladies and 13 men, each running 1 lap of the (almost) parkrun route.
Senior Ladies:
Abbie Jones (6:33 PB), Deborah Berry (6:41 & club record), Lisa Bowerbank (7:33) and Lucy Coxon (7:09) finished in a combined time of 27:55.
Lou Trainor (6:38), Rachel Grayson (7:44), Melissa Hird (8:34) and Carmelita Coco (7:38 PB) finished in a combined time of 30:34.
Senior Men:
Dave Jones (5:52), James Atkinson (6:33), Alex Mathers (5:46) and Marc Ellis (5:24 & club record) finished in a combined time of 23:36.
Luke Hewitson (5:58 PB), Ian Burgess (6:48), Chris Neesam (6:36) and Rob Gillham (6:58) finished in a combined time of 26:19.
Paul Cockburn (7:20 PB), Neil Chalmers (6:16 PB), Dan Orton (6:45 PB) and Paul Roberts (8:11) finished in a combined time of 28:32.
Viv Hardwick finished in 7:28 and club record.
Well done to members who set their mile PB time.
Congratulations to Lou Trainor who achieved 3rd in age category across the season.
Overall, Quaker ladies came 8th out of 21 clubs and men came joint 8th out of 17 clubs.
6th April: Let’s Motor on the Towpath Marathon (various distance from 5k to Marathon)
This ‘It’s Grim Up North’ event leads runners on the Leeds Liverpool canal from Rodley. The flat, even towpath is great underfoot and perfect for runners of all abilities.
Michael Joyeux was 1st finisher, 1st in age category and broke the Club Record in his age category in 2:47.
6th April: Berlin Half Marathon
The half marathon route offers participants a unique opportunity to experience Berlin’s rich history and culture. The course is renowned for its flat terrain and fast times, making it ideal for personal bests. Runners passed by notable sites, such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and the Berlin Cathedral. The course is lined with approximately 40 live bands, cheering points, and enthusiastic spectators, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
Alex Looney completed the route in 1:43 (PB), followed by Graham Looney (1:55 PB) and Barbra Barker (2:33).
6th April: Ultra Dales Traverse 55k
The Dales Traverse is a 55km ultra following Wainwright’s coast to coast route from Kirkby Stephen to Richmond. The event has an adventurous ethos and culture of self-sufficiency. Following the same route as Northern Travers, the Dales Traverse starts from Kirkby Stephen, passes through the North Pennines Area of Outstanding National Beauty, over the iconic Nine Standards, and into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park weaving through Swaledale to a stunning finish below Richmond Castle.
Dave Thompson completed the event in 8:29 and 1st in age category.
6th April: Battersea Park 5k
Battersea Park is one of London’s most picturesque parks and the course is totally flat, offering the perfect opportunity to push for a personal best.
Diane Vaughan completed the race in 23.03, with the hat trick of 3rd female finisher, 1st in age category and club record!
6th April: Saturn Save the Rhino
Saturn Events offer flexible and themed running events where entrants can run any distance they want from one lap up to ultra distance. The medals, goody bag and aid table are brilliant! The Durham course starts from Durham Rowing Club and is along a beautiful stretch of the River Wear with views of the Cathedral.
Nigel Eddy completed 13.1 miles in 2:40 (2nd in age category).
12th April: parkruns – Darlington South Park & Wynyard Woodland
At Darlington South Park, Rob Dent was 8th finisher overall in 19:42, and Amy Storey bagged herself a new PB of 25:48, shaving 25 seconds off her previous PB from February 25. Meanwhile, at Wynyard Woodland, Dave Jones was 5th finisher overall in 20:33.
12th April: Wensleydale Wander (12 or 23 mile options)
This circular LWDA event (suitable for walkers and runners) starts in Grove Square, Leyburn and finishes at Wensleydale School. Both challenges go along Love Lane to The Shawl and into Warren Wood towards Redmire. The shorter route follows the river to Wensley Bridge towards Gel Pool over Middleham Bridge to the junction, before joining the longer route back to Leyburn; meanwhile, the longer route continues through fields to Back Lane, towards West Witton. Participants follow Green Gate to High Lane towards Penhill, along Common Hill on to The Low Gallops and past Ever Bank, before heading through West Field Lane and East Whitton towards Spennithorne and across Ulshaw Bridge following the river bank, back towards Leyburn and the finish at Wensleydale School.
Marc Ellis was 1st Quaker finisher on the short route in 1:26, just missing out on 1st place by 13 seconds, followed by Anthony and April Corbett (2:18), Barbra Barker (2:56), Sarah Watson, Rachael Read and Sharon Carr (4:00),
In the long route Rebecca Howard and David Aiken finished in 3:44 (Rebecca 1st female finisher overall), followed by Emily Beaumont (4:05), David Thompson (4:31), Chris Evans (4:53), Scott Beaumont (5:07), Julie Bell (5:52), Diane Sparrow (6:18),
12th April: Punk Panther Ripon Stinger (various distances)
Starting and finishing in Studley Roger close to the historic city of Ripon with its great cathedral, this race mainly follows the Ripon Rowel route, visiting wooded valleys and historic sites such as the spectacular World Heritage site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Water gardens. It also takes in the tranquil River Skell’s Valley of the Seven Bridges and the beautiful St Margaret’s Church and Hackfall Woods.
Karen Dove completed the Half Marathon route in 3:30.
12th April: Lakeland Trails – Hawkshead 10k/16k
Starting and finishing at Hawkshead, the 16K Hawkshead Trail Race, 16K Hawkshead Trail Challenge and 10K Hawkshead Trail Run follow circuits along fully marked and marshalled footpaths and bridleways, taking in panoramic views of Windermere and the surrounding peaks of the Coniston Hills, the Langdales and most of the Lakeland fells. All of the routes take in the infamous, mile long, near vertical, killer climb of the ‘Coffin Trail’! Underfoot conditions are generally good, particularly for those used to off-road running.
Rachel Grayson completed the 16k event in 2:22.
12th April: It’s Grim up North – Swinsty at Knaresborough (was Summat’s a ‘foot at Swinsty and Fewston) (various distances)
This event was moved from Swinsty to Knaresborough and the routes consisted of a set number of laps around a 6.5-mile trail course. Runners started from the centre of Knaresborough, climbing gently up through park land on to the old railway track between Knaresborough and Harrogate, surrounded by beautiful countryside.
In the Half Marathon, David Nalder finished in 4th place overall and 1st in age category in 1:54 whilst Sandra Cass finished in 6th place overall, 1st female finisher and 1st in age category as well as club record in 1:58.
Meanwhile, in the 6.7 miler, Julie Whinn finished in 4th place overall and 1st in age category in 1:08.
13th April: Charm Bracelet Marathon (Half Marathon also available)
Heading south from Redcar following the King Charles III England Coast Path, runners finish in the beautiful fishing town of Whitby. They pass the ‘Circle’ sculpture in between miles 7 and 8, affectionately known as The Charm Bracelet, it’s name inspired the marathon. Runners pass through coastal villages, run on the sand and watch the world from high up on the cliffs. There is 3263 ft of elevation over the 26.57 mile route.
Rebecca Jones completed the route in 5:35 and Lisa Jenkins in 6:56.
13th April: Sand Dancer 10k
This is a multi-terrain race with stunning views that takes place long the scenic tops of the South Shields coastline and finishing on the track at Gypsies Green.
Steve Snook completed the route in 48:13 and 3rd in age category. Steve was also 2nd in age in the NEMAA masters age category at the same event.
13th April: Gisborough Moors Fell Race (Esk Valley)
This was the thirteenth counter in the Dave Parry Let’s Run winter fell race series 2024/25. The route takes in Gisborough Moor, Captain Cooks Monument, Roseberry Topping and Highcliff Nab. The event is supported by Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team, with a significant contribution from race proceeds being donated to the organisation.
Andrew Vernon completed the 20km (over 2,400ft ascent) event in 1:50.
13th April: ABP Newport Marathon Festival (Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K)
This race is an out and back, starting on the City side of Usk Way, by the University of South Wales.
Michael Oliver completed the Half Marathon race in 2:08.
Special Mentions:
Congratulations and well done to QRC members that have achieved ‘unofficial’ parkrun milestones over the last fortnight!
Condolences and commiserations to Claire and Tom Chapman for yet another crossing of the Lyke Wake. (Number 62 for Claire!)
parkrun Tourism
Well done to QRC parkrun tourists who ran at Zuiderpark on 12th April. The next parkrun tourism is on 10th May at Fountains Abbey.
Fountains Abbey course description:
Sheltered in a secluded valley only around 3 miles south west of Ripon lies Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden; a World Heritage site and one of the most historic and beautiful places in Europe. Starting from Huby’s Tower at the Abbey, this is a 2 lap gently undulating, clockwise course run entirely on National Trust land on firm footpaths, designed to ensure no runner will be lapped. The route is marked with high vis signs. All runners should wear road shoes in all weathers; there are no muddy sections. The first shorter lap heads past the East Lawn, around the Rustic Bridge & Half Moon pond, following the River Skell back past the Abbey, the West Lawn and Abbey tea rooms. The second lap passes the Abbey heading left of the Rustic Bridge around the stunning Studley Royal Water Garden crossing the narrow wooden footbridge in front of the Lake and following a stunning course back towards the finish line at Robin Hood’s Well, in sight of the Abbey.
The start and finish are a 15 minute walk from the Fountains Abbey overflow car park, Visitor Centre Café and toilet facilities. Road shoes are recommended in all weathers.