Photo: Rebeca and David at Saltburn 10k (photo taken by Anthony)
Races during the first half of February included parkruns home and abroad, cross country, fell, road, trail and Canicross races with distances up to 20 miles.
1st February: parkruns – Darlington South Park, North Yorkshire
At Darlington South Park, Chris Dowling and David Porterfield achieved their 100th parkrun milestone, finishing in 23:03 and 35:04 respectively, whilst at North Yorkshire Water Park, Carys Samuel was 2nd female finisher in 22:33.
2nd February: Cross Border 10k
Competitors run across the Scottish border in this point to point 10k from Carlisle to Gretna in Scotland. With plenty of fantastic scenery, this flat course is perfect for runners looking to secure a new PB.
Brian McLaren was first Quaker home in 45:52, followed by Ian Burgess (49:22), Chris Bowe (58:21), Juliette McLaren (1:01), Tracey Fleming (1:06) and David Porterfield (1:08).
2nd February: Hardmoors Saltburn 10k, Half Marathon and Marathon
This route starts from Saltburn Learning campus and heads through the woods and Valley Gardens towards The Ship Inn, up the steps and onto the cliff tops. Runners pass by the charm bracelet and pass over the railway line before heading uphill, passing farms and heading back to the Ship Inn and retracing earlier steps to the finish.
Dave Jones completed the 10k route in 1:01 in 3rd place overall and 1st in age category and Rebecca Dodd was 3rd female finisher and 3rd in age category, finishing in 1:20.
Rebecca Jones completed the Half Marathon in 3:07 followed by Wendy Colling (3:33) and Karen Dove (4:22).
2nd February: Watford Half Marathon (10k also available)
Set in the beautiful Cassiobury Park, Watford, Hertfordshire, this event has been delighting participants for over 40 years, the undulating route takes runners through stunning countryside lanes and serene routes of Watford, all on fully closed roads.
This was the first of Michael Oliver’s 13 Half Marathons this year; he finished in 2:10.
4th February: More than a run at Ormesby Hall night race – Winter night series
This was the fourth and final of the night series which it suitable for new and experienced trail runners. The route is in the grounds of the National Trust property including Pennyman Woods.
April Corbett completed the route in 27:49 (2nd in age category) followed by Emma Bland (29:09 and 1st in age category), Anthony Corbett (29:53), Christopher Bowe (31:39), Jeff Marriott (32:12 and 3d in age category) and Claire Norman (32:54 and 3rd in age category).
8th February: parkrun – Wynyard Woodland, Sedgefield, Darlington South Park
At Wynyard Woodland Dave Jones was first finisher in 20:18, whilst at Sedgefield Emily Beaumont earned herself a new PB of 24:39, shaving 17 seconds off her previous PB in 2019 at Tees Barrage and at Darlington South Park, Adam Charles completed his 50th parkrun milestone in 27:52.
8th February: Punk Panther Harrogate Hustle
This event offers 34, 20 mile and half marathon distances around Harrogate and Knaresborough. Organisers say that is particularly suitable for first timers at all distances, as they start near the Great Yorkshire Showground, encircling the spa town of Harrogate at a radius of 3-4 miles, mostly on attractive country paths and passing through the spectacular Nidd Gorge. The Ultra distance also takes in the Knaresborough Round.
Karen Dove completed the 20 mile event in 6:23.
8th and 9th February: Canix Delamere Forest
This 2 day Canicross event took place in Delamere Forest in Northwich and consists of an almost 5km run both days. The course starts from the Whitefields car park and twists and turns through the forest, on a mixture of hard pack trail, sandy forest floor, and technical single track. It tests not only speed but also the dog control of those chasing podium places, whilst offering those who prefer a more sedate pace some interesting and enjoyable running.
Alex Mathers completed in the XM category and finished in 2nd place each day, completing the routes in 16:31 and 16:52 and 2nd place overall in 33:23 (over 2 and a half minutes faster than last year)
9th February: NYSD Cross Country at Whitby
This was the second to last cross country race of the season, setting off from Caedmon College in Whitby and it was great to have a bus full of runners and supporters.
In the U17, U20, Senior and VET Women category, Lou Trainor finished the 2 lap, 6.2k race in 29:13 and 2nd in age category, followed by Carys Samuel (30:01 and 2nd in age category), Lisa Bowerbank (33:25), Diane Lockhart (34:40), Helen Clark (35:59), Lucy Coxon (36:06), Rachel Grayson (36:11), Carmelita Coco (36:12), Melissa Hird (37:17) and Julie Russell (40:29).
In the U20, Senior and VET Men category, Marc Ellis finished the 3 lap, 9.3k race in 37:42 and 2nd in age category, followed by James Atkinson 42:35), Rob Dent (43:08), Billy Harrison (45:43), Neil Chalmers (46:25), Steve Snook (1st in age category), Rob Gillham (51:17), Stephen Howell (51:58) and Chris Clark (57:54).
9th February: North Lakes Half Marathon (10k also available)
After a year off, the North Lakes New Year Half Marathon & 10k returned. Set in the base of the stunning Lorton valley, runners were surrounded by Lakeland fells on a road course that is quite gentle by Cumbrian standards, on quiet rolling roads with no ‘major’ hills. The event headquarters was located just outside of Cockermouth, with transport provided from Cockermouth town centre to the start and finish.
Claire Chapman finished the race in 1:54, followed by Emma Bland (2:10), Grainne Duffy (2:24) and Tom Chapman (3:09) who was sweeping.
15th February: parkrun – Darlington South Park
It was the Quakers’ volunteer takeover with members taking over all of the core roles as well as pacing other participants. Neil Chalmers achieved a new PB, knocking 23 seconds off his previous PB from November 2024, finishing in 21:22 and Jo Neesam achieved her 25th parkrun volunteer milestone.
15th February: Whinlatter Moonrunner 10k Head Torch Trail Race
The feeling of a head torch trail run in the woods is unique. The night-time adds a whole new dimension to trail running: it is both wild and peaceful at the same time. Your senses become razor sharp and you become aware of your heartbeat pounding in your chest. You may hear the hoot or screech of an owl, or the rustling of woodland animals in the undergrowth. In the darkness of the woodland canopy the light from your head torch will be reflected back by the eyes of deer and other creatures peering out from the safety of the deep forest.
This event took place at Whinlatter, England’s only true mountain forest.
David Aiken and Rebecca Howard completed the route in 54:42 and 1:00 respectively.
Special mentions
Well done to QRC parkrun tourists who ran at The Cinder Path, Whitby on 8th February. The next outing will be at Stewart (Middlesbrough) on 8th March.
Congratulations and well done to QRC members that have achieved ‘unofficial’ parkrun milestones over the last fortnight too!