Photo: Dani and Andy celebrating their PBs at Hull 10k (photo shared by Andy)
In the first half of June, QRC members have competed in a variety of events from parkrun to Trail Marathon and everything in between, including road, trail, fell and track events with races from the 10k and championship leagues thrown in for good measure, and not forgetting, Darlington Race for Life.
1st June: Durham Trail 10 (Championship Race) 5k also available
The Trail Outlaws Durham Trails 10 offers runners a fabulous opportunity to run some beautiful trails in Durham City and the areas surrounding the city. The 10 mile route starts in Durham City before heading down along the rivers Wear Dale Way, through the local woods of Shincliffe and Croxdale, before returning to the City, via some great trails and finishing with the spectacular climb up to the top of Whinney Hill where runners will get an uninterrupted view of Durham Cathedral from one of the highest vantage points within the city itself.
Alex Mathers was first Quaker finisher in 10th place overall, 1st in age category and setting is PB in 1:21, followed by Rob Dent (1:24), Billy Harris (1:27 & 2nd in age category), Rob Gillham (1:28 and 3rd in age category), Brian Martin (1:33) and 3rd in age category), Carys Samuel (1:36), April Corbett (1:44), Simon Rek (1:46), Anthony Corbett (1:50), Helen Clark (1:51), Wendy Colling (1:51 & 1st in age category), Chris Clark (1:56 & setting PB), Lisa Jenkins (2:14) and Karen Dove (2:34).
1st June: Ali Brownlee 5K (Championship Race)
This 5K event celebrates the ‘Voice of the Boro’, Ali Brownlee. This much-loved radio broadcaster is remembered for his passionate commentary of Middlesbrough F.C. from 1982 to 2016, as well as his amazing community fundraising work. The route starts at finishes at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough.
Marc Ellis was first Quaker finisher in 17:41, breaking his own club record and 2nd in age category, followed by Simon Metcalfe (21:17 PB), Neil Chalmers (21:20, set PB), Diane Vaughan (22:25, 1st in age category and club record), Ian Hart (22:45, PB, 2nd in age category and club record), Ian Burgess (22:52), Jo Neesam (28:02 and set PB) and Lee Morris (35:20).
3rd June: Ormesby 5k Summer Night Series
This was the 2nd event in the More Than a Run Summer Night Series at Ormesby Hall.
Chris Bowe finished the route in 28:34, and Jeff Marriott in 32:42.
2nd June: NEMAA Track and Field – Meeting 2 at Monkton Stadium
Steve Snook set the Club Record for 1500m in 6:21 and was 1st in age category, as well as setting the 800m Club Record with 3:13.2.
Viv Hardwick broke the Club Record for 1500m and was 3rd in age with a time of 6:46 (PB). He also competed in the 100m, finishing in 17.6 and 2nd in age category, as well as the 800m in 3:22 and 3rd in age category.
You can find more information here: Track & Field fixtures, rules and timetable – NEMAA
5th June: Monthly Mile event 3 (South Park)
Organised by Darlington Harriers, this event is part of a series of 6 that take place in South Park.
Dave Jones finished 2nd in age category in 5:50; Dawn Richardson was 1st in age category with a PB and broke the club record in 6:13; Carys Samuel was 1st in age category with a PB and broke the club record in 6:13; Ian Burgess was 1st in age category in 6:45 and Ian Hart set his PB at 6:59, was 1st in age category and broke the club record.
Event 3 is on Thursday 26th June.
7th June: parkruns – Darlington South Park & Rising Sun
At Darlington South Park, Diane Vaughan broke her own club record, finishing in 23:28 and at Rising Sun, Chris Neesam achieved his 50th parkrun milestone in 23:16.
7th June: Ennerdale Horseshoe Fell Race
The Ennerdale Horseshoe Fell Race follows a clockwise loop around Ennerdale Water. With rugged and varied terrain, it once again proved why it remains one of the toughest and most revered fell races in the UK. Held in the stunning, yet unforgiving terrain of the Lake District, the race covered 23 miles with a brutal 7,513 ft of ascent. Competitors traverse Red Pike, High Stile, and High Crag, encountering steep ascents and rocky descents with the route continuing over Haycock and Caw Fell, before descending back towards the finish in Ennerdale.
Tom Chapman completed the event in 4:12.
7th June: Northumberland Coast Challenge
Organised by Shepherd’s Walks, 3 distances are offered – 15, 26 and 37 miles, and it is a linear walk/run. After registering at Druridge Bay Country Park entrants are transported to their allotted starting point, depending on the length of walk they have booked onto. The Northumberland coast is known for its stunning beaches, picturesque villages, historical sites and its iconic castles including Bamburgh Castle, Dunstanburgh Castle and Warkworth Castle. The 15 mile route is from Boulmer to Druridge Bay Country Park, the 26 mile route is from Beadnell to Druridge Bay Country Park and the 37 mile route from Budle Bay to Druridge Bay Country Park.
Well done to all Quakers that took part. (There are no official results for this event)
8th June: Hull 10K
The Hull 10K features a fast and flat route inclusive for all. Taking in many of the city’s iconic landmarks, including Hull Marina, Hull Minster and the city centre, runners of all abilities take part in this fun and varied route.
It was a double celebration in the Walker household as Dani Walker completed the route in 44:33, earning herself a shiny new PB and shaving 1 minute 23 seconds off her previous PB, whilst Andy Walker also achieved a PB, finishing in 1:10, shaving almost 4 minutes off his previous PB.
8th June: Crackpots Trail run (11k) (Championship Race)
This is a 11k multi-terrain race set in the stunning Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The route starts at Highside Playing Fields in Kirkby Malzeard, near Ripon with a gentle warm-up along quiet country lanes, heading west towards Kirkby Malzeard Moor. Runners then transition onto off-road trails, following parts of the Crackpots Mosaic Trail and Ripon Rowel Walk. The route gradually climbs to its highest point at the 6km mark, offering breathtaking views across Nidderdale and as far as Roseberry Topping in the North York Moors. From there, it’s mostly downhill, with a few rolling hills and five river crossings. The final stretch hits tarmac just after 9km, leading to a fast downhill finish back into the village. The weather was mild and dry, providing ideal running conditions. The marshals ensured a well-organized event, and the post-race pie and cuppa were a welcome reward for all finishers.
Alex Mathers was first Quaker finisher in 50: 28 and 2nd in age category, followed by Billy Harris (55:27 and 2nd in age category), Brian McLaren (1:00), Ian Hart (1:01 and 2nd in age category), April Corbett (1:05), Simon Rek (1:06), Sue Sparrow (1:06 and 3rd in age category), Anthony Corbett (1:07), Helen Clark (1:11), Helen Clarke (1:13), Caroline Litster (1:20) and Julie Russell (1:20).
8th June: White Horse – Marathon and 10k (Half Marathon also available)
The White Horse races at Sutton Bank near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, are part of the Hardmoors 26.2 Series, which is a series of 7 challenging Trail Marathons based in various beautiful locations in the North York Moors and on the Cleveland Heritage Coastline. The circular routes start and finish at Sutton Bank Visitor Centre
Scott Beaumont completed the marathon route in 7:06. Known for its challenging terrain, runners were tested with steep climbs, technical descents and great views across the North Yorkshire Moors with sections through Boltby Forest, High Paradise Farm, Square Corner and Kepwick before the final stretch of rolling hills and technical descents before returning to Sutton Bank.
Though labelled a 10K, the course actually covered 7 miles of challenging terrain, featuring steep climbs, technical descents, and stunning views across the North York Moors. The route included a decent towards Gormire Lake, forest path with rolling terrain on Southwoods Trail and a tough ascent through woodland, leading back to the moors, before the final stretch back to Sutton Bank.
Dave Jones finished in 3rd place overall and 1st in age category in 1:01 followed by Rebecca Dodd (1:16) and Hayley Addison (1:18).
8th June: Race for Life
There was a sea of pink in Darlington South Park as 848 people took part in the Race for Life, the annual fundraiser for Cancer Research UK which has so far raised £65,450 which will go to scientists trying to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.
Well done to QRC members who took part and also to the army of QRC volunteers (and family members) who helped to ensure the event ran safely and encouraged runners, joggers and walkers to complete the 5k route.
A big thank you to Lisa B for co-ordinating the QRC volunteers. News Report can be found here: 8th June 2025: Race for Life – Quakers Running Club
9th June: Blaydon Race
Blaydon race takes place annually on 9th June and follows the (approximately) 5.7 mile route of horse race goers in the well-known Geordie Ridley folk song. Runners take their starting position on the Quayside in front of the Law Courts and the route follows the Quayside along to Newcastle Business Park and continue until the route meets Scotswood Road. Just short of 5,000 runners took part this year, their 42nd event.
James Atkinson finished the route in 38:50, followed by Simon Metcalfe (41:48), Brian McLaren (42:18), Carys Samuel (42:24), Steve Snook (42:59), Luke Hewitson (42:48), Rachel Grayson (52:21), Melissa Hird (55:00), Juliette McLaren (55:33), Stuart Masterman (55:43), David Ledgerwood (58:22), Raymond Reed (59:03), Pip Rayner (1:01) and Zoe Robinson (1:13).
12th June: Dales Runner Stately Trails Forcett Park 10k and 5k
This event offers runners a unique opportunity to explore the historic Forcett Estate, featuring a two-lap course through stunning countryside. The route is a mix of gentle trails, pasture fields, farm tracks, and woodland paths, making it both scenic and challenging. Runners pass Iron Age fortifications from Stanwick Camp, a Civil War musket training wall, and a Georgian grotto. The course winds through dense woodland, offering shade and varied terrain before transitioning to farm track. The second loop mirrors the first, allowing runners to push for a strong finish back at Forcett Hall. The course is fairly flat, but muddy and uneven sections require careful footing.
In the 10k event April Corbett finished in 58:24, followed by Anthony Corbett (1:07) and Lisa Jenkins (1:31), John Harrison completed the 5k route in 29:15 and 1st in age category, followed by Melissa Hird in 35:12 and 3rd in age category.
14th June: parkrun – Darlington, Hackworth (Shildon) & Whitekirk Hill (North Berwick)
At Darlington South Park, Andrew Vernon was 3rd finisher overall and 2nd male in 18:44 whilst James Stuart achieved his 4th PB this year, shaving another 23 seconds off his previous PB last month, to finish in 21:58.
Meanwhile, at Hackworth, Rob Dent finished in 5th place overall in 21:00 and at Whitekirk Hill, Nick Wadd finished in 9th place overall in 23:27.
14th June: Punk Panther Otley Views
These events offer ‘The best views over Lower Wharfedale’. With distances from Half-Marathon to Ultra Marathon, this event takes in the highest points around Otley so runners can enjoy uninterrupted views around Wharfedale. Highlights include Otley Chevin, Baildon Moor, Rombalds (Ilkley) Moor and Beamsley Beacon.
Karen Dove completed the 20 mile route in 7:34.
14th June: Swaledale Marathon
The annual Swaledale Marathon starts and finished in Reeth and passes through some of Swaledale’s finest scenery, namely Arkengarthdale, Gunnerside Gill, and over the high moorlands of Swinner Gill and Whitaside. The 24 mile course is a fell run/challenge walk event; it has approximately 4000ft of elevation and competitors must navigate themselves and complete the course within 10 hours. This year over 450 entrants took part.
Emily Beaumont and Helen Clark completed the event in 5:44, followed by Chris Evans (5:57), and Emma Bland, Grainne Duffy and Clare Norman in 7:04.
15th June: Morpeth 10k
The Morpeth 10k takes place in Morpeth, Northumberland and consists of 2 laps of a 5k out and back loop. It is a fast and flat route with PB potential and described as suitable for both beginners and experienced runners.
Caroline Litster completed the route in 1:08.
15th June: Hardmoors Wainstones 10k (Marathon and Half Marathon also available)
This 9.5-mile (15 km) circular route starts and finishes at Chop Gate, immediately launching runners into a steep climb up onto the moors. The course features Raisdale Ridge – a scenic stretch with panoramic views across Bilsdale; Wainstones Crags – the race’s namesake and a dramatic high point, requiring careful footwork over rocky outcrops; Clay Bank and Urra Moor – fast, runnable sections across open moorland, with technical descents to test tired legs, before dropping back into Chop Gate.
Dave Jones finished in 6th overall and 3rd in age category in 1:30 followed by Rebecca Dodd (1:52).
15th June: Leeds 10k
Leeds 10K has grown to become one of the highlights of the city’s events calendar, and is a hugely popular, inclusive and supported race for participants of all abilities. A new route for this year. The race starts outside the Parkinson Steps and finishes on The Headrow, taking in many of the city’s historic landmarks.
Diane Vaughan completed the race in 46:49 and 2nd in age category.
15th June: Darlington Trail 10k – Run 3
Runners set off from Low Coniscliffe, quickly settling into a steady rhythm along flat terrain. The route follows riverside paths, offering beautiful views and the last section leads back towards the finish line, allowing for a strong sprint finish. Ian Burgess completed the route 59:06 followed by Chris Bowe (1:08).
Special Mentions:
Well done to members that took part in the QRC tourism at Windy Nook. The next one will be at Redcar on 5th July. Information about the Redcar course is below:
Redcar parkrun:
The course is generally flat and consists of 3 laps of approximately 1 mile per lap. On the final lap runners will be directed off the course to complete the final 80m to the finish. The start is located at the boathouse, close to the middle entrance on Corporation Road. The toilets are located next to this entrance.