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About the Club

The club's main training base is at Carmel RC College, The Headlands, Darlington. DL3 8RW. We train on a Tuesday and Thursday evenings (meeting at the school at 6:30pm). Formed in May 1995 with a membership of just six. The club was formed to promote the participation of all disciplines of athletics and has quickly established itself as one of the regions more active promoters of running events.

At present the club boasts a coaching staff of twenty qualified coaches specialising in a wide range of disciplines from sprints to ultra distance running, including field events, as well as more diverse disciplines such as fell running, strength & conditioning and orienteering. We cater for all types of runners and boast a varied membership, accomodating for all ability ranges. No one is ever left behind! We consider ourselves to be the most friendly and active running club in the area.

Latest News

Written by Michael Joyeux
Wednesday, 01 July 2009 19:09
Just a quick website note. I've added the ability to add comments to news articles, press reports and other items posted to the front page. Just click on the "add comment" button. This will let people say thanks or congratulations, or just give their thoughts about something that has been posted! Just log into the site as usual, only registered users can add comments. I've also added the photo galleries back to the site. At the moment I only have the Raby 10k and the Alldendale 8 Mile race photos added. Many thanks to Dawn for those! If you have any digital photos you have taken, which you would like published on the site, please either give them to Michael Joyeux on a club night or email them to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The photos from the older site will go up soon. The photo gallery should be under the resources box on the left hand side of the site. If you have any problems with either of the two new features, just This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Update: 3rd July Added photos from Summerhill 5km and the Wynyard Park 5km, many thanks to David Aspin from NYM.ac for providing the photos. Comments (1)
Last Updated on Friday, 03 July 2009 17:01

Book Review: What I talk about when I talk about running

Written by Michael Joyeux
Sunday, 28 June 2009 19:47
I’ve just finished a book about running. It’s funny that something as seemingly simple as putting one foot in front of the other repeatedly, quickly and for a specific amount of time seems to give people so much to talk about. I noticed this book in Waterstones, entitled “What I talk about when I talk about running” by Haruki Murakami, I thought that it might be interesting to see what other people talk about when they talk about running. The author has written a semi-autobiographical account of how he started to run, his preparation for races and the competitions he has taken part in. Although not a traditional athlete in the traditional sense, Murakami enjoys running for the pure sake of running, something which we are mostly familiar with. He explains methodically about his thought processes throughout his training and whilst competing, it’s written in a simple chatty style which makes it very accessible and appealing. He puts across the agony of his body fighting against him in the heat of the Greek sun while trying to run the original marathon route, he explains quite clearly what we often struggle to put into words following a touch race. The author, who is now in the 50s, is struggling with a body which no longer responds to training and is gradually slowing down. He explains how reluctantly accepting he is of the passage of age. Murakami states midway through the book that he does not intend his book to advocate running or encourage people to take it up, this adds to the person charm conveyed throughout – you never feel like you are being told that his way is the right way. I really enjoyed this book and heartily recommend it to runners. Although I am tempted to use it as an explanation to non runners as to why we put ourselves through “hell”. Massive recommendation. "What I talk about when I talk about running" by Haruki Murakami is available from Amazon.co.uk and is currently part of the 3 for 2 offers in the Darlington branch of Waterstones. Comments (1)
Last Updated on Sunday, 28 June 2009 19:48

Tees Forest race change

Written by Michael Joyeux
Wednesday, 24 June 2009 20:56
The popular Darlington leg of the Tees Forest trail race has unfortunately been cancelled and moved to Wynyard Park - on the same date and at the same time as previously published. The race takes place on the 2nd of July. Registration opens at 18:30 and the race starts at 19:15. I will post a map and guide as soon as I can. Anthony has said that this will remain a championship event. If you have any questions, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Further information added: 28th June 2009 An email from the organisers. Please note that due to problems with the availability South Park, the next Tees Forest Race on 2nd July has been relocated to the Wynyard Country Park (Castle Eden walkway) near Thorpe Thewels, post code TS21 3JG. The start time, distance, etc are unchanged. Could you please distribute this information to your members. Apologies for the late change, hope to see you there. Regards Bob Howe Add new comment
Last Updated on Sunday, 28 June 2009 19:29

Press Report 25/06/09

Written by Phil Rutter

Sunday, 28 June 2009 19:27

Rob Towns put in a superb performance at the Swaledale Marathon, covering the 23 mile course in 4:02, to finish 28th from 469 participants. Charlie Bogg (61st) and Annette Clarke (62nd) got round in 4:26 followed by Dave Thompson (94th, 4:41), Stuart Hardcastle (111th, 4:49), Danielle Davis (137th, 4:56), Anthony Corbett (215th, 5:35) and Richard Payne (275th, 6:14).

Nine Quakers were amongst thousands of runners at this year’s Blaydon Race. On a balmy evening, Alasdair Tatham, was the first from the club to finish the 5.9 mile run, clocking 31:05 to take 17th place. Next was Wayne Bramley (121st, 36:09) ahead of Diane Vaughan (659th, 43:14), Toni Chaplin-Armer (1149th, 47:04), Jackie Nicholls (1583rd, 50:02), Rob Kirby (1656th, 50:29), Carol Penney (1857th, 52:00), Sally Singleton (1858th, 52:00) and Kate Schweizer (2157th, 54:01).

Last Tuesday, one hundred runners descended upon the sleepy North Yorkshire village of Swainby for the Whorlton Run fell race. Nick Wadd, in 21st place, was the first Quaker to complete the course, which included country lanes, heather-covered moorland and a fast downhill section that sent competitors hurtling along a forest track for a mile. Michael Joyeux finished 31st followed by Andrew Knox (37th) and Phil Rutter (52nd). Stuart Hardcastle (64th) reached the finish at the Black Horse pub one second ahead of David Todd (65th) with Jon Eccles (69th), Danny Gordon (83rd) and Anthony Corbett (86th). Nick Wadd took 50 championship points, Andrew Knox claimed 49 and Stuart Hardcastle earned himself 48 to close on current leader, Michael Joyeux.

Two Quakers joined more than 1500 runners at the Humber Bridge Half Marathon. Paul Appleton ran 1:57:57 to finish 678th with Jeanette Maughan, 1164th in 2:15:44.

Anthony Corbett clocked 24:14, a course personal best, at last Saturday’s Albert Park 5k time trial. He finished 49th out of 105 entrants with Peter Rowley, 28th in 22:16.

Rowley headed to Staveley, near Knaresborough, on the following day for the Staveley Stampede 10-miler. He completed the half road, half trail event in 1:25:13 to finish 83rd.

Quakers meet at Carmel School on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30pm.

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Press Report 20/06/09

Written by Phil Rutter
Tuesday, 23 June 2009 08:28
Peter Rowley represented the club at Sunday’s Grasmere Gallop multi-terrain race. He completed the seven miles of hills and superb scenery in 1:03:37 to come 146th from 324 finishers. The Castle Howard 10k took place on the same day, attracting 359 entrants. Keld O’Shea was the sole Quaker, clocking 58:36 to finish 206th. The Darlington Race for Life saw 4000 ladies and girls snaking around South Park at the weekend, to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Quakers Running Club provided more than 50 volunteers to assist with the 5k event, which helped by the brilliant weather, was another huge success. In the Club Championship, Wayne Bramley’s 50 point win at the Allendale 8 moved him up to sixth place at the expense of Danny Gordon, who slipped to seventh. It was Bramley’s third victory in five races, which has seen him take 248 points from a possible 250. Michael Joyeux maintains his early lead followed by Stuart Hardcastle, Dawn Richardson, Anthony Corbett, and Richard Payne. The next event is the Summer Coast Road 5k, which takes place at Marske on Wednesday June 24th at 7pm. This short race is held over a flat, seafront course and is open to all runners. Registration takes place at Redcar Rugby Club; half a mile from the start. Quakers meet at Carmel School at 6:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. All runners are welcome to attend the training sessions. Add new comment
Last Updated on Wednesday, 24 June 2009 20:57

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Club Awards

In 2005 Quakers Running Club was 'Highly Commended' by Cancer Research UK for its continued support of Darlington's Race for Life. Click here to view the award.

Enter the Darlington Race for Life

The club is also recognised by the Flora London Marathon for its dedication and support given to beginners and has been designated a Flora London Marathon Running Club Partner, the only club in County Durham to receive this accolade.

London Marathon Partner Club Site

Races this July

2^nd July – Wynyard Park – Tees Forest 5km Trail Race *Championship*

A fast paced, frantic trail race, which is ideal for beginners and veterans alike. Please note that the Tees Forest race scheduled for Darlington is now at Wynyard Park.

5^th July – Burn Valley Half Marathon *Championship*

Uphill Half Marathon, with a long steady climb. Very punishing and tough.

8^th July – Pit Stop 10k *Championship*

A flat race on Croft Circuit, ideal for 10k PBs. Well worth putting your speedster shoes on for!

12^th July - Sedgefield Summer Invitational

12^th July - Kilburn Feast *Championship*

An undulating, popular 8 mile race with great scenery and challenge. A decent challenge for all those wishing to try something with some climbs.

21st July – Pinchinthorpe Plod

Mud, climbs, trees and some beer afterwards. What more could you want? One of the nicer of the NYM Summer Series, good for beginners to the fells.

23^rd July – Guisbrough Forest – Tees Forest 5km Trail Race

Steady 5km with lots of good climbs and decents. Great, fun race!

26^th July – James Herriot 14k *Championship*

I personally don’t think that the hills count as hills. But listening to the Chinese whispers about the “first hill”, you’d think it was Everest proportions! Nevertheless, give it a go!

26^th July – Victorian 10k

Very flat 10k course on the Marske sea front, especially good for PBs.

Member Spotlight

This months member spotlight is on Julie Jefferies.

How did you first get into running?

I really got into running by accident. I was on holiday in Menorca and was determined to do a bit of exercise everyday to counteract the holiday food and drink excesses! Each morning I went for a sneaky run along the beach, while it was relatively cool and everybody was still asleep. I was hooked and enjoyed it so much – the peace and quiet especially – that I promised myself I would keep it up when I returned home. I kept my promise and swapped the gym for the running. Since then all of the family have taken up running - I can no longer keep up with my son and daughter!

Why did you get into running?

I began running as an alternative to the gym which I found boring and uninspiring. I had done ‘tread-mill’ running and cross-training work in the gym and was relatively fit. I also played a lot of tennis but wanted to cut down on this because of a recurrent knee injury. Running seemed like a good alternative.

When did you get into running?

I began doing regular exercise and running about 10 years ago, just after I had turned 40. I suppose this birthday was a bit of a watershed – I looked at myself and thought ‘You’re going to have to do something if you want to see 50!’ It worked as I was 50 in January!

How did you feel when you first started running?

Very self conscious at first. I made the mistake of running in the area in which I taught. I got a bit of stick from some of the children from school at first until I set up an after-school athletics club and got them running too!

Did you have a goal when you started?

Running the London Marathon. When I started running my father-in –law was already a keen runner – he’d completed a few marathons in around about 3:20 times - and I thought ‘I can do that!’ How wrong I was! I’m hoping to have a go at a marathon in the not-too-distant future, but 4:20 is much more realistic!

How did it feel to finish your first half marathon?

Exhausting but thrilling. My first half marathon was the 2003 Great North Run which I completed in 1:57. I had set myself a 2:00 target, so I was pleased with the time.

What other races have you done?

I’ve run mainly 5 and 10ks - the most enjoyable being the 5k Race for Life at Ormesby Hall in which I got a PB of 20:20 in 2005. The most unusual race I’ve done to date is the Durham Dales Challenge – spectacular scenery and cakes at checkpoint 3 – what more could you ask for?!

Any advice to new members?

Take the plunge as far as races go – sign up for a variety of races so you can find out what suits you best.

What are you hoping to do to build on your success?

I would like to try more off-road running which takes you through areas you would never normally encounter. I’m also hoping to run a marathon - I just need to summon the courage to sign up and then commit myself to the training

Who was a help at the club?

Everybody has been great and so inspirational. I have made some super friends at club training nights – friends such as Bev, Wendy, Julie, Sally, Dawn, Jill and Diane who keep me going when I grumble and want to give up!

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