Introduction

Quakers RC has developed a reputation as being one of the friendliest running clubs in the North-East of England and is more than happy to welcome individuals of all abilities into the sport, let’s face it, we all had to start somewhere and you don't need to be an Olympic athlete to get enjoyment out of running and athletics.

Whether you just want to start running for the sake of fitness, or are about to do your first 10k race or 25th Marathon, we can help you achieve your goals.

Our runners participate in a wide variety of events which include road, cross-country, trail and fell running and also track and field. In addition, we are also experienced in orienteering and ultra distance running.

Perhaps the most important benefit of being a club member however, is the advantage of being able to train and compete with people who enjoy the same activity as you.

Training Sessions

Our training sessions are held at and around the clubs base at Abbey Field on Abbey Road on the west side of Darlington. The sessions are held every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6:30pm until 8:00pm and are open to all, additionally Circuit training takes place every Monday evening between 7:30pm and 8:30pm in the College gym.

We actively encourage non members to come along see what Quakers has to offer, no charge is made for attending these sessions and no one is under any obligation to join, our hope is that you will enjoy training with us, will keep returning and will eventually become a member of the club.
 
The training sessions themselves are deliberately set in a way that runners of all ages and abilities can use them. They basically comprise of an initial warm up followed by the next part of the session which revolves around ‘quality work’ this will normally consist of some form of interval or repetition session.

All of the clubs members train together as a group irrespective of ability, the fitter members tending to do more reps or running them at a faster pace than those members who are not quite so experienced, we’ve found that this type of approach allows club members to help and encourage each other during the session and assists in developing a friendly and welcoming club atmosphere.

In addition to these structured sessions, 'steady runs' through the local countryside or around the town often take place on club nights, these steady runs are usually arranged just before setting off, details of the route therefore will not be found on our website.

No pressure is ever placed on any member to compete and the club has many members, both male and female, who run with us purely for fitness and for the enjoyment of the sport.

Social 

In addition to its athletic activities, the club has a very active social side. Members organise a wide range of social events ranging from quiz nights to our annual presentation evening, additionally, every year the club organises a weekend long trip to into Europe, recent examples include visits to Belgium, Holland and France (pictures available in our image gallery) and where ever possible the trip is centred around a venue that offers at least a10k race coupled with both half and full marathon events, this thereby allowing members the chance to compete in a race of their preferred distance.  

Charity Work

Since 2002 Quakers has been responsible for the marshalling of Cancer Research UK’s ‘Race for Life’ which is held in Darlington’s South Park, to-date, the clubs members with their support and encouragement have helped over 22,000 women raise well in excess of £1,000,000 to fund much needed research into cures for cancer. In recognition of this, in 2005 the club was ‘Highly Commended’ for its outstanding support for ‘Race for Life’ at an awards ceremony held at the Savoy Hotel in London.

The club is also recognised by the Virgin London Marathon for it’s commitment to helping beginners into the sport and is the only club in County Durham to receive the accolade of being appointed a ‘Virgin London Marathon Running Partner’ with the clubs details appearing on the London Marathon website      

History

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