Welcome to the Quakers Running Club
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 training sessions are held at and around the clubs base at Carmel RC College, just off The Headlands (DL3 8RW) 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. 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. If you are interested in joining, you might find our membership introduction pack useful. Click here to download the file as a PDF.
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Welcome to the Quaker Running Club Website
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Giving something back ! Lyke Wake Race |
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Written by Anthony Corbett
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Thursday, 15 July 2010 07:27 |
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We’ve all seen them at the start, the finish line and dotted along the course – standing around for what can be hours, clapping, cheering and if you’re lucky handing out refreshments. Nearly all are volunteers, often members of the host running club who could have been out there competing – and without them we’d never get the chance to race. I’m talking about the Marshals, of course. So when Dave Thompson sent a mail out last year saying that the iconic Lyke Wake Walk Race was in danger of going under due to a lack of marshals, I felt it was the right thing to do to offer my services. Luckily so did 6 other people from the area – including our own Mark & Wendy Colling, plus the ‘missing in action’ ex-Quaker elite runner Stuu Lynn. We were due at Jugger Howe lay-by (the penultimate checkpoint) at 11.30 am to drop Mark & Wendy off and then Stuu and myself headed off to help at the finish which is on the field at the Raven Hall Hotel in Ravenscar. The competitors set off (according to their estimated running time) at various times between 4am and 10am – with the idea that they would then finish around 4pm. The race has a 12 hour limit strictly applied. Stuu had the job of handing each finisher a memento of a Lyke Wake badged compass and a t-shirt to those who had ordered one. I got the job of writing the certificates and handing them out. (This is not as easy as it sounds when lots of exhausted, dehydrated, people arrive in quick succession.) Our own long distance trio of Dave Thompson, Annette Clarke and Charles Bogg all managed to complete in under 8 hours – beating the target they set themselves. Well done to them ! The fastest overall crossing on the day was 6 hours 9 minutes. It was an amazing atmosphere, the finishers were mostly very excited, pleased to finish, thankful of the organisation/marshals and often checking pb’s against previous years. At least two over 70’s completed the event easily inside the time limit. Mark & Wendy did have the excitement of ambulances and even the air-ambulance near their checkpoint as a runner collapsed of suspected dehydration. If you’re not doing anything on Saturday 9 July 2011, you could get a real sense of satisfaction by being a marshal on this event and helping it to survive. The only problem with the day, apart from maybe the heat and cornflies that suddenly appeared towards the end, was the feeling that with plenty of training, it would be feasible to partake in the actual race itself next year . . . . . . (It must have been heatstroke !)
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Last Updated on Monday, 19 July 2010 16:11 |
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Race Report: Lyke Wake Walk/Race |
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Written by Dave Thompson
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Wednesday, 14 July 2010 19:02 |
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The 46th running of this classic race took place on Saturday 10th July.This race is run on a handicap system with start times spread over 6 hours in the hope that everyone will finish between 3:00 - 5:00. I had initially entered a conservative estimated completion time of 9:30 due to the exertions a fortnight before at the Coxwold ultra,but my running companions Annette Clarke and Charlie Bogg persuaded me to alter it to their estimated time of 8:30,obviously enjoy beasting an old man over 40 miles of moorland track. So at 7:30 on a beautiful summers morning we set off from Lyke Wake stone at the sheepwash car park even at that early hour we were sweating on the first climb.The forecast was for 26 degrees in the afternoon so we decided to try and give the first half of the race,which is the easiest,a right go. Most people who are new to the race follow the well signposted clear track over Live Moor to the first checkpoint at six miles at Carlton Bank. However there is an alternative path which avoids some 400 feet of climbing which goes through the woods to the North.This is not a clear track and care is needed This is not considered cheating as all that is required re the route is hit all the six checkpoints how you do that is up to the individual.We had 6 others who started at 7:30 who stuck to us like glue for the fist 12 miles after then they flew past us certain they were not sure of the route.However we did manage to catch them later in the day,slowly slowly catchy monkey.
Met at Carlton Bank by Commander in Charge of Support,John Clarke,refilled water bottles,scoffed bannanas,flapjacks, mars bars etc.
The next four miles to checkpoint 2 at Clay Bank afforded wonderfull views to the north they reckon on a real clear day you can see Penshaw Monument in Maccam land.Pity about the crap at the mouth of the Tees. Just before you hit the road at Clay Bank there are a 100 yard stretch of steep stone steps which I nearly completed in horizontal mode.
As the next checkpoint is nearly ten miles away checkpoint 2 is a major refuelling point so more bannanas,flapjacks mars bars etc are consumed.After the sharp climb onto Urra Moor this section to the Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge is the most runable with good wide level tracks and 5.5 miles on the old railway line.Therefore you can really get in the groove and go along at a good lick.However not heeding the warning on my first trip down to Clay Bank after approx a mile of the railway line went for a real dive which included one somersault two twists in the pike position.Team members obeyed the first rule of trail running,do not laugh when a running buddy hits the deck.Several expletives later all seemed in order and we bashed on.
Two miles from checkpoint 3, The Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge, Charlie was starting to feel a thigh strain C in C support wanting to stretch his legs had ran down from the pub to meet us and was dispatched to find suitable drugs which would beat the dope tester at the finish.Checkpoint three at 19.5 miles was reached in a cracking 3:10. This checkpoint provides as much rice pudding and fresh fruit as you can eat wonderfull stuff,Charlie substituting pain killers for the fruit.Fortunately although very warm the heatwave failed to appear as cloud cover replaced the clear blue skies at the start.In previous years after a boring road section the 6 miles to the next checkpoint at Hamer has been horrendous with path disappearing into horrendous bogs,not unknown for the unwary to end up thigh deep in black glue.Not so this year with consistant dry weather we did not even get our feet wet.In parts it was like running on trampoline the peat being so springy. More of the same stuff consumed at checkpoint 4 and onward to find the Blue Man in the Moss which is approx halfway to the next checkpoint at Stape.The 3 miles from the aforementioned BM in the M to checkpoint 5 is in short bloody horrible.The path is narrow in heather and stoney which although runable you cannot get into any rhythm and you have to concentrate to watch for the big rocks.I went down again followed shortly after by Annette with a perfect belly flop,degree of difficulty 3.9,the first rule still being obeyed.
More rations consumed,more drugs for Charlie,the next 3.5 miles to Checkpoint 6 Ellerbeck,apart from the short climbs out of Wheeldaleand Ellerbeck beck,consists of good runable tracks.After being on the deck twice and covered in dust was keen to have a wash at the Wheeldale beck crossing,so opened a gap on the descent so not to hold up the others.Unfortunately chose to step one of the moss covered rocks and ended up flat on my back in the middle of the beck,much to the amusement of others,obviously rule 1 does not apply when confronted with an old git sitting in a beck.At least it cooled me down.
Checkpoint 6 comes and goes,bannanas are in short supply so its mars bars to the fore as we head for the last checkpoint at Jugger Howe.We are now starting to pass a number of the earlier starters a good sign we are still going well,although we are reduced to walking on the long uphill slog through the heather to Lilla Cross the highpoint on this section.At last with six miles to go we can see the fabled radio mast at Ravenscar which is approx half a mile from the finish. Perhaps all this euphoria upsets my spacial awareness and I hit the deck a further twice before we tackle the deep ravine in and out of Jugger Beck.Watches are consulted and a quick calculation concludes that if we give the last three miles a go we can duck under 8 hours.Unfortunately this last climb has finally goosed Charlies thigh and he persuades us to leave him,satisfied there is nothing hiding in the heather that is picking of stragglers,two of us pick up the pace to the final checkpoint.Great to be welcomed by two Quakers,Wendy and Mark Colling,manning the checkpoint.On reaching the checkpoint Annette's nursing professional instincts kick in,either that or she is knackered, as she decides to wait for Charlie.I grab a handfull of jelly babies and head for the radio mast which as everyone knows who has run/walk this route never gets any nearer. At last all that is left is the downhill stretch to the finish I pass a further two who are in more trouble than me and thank kindly the masochist who makes us run uphill in the hotel grounds to the finish line.Welcomed over the line by a further two Quakers,Anthony Corbert and Stuart Lynn who are part of the team of marshalls sorting certificates,tee shirts etc and yes beer. Came in 15th with 7:51,Annette and Charlie with a second wind equal 16th in 7:58.
This is a cracking race that deserves more support.This year 82 entered,10 failed to start and 15 did not make to the end. - Great value for money at half the cost of most marathons
- All the checkpoints offer smiling faces and suitable refreshments.
- Certainly a challenge but well worth all the effort.
- Next running Sat 9th July 2011.
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Press Report: 12 July 2010 |
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Written by Julie Jefferies
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Monday, 12 July 2010 20:31 |
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Carol’s Tribute to Jane Tomlinson
Carol Penney continued her annual tradition of running in the Leeds 10k on July 4th, one of 4 races ran across the north of England in support of the Jane Tomlinson Appeal which raises money for children’s and cancer charities. Carol, who has completed all of the Leeds runs since their inauguration in 2007, said she was honoured to have once again carried the flag for the Darlington Quakers at an event which pays tribute to one of the sport’s most inspirational figures. An added bonus at this year’s race was that Carol got to run alongside Paula Radcliffe, who is a patron of Jane’s charity. As Paula is 7 months pregnant, Carol felt she might be at an unfair advantage and decided to run the race below her usual 10k pace to give Paula a bit of a chance. Very sporting, Carol! Carol’s next big challenge in aid of Jane’s Appeal is the New York Marathon in November where she will run with her training partner, Sally Singleton. Good luck ladies! A midday-start half marathon in July is not every runner’s idea of running heaven, but it did not deter 13 members of the Quakers from completing the very undulating Burn Valley Half Marathon. Nick Mason finished first for Quakers in 1:38:46 followed by back on form Billy Harris in 1:44:24 and Diane Vaughan, 1st woman home for Quakers, in 1:50:33. Vet 65 Danny Gordon continues to show the young ‘uns how it’s done by crossing the finish line in 1:53:14, just behind Ian Hammond in 1:52:48. Very little separated David Curtis (1:54:47) and Paul Jefferies (1:54:56) who was running in his first half marathon. Other Quaker finishers who did the club proud were: Mark Robinson 1:56:42, Jackie Nicholls 1:58:29, Leigh Marie Ainsworth 2:09:32, Richard Hughes 2:13:28, Diane Adkins 2:22:11 and Gillian Harris in 2:23:12. Nick Watson found that running injuries are not solely confined to the feet and legs when he took part in this year’s Osmotherley Phoenix Fell Race. Fresh from winning the recent Durham Dales Challenge, Nick wisely decided to opt for the shorter (!) 17 mile route which begins in the picturesque village of Osmotherley and takes in the panoramic views of the North York Moors. All was going well for Nick, in fact he was leading the race up to mile 14, when he was overtaken. Still, Nick was prepared to settle for 2nd place over such terrain, but worse was to follow. A heavy fall resulted in an open dislocation to his little finger and Nick having to spend time reattaching and stemming the flow of blood from the offending appendage. Dilemma. Should Nick abandon the race? Not likely. In true Nick Watson style (and worried about the stick he would get from other hardened fell-running Quakers) he ran the final 3 miles to finish in a time of 2hours 49 minutes and in 7th position overall. For club and country, eh Nick!
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 14 July 2010 19:03 |
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Race Report: Kilburn Feast 8 Miler |
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Written by Mark Colling
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Monday, 12 July 2010 19:49 |
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The picturesque village of Kilburn, home of the famous "Mouseman" is around an hours drive from Darlington. Upon arriving at the village, the car park was easy to find, and contained a few portaloos in addition to the public toilets, and the conveniences in the village hall, which was a 5 minute stroll from the car park for those that needed to register on the day. With the kick off at 2pm, the runners approached the start line outside the Forrester's Arms with about 10 minutes to go. The start, which was pretty much on time, got going quite slowly, and with no way of progressing faster, I was quite amazed that someone behind me found it necessary to start whinging before giving me a push in the back and then clipping my ankle! By the time we cleared the village, and a number of parked cars, there was plenty of space for all, and runners were able to settle into their pace before hitting the first of many "undulations" to come. Whilst none of the hills were particularly steep, they were quite long. Despite the temperature, which would have been high 20s, I didn't see many runners walking, although one did appear to have an attack of unstoppable swearing!! A long downhill stretch early on gave the opportunity to pick up the pace before turning left at the village of Coxwold, and on to the 1st drink station at the bottom of another "undulation", which led to the ruins of Bylands Abbey. Another left turn led along a narrow lane with plenty of trees to provide a bit of shade before turning right through Oldstead which left the last leg and another drink station under the watchful eye of the White Horse before the descent to the finish line in the village square, well attended by locals and visitors to the annual fete who applauded each and every finisher. Plenty of water was available, together with a sandwich, cake and a cuppa at the village hall. With over 40 runners, the Quakers were again well represented, with the ladies winning a few prizes, presented from outside the pub, which was very convenient for those wishing to take some complex carbohydrates on board! A good little race with some nice views - certainly beats running around an industrial estate or a racetrack!! Cheers Mark
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Club Championship Update Events 13 & 14: Durham Dales Challenge and Burn Valley Half Marathon |
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Written by Anthony Corbett
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Sunday, 11 July 2010 17:01 |
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After a gruelling 17 mile Durham Dales Challenge, which featured blood, sweat and tears from many Quakers the Championship table looked all set to change with a number of runners taking massive point totals. However, the Durham Dales was followed by the Burn Valley Half Marathon! The undulation of England’s toughest half marathon put off many Quakers runners so points were also up for grabs! At Durham Dales, the Quakers had the first four finishers with Nick Watson winning the race for a second year in a row with Steve Snook, Barry Mahaffey and Michael Joyeux following him! The same four finished in the top four last year! However, this year terrain specialists Stuart Hardcastle, Abbie Hull and Andrew Lamb looked for maximum points across the heather and trail! Daniel Crane, Mark Robinson, Leigh Ainsworth and Steve Padgett all made their debut at the event looking to enjoy the heat and dales! Following their debuts last year, Julie Whinn, Bev Snook, Wendy Colling, Mark Colling and Diane Adkins sought for a good finish after, hopefully, knowing the course slightly better than last year. As did Sarah Beadle, Alex Simpson and Ian Hammond. Quaker Veterans Alan Prest and Danny Gordon both looked to capitalise on the benefits of their racing wisdom, running the race in an attempt to keep up with whippersnappers like Julie Cole and Julie Crocher. Whilst a week later at the Burn Valley, the heat didn’t turn up. But the hills did! With Nick Mason making his debut and Danny Gordon looking to extend his lead on top it was always going to be a tight race! The ever improving Billy Harris kept the race up at the front and Ian Hammond bested Mark Robinson over the hilly course. Disappointingly, team Jefferies only managed one entry in the race with Paul putting in a good performance . Across the rest of the field; Diane Vaughn, David Curtis, Leigh Ainsworth, Jackie Nicholls and Daniel Crane all were near to or just over a two hour finish. Whilst Richard Hughes, following a silver man triatherlon did well on weary legs. With Diane Adkins and Gillian Harris rounding out the field for the Quakers. So who took the points and where did you end up on the table? With the recent spate of events, some early leaders have dropped off and the table is shaping up. Battles right across the entire field, whether you’ve scored 50, 45 or 30 points. With Croft 10k and Kilburn to come before the popular James Herriott it’s still all to play for! Click here to download the Quakers Running Club Championship Update Events 13 & 14: Durham Dales Challenge and Burn Valley Half Marathon The PDF file has now be been fixed! Thanks to everyone who let me know about it! To view the championship update, you'll need a PDF reader. If you don't have one installed you can download a free version of FOXIT reader.
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Last Updated on Monday, 12 July 2010 19:50 |
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Race Review: Osmotherley Phoenix 17m – blood, sweat and cheers |
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Written by Nick Watson
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Tuesday, 06 July 2010 19:18 |
Osmotherley Phoenix 17m Race Report On a very humid Saturday in July, 430 runners and walkers massed in the centre of the picturesque village of Osmotherley for the 2010 Osthmotherley Phoenix fell race. Since 1998, this annual off road event has gained popularity by offering three routes to compete in – 33, 26 or 17 miles. Each route has a series of checkpoints to attend, so navigation skills and local knowledge are essential. Following on from a weekend competing in the Durham Dales Challenge and Cleveland Way Relay, I fancied a rest (ha ha) and opted for the 17 mile route. From leaving the village, the 17 mile route follows the Cleveland Way in a clockwise direction to check point 2, Carlton Bank/Lordstone’s cafe. At this point competitors can choose which route they will be following and which cake/biscuit/drink they want to tuck in to. Carrying a Camelback and my own supplies I resisted the temptation of home baked goodness and followed the dirt track up towards the glider centre. A left fork gives relief from the climb and has you striking out across moorland on a yellow sandstone bridleway. The runner is afforded unbroken panoramic views of the North York Moors; the lonely track can be seen meandering through the heather into the distance, with only nesting grouse for company.
Whilst deep in thought, I contemplated the conspicuous absence of a lead runner on the horizon. The nearest competitor was a chap from Esk Valley - half a mile behind me. It was then that I considered that I could actually be leading the race! Thirteen miles in, I descended through a couple of farms on tarmac and felt particularly strong at checkpoint 3 where my card was tallied and I fended off further confection temptation. Up and out onto the moor for the final stretch, my silent passage was disturbed from behind by a rapid pursuit. I knew the runner (he used to run for NYMAC) and I was relieved when he took up the mantle of 1st place. I was quite happy to ease up and settle for 2nd. But then I fell over.
Relaxing into the freefall (it’s not called fell running for nothing) I expected to roll and get back on my feet and be on my way again. But when I righted myself and looked at my hand, it appeared that my little finger was bent at a very odd angle. I also noted that there was a white knuckle of bone pointing rudely at me with blood starting to well up through a large hole where the crease of the joint had been. “Golly, how darned inconvenient?!” were the obvious words of choice as I took up chase to defend 2nd place.
After 10 metres I listened to my breathing (hyperventilating and then some) and deducted that my respiratory rate wasn’t just due to race effort. Then I took note that a dislocated bone was hanging out of its socket, that its ligament/tendon support was seriously compromised, blood was pouring and that this was all a wee bit of an infection risk. Plus it was hardly going to make for a smooth running style. Taking advantage of being in shock, I stopped to reduce the bone back into place (pull, push, clunk!) then calmly jogged down to a stream to get out my first aid kit without bleeding all over my bag. It’s a bit tricky trying to immobilise and dress a wound using your non dominant hand, but by the time 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th passed enquiring “are you ok?” my finger was reattached and all seemed to be in reasonable order. Being in the middle of no where, with very little water left and losing blood it seemed sensible to run the final 3 miles; there seemed no point in hanging about and after all, there was a certificate and badge at stake. Managing to finish 7th to some hearty cheers, I skipped the free massage offered at the finish line and chose to treat myself to an afternoon in A+E.
Overall the race was a fantastically organised event covering a stunning part of the North East. It proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable test of endurance, stamina and resolve as well as giving me the intrinsic satisfaction that carrying full kit on a stinking hot day was not such a bad idea after all... Report submitted by Nick Watson, using his other hand.
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Written by Julie Jefferies
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Saturday, 03 July 2010 22:13 |
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Darlington Quakers Running Club swapped their race vests for marshal bibs as they gave their annual support to Cancer Research UK at this year’s Darlington Race for Life. The event, held in South Park, saw over 4000 women and girls run, jog and walk the 5k course in aid of the cancer charity, which has raised more than £1million during the time it has been held at the Darlington venue. Cancer Research UK event organiser, Helen Tibbott, paid tribute to the continued support offered by the Quakers and especially to the dedication shown by Quakers’ Club Secretary, Wayne Bramley, and long-serving club member, Harry Manuel, who coordinate the marshalling. The cooler weather proved helpful to those Quakers who were looking for good times at Redcar Half Marathon. Nick Mason was first Quaker home in 1:25:35 followed by on-form Peter Smith at 1:33:59 and Darren Stockdale and Chris Jakeman who crossed the finished line together in 1:41:59. Ben Bourne continued to add to his personal bests this season by completing the course in 1:44:35 as did Julie Crocher who finished in 1:57:41. Nicola Howe shattered her previous half marathon pb by shaving off 34 minutes to finish in 2:00:32. Well done to Sandra Martin in her first half marathon and a finish time of 2:17:50. Other Quakers to complete the course were: Peter Rowley 1:42:03, Ian Hammond 1:45:27, Lee Coles 1:50:31, Jackie Nicholls 1:51:45, Martin Mullen 1:54:38, Robert Kirby 1:55:55, Derek Clulow 2:13:30, Ian Davison 2:13:54 and Julie Wears 2:36:39. 11 Quakers Runners joined over 4,000 competitors who were ‘Gannin along the Scotswood Road’ as they took part in the ever-very popular Blaydon Race. The 5.9 mile event raised thousands of pounds for the Charlie Crowe Scanner Appeal which helps people with Alzheimer’s Disease. David Todd was first Quaker home in 37:56 followed by Diane Vaughan in 42:56. The following Quakers also took part: Lee Coles 43:49, Louise Trainor 44:02, Jonathan Eccles 44:28, Ian Hammond 45:19, Jackie Nicholls 48:32, Daniel Crane 50:26, Robert Kirby, Joanne Dewer 53:28, 53:58, Kate Schweizer 55:28 and Richard Hughes in 55:29. There was no shortage of Quakers for this year’s Swaledale Marathon. The run, which passes through some of Swaledale's finest scenery, is actually a 23 mile fell run / challenge walk event in which competitors must navigate themselves and complete the course within 10 hours. Nick Watson, competing in his first marathon (yes, what a one to start with!) came home in a superb 4:08. Hayley Turner also put in a very good run by crossing the finish line as first Quaker lady in 4:21. Other valiant Quakers to finish were: Andrew Lambe 4:39, Richard Payne 5:29, Anthony Corbett 5:34, Abbey Hull 5:34, Sarah Beedle 6:41 and Susan Limbert 7:03. Quakers continue to be drawn to the hills and this time to take part in the 7.2 mile Wharlton Whallop, the latest race in the Esk Valley Summer Fell Series. Brian Martin and Michael Joyeux showed that they are just as much at home on the fells as on the road by finishing in 50:17 and 52:54 respectively. Wendy Colling continues to do a good job of representing the Quakers’ women on the fells when she finished alongside Barry Stapely in 71:27. Other results: Andrew Knox 55:39, Stuart Hardcastle 58:19, Danny Gordon 61:30, Ben Bourne 61:39, Mark Colling 67:43, Daniel Crane 73:23, Sandra Park 76:40, Michelle Boshier 76:40 and Julie Crocher 77:37. The final race in the Tees Forest 5k trail series held at Coulby Newham saw Peter Smith continuing to demonstrate his return to form by crossing the line as first Quaker in 20:34, closely followed by Andrew Knox in 20:45 and Stuart Hardcastle in 21:26. The Quakers are expected to put on a good show at the concluding handicap race which is to be held at Wynyard Walkway on 24th June.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 06 July 2010 19:20 |
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Page 5 of 28 |
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Races coming up
A few races you might like to try! The 10 Miler Club In October and November there are three very popular 10 mile races which the Quakers has traditionally had good showings in, these are the Guy Fawkes 10, the Thirsk 10m and the Harewood House Trail Race. Each offers it's own unique brand of running entertainment! For those who are new to running, 10 miles represents a brilliant distance before stepping up to the half marathon and a good blend of endurance and speed above what is required for a 10k. These events offer three different types of 10 mile race to get you into longer races. Oct 3rd: Harewood Trail - 10m - Multi A trail race through Emmerdale Country, with a scenic jaunt around a lake and some of the most fantastic views of the Yorkshire "flats". Plus all finishers get a bottle of the exclusively brewed for the race "Harewood Trail Ale". Brilliant! Oct 31st: Guy Fawkes Ripley - 10m - Multi Oh yes, the ever popular race featuring the hill which Runners World voted as being one of the toughest in Britain! Regardless of that, this super race which is always followed by a trip to the One Eyed Rat pub in Ripon, is well worth doing for the challenge and variety it offers. Get your entries in quick! Nov 28th: Thirsk - 10m - Road Flat, on road, fast. Nothing more really to say about this race, it's very flat with barely any inclines, it's all on the road and you can put in a super 10 mile time! Well worth an entry! The Club Championship Middle Distance Events
The middle distance races in the Club Championship come to the fore over the next few weeks, with some fantastic events being held across a range of terrains and with different scenes to suit all tastes. Sept 5th: Middlesbrough Tees Pride - 10k - Road This fast and popular 10k is ideal for those new to running as a steady introduction to racing 10k distances, all on the road and mostly flat. Extremely well supported, so you'll be cheered on throughout the race! Sept 11th: Snape - 10k - Trail A real diamond in the rough race which would be a great start for those wanting to try a race with a little mud, grass and dirt. Slightly undulating, but still very good fun!
Sept 12th: Sedgefield Serpentine - 6.5m - Trail A brilliantly challenging trail race with lots of twists and turns and dirt. Well worth a look in for all Quakers regardless of ability! Brilliant course and a decent pint afterwards! To all Quakers looking for a challenge!
Over the last couple of years there has been a dramatic increase in members hitting the trails and fells.The numbers entering the Durham Dales Challenge, the interest in the Cleveland Way relay and those who take part in the Tees Forest Trails, demonstrate that a good percentage of you want to do something a bit different. We have an iconic race on our doorstep, the Lyke Wake, which if not supported, will die. To make it viable it needs 100 entries, this year there was only 82! One club from Hull always fields approx 20 members. Our club has had members complete over the last five years everyone taking part has given it rave reviews. Could we not adopt this race as a Quaker Challenge? Yes it is tough 40 miles is always going to be tough. Yes you do have to do your own navigation. However it is not just for racing snakes. One of only two rules is that you have 12 hours to complete therefore it is easily accomplished using a walk/run strategy.The other rule being you have to visit all the 7 checkpoints. If anyone is up for it I would gladly assist in any reccy training runs. The next Lyke Wake Race is 09/07/2011. It does fit in with other events; four weeks after Durham Dales; two weeks after Cleveland Way relay. Plus if you complete the Lyke Wake, the club trip marathon will be an absolute doddle!! The organisers also welcome any help with the checkpoints. Four quakers Antony Corbett,Wendy and Mark Colling,Stuart Lynn assisted this year and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Go on give it a go!!!!!
Latest items on the discussion forum - why not join in?
Member Spotlight
This month's member spotlight is on one of our Coaches and recent Thunder Runner, Mark Colling.  How did you get into running and why? I really started running because Wendy seemed to enjoy it so much, and to improve my fitness for football (which I've now retired from to concentrate on running!).
What kept you going when you first started running?
Everyone was really friendly, and the sessions keep everyone involved, rather than being elitist. Cake and flapjack after every race is always an incentive as well. How much training do you typically do? Usually, it's just the 2 club sessions, with either a race or a long run at the weekend. For the marathon, I followed a schedule that had me running 5-6 times a week but I couldn't maintain that for more than a couple of months. Be honest, do you enjoy training?
It's not very often that I don't enjoy training, although I must admit to always trying to coach when it's the 2000m rep session!! What's your aim for 2010? At the start of the year, I just wanted to break 50 minutes for a 10k, which I did by quite a margin early in the year at the Mermaid. Now, I just want to try as many different races as I can, and most importantly, to enjoy myself. What is your favourite race/distance/terrain?
The Thunder Run will take some beating for me, but 10 mile trail races are the ones I prefer. The Turbo X in Sheffield was great fun last year, and I'm looking forward to running/walking/crawling/wading it again in October.
What's your idea of running heaven?
Anything different, ideally with a bit of mud, and a nice goody bag. What's your idea of running hell?
I won't mention any specific races, but running 3 laps around a racetrack really doesn't appeal to me! Any advice to newcomers?
Remember that this is what we do for fun - it's ok to try your hardest, but if you stop enjoying yourself, think about what your priorities are.
Best way to relax/reward yourself after a race?
Pub!!
What is the best part of the club in your opinion?
The people. It doesn't make a difference if you're running well or if you're struggling, you can always count on them to provide support.
Apple, Water, Banana or Mars bar in your ideal goodie bag?
I always need a drink, so it'd have to be water, although Dave T always seems to get a bottle of beer somehow! Finally, whose going to come first in the Club Championship out of you and Wendy? Whilst I'm ahead at the moment, I think Wendy will catch me up when she gets a few longer races under her belt as I've got to finish a few minutes ahead to get more points, and it's difficult enough to beat her at all!!
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