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2010 Club Championship

Group 1
Up to 5 miles
Feb 14th: Absent Friends Cowpen Bewley - 5m
March 28th: Hartlepool Marina - 5m - Road
April 20th: Carlton Challenge - 4.8m - Fell
April 15th: Tees Forest Preston Park
June 23rd: Redcar Summer Coast Road - 5k - Road
Sept 1st: Redcar Autumn Coast Road - 5k - Road
Nov 21st: Clay Bank West - 4.8m - Fell

Group 2
Between 5 & 10 miles
Apr 2nd: Mermaid (Redcar) - 10k - Road
May 16: Yorkshire (Newby Hall) - 10k - Multi
May 30: Raby Castle - 10k - Multi
June 5th: Allendale - 8m - Road
June 15th: Whorlton - 7.2m - Fell
June 20th: Aycliffe - 10k - Road
July 7th: Croft Pit Stop - 10k - Road
July 11th: Kilburn Feast - 7m - Road
July 25th: James Herriott - 14k - Trail
Aug 17th: Guisboro Grunt - 6.1m - Fell
Aug 22nd: Ray Harrison Billingham - 10k - Road
Sept 5th: Middlesbrough Tees Pride - 10k - Road
Sept 11th: Snape - 10k - Trail
Sept 12th: Sedgefield Serpentine - 6.5m - Trail
Oct 10th: Ampleforth - 7m - Trail
Oct 17th: Richmond Castle - 10k - Road
Nov 27th: Ravenstonedale - 10k - Road
Dec: Jolly Holly Jog (Ripon) - 10k - Multi

Group 3
10 miles and over
May 9th: Ripon - 10m - Multi
June 26th: Durham Dales Challenge - 16m - Multi
July 4th: Burn Valley Half Marathon - 13.1m - Road
Oct 3rd: Harewood Trail - 10m - Multi
Oct 31st: Guy Fawkes Ripley - 10m - Multi
Nov 28th: Thirsk - 10m - Road

Cleveland Way Relay 2011

Call to action for all Quakers, get yourself out into the Moors in 2011!

I know this is early, but I'm receiving e-mails from people wanting to put their names forward for next year’s Cleveland Way Relay already! Which just shows how good the day is and how much people enjoy it - must be the fish and chips at the end of the day! So if you are interested please e-mail me (Darren Park, email is below). I would love to put 3 teams in next year’s event. I'm sure with the help from you guys I can!

It's open to everyone, beginner to elite, and for those road runners who never get out into the hills. It’s a good opportunity to try some mud and moors - you don't know what you’re missing! If you are interested, I can send you some info to read or go to www.nym.ac and follow the links to the Cleveland Way Relay.

This is not a race, it’s just a good opportunity to get groups of people working together and enjoying the day; getting the Quakers out there amongst all the fell and trail runners!

Oh yes our little road running club is getting more and more recognised on them hills! There will be meetings to discuss everything; you will get a map to run with; and if you wanted to me or any of the more experienced fell runners to take you to your leg and “reccy” it with you, we’re all here to help you enjoy the day.

So come on Quakers get your name down!

The date is Sunday 26th June 2011, so keep that day free. My email is: dpfrank1972@hotmail.co.uk

If you need to know anything just e-mail me.

Bring it on Cleveland Way Relay 2011.

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.

If you are interested in joining, you might find our membership introduction pack useful. Click here to download the file as a PDF.

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.

Latest News

Welcome to the Quaker Running Club Website

Photos: Durham Dales and The Cleveland Way Relay

Written by Michael Joyeux

Tuesday, 29 June 2010 17:24

The photos taken by Michelle during the Cleveland Way are online at the Quaker Flickr group page.

Click here to visit the Cleveland Way Photo Gallery

The photos taken at the Durham Dales Challenge by Mark are also online, click here to have a look.

Add new comment

A big thank you from Darren Park - well done on the Cleveland Way Relay!

Written by Darren Park
Tuesday, 29 June 2010 17:14
I would like to thank everyone for turning up and running the relay Sunday 27th June. The day went very smoothly and was very enjoyable. Everyone turned up on time and needed to be where they needed to be. A couple of runners got lost, but that didn't matter, we soon made the time back! Everyone did very well with their times, you all want to be pleased with yourselves - I know I am. I managed to get to 13 legs out of 16 to see runners in and start; it’s impossible to get to them all. I've had a few texts to say how well the day went and how much they enjoyed the day, it's a massive credit to you all couldn't have made it all happen without you all. The weather was better this year, saying that some runners like the rain!? It was a very long day for some of us, I was up at 3.30am and didn't get to bed until about 10.30pm! Well worth it though! Can't wait for next year’s event, unless I find another one in the mean time ha ha. So I know it’s a year away but I will probably start taking names straight away and what leg people would like to do as it will give you a year to reccy it. Some legs need to be reccied more than others, so if you are interested please let me know, it’s a great day out and as I keep saying you don't have to be the best runner to do it. I have information for runners to look at about each of the legs. The first year we did it we managed 1 team, this year we managed 2 teams so I’m hoping next year 3 teams there's no reason we can't we have over 200 members. There will be a few pictures to follow shortly so will they be put on web site soon .If anyone has any comments please let me know good or bad, I would like to hear from you it would help to make the day even smoother. Also a big thank you to Roy who stopped to help another runner in trouble who was later air lifted to hospital who I believe is stable. I have sent an e-mail to his club to see how he is will let you all know. Here is a list of runners I want to say thank you to Andrew Knox, Sandra Park, Michelle Boshier, Jeff Marriott, Anthony Corbett, Keld OShea, Billy Harris, Gillian Harris, Andrew Lambe, Abbie Hull, Wendy Colling, Mark Colling, Jes Smith, Peter Smith, Steve Snook, Barry Mahaffry, Brian Martin,Paul Jefferies, Lucy Jeffferies, Sue New, Graham Park, Simon Rek, David Todd, Stephen Padgett, Leigh Ainsworth, Laura Towns, Wayne Bramley, Nick Wadd, Nick Watson, Roy MC Dougall, Sarah Beadle, Ian Hammond and friends, family and partners who supported the teams. They all did the club proud. Once again thank you. Darren Park Add new comment
Last Updated on Wednesday, 14 July 2010 09:11

Race Review: Cleveland Way Relay

Written by Sarah Beadle
Tuesday, 29 June 2010 17:04
Another fantastic relay organised by Darren Park. Having only done Durham Dales a few hours earlier, it was a quick tidy up and pack and back in the car on the way to Filey. 2 hours later we arrived at the campsite. The weather was on our side with promises of thunder through the night and possible rain the next day didn't dampen the spirits of all those who camped. Finaly got to sleep with the realisation that we had to be up for half 4. Brian and Andrew were running the first leg so it was nice to see everyone - (Darren, Sandra, Michelle, Lewis, Paul, Lucy, Nick, Ian and myself) see them off on the beach at 5.00am. Then it was all system go, The others went off to the next legs, Ian, Nick and I went back to the campsite for a cooked breakfast before meeting Anthony to take him to his leg, we arrived to see Parky had just set off with Jeff to arrive next to pass on to Anthony. From there we went to Whitby, then Runswick Bay so see other team members come and go, time for a quick scone and cream then off to drop Nick off at his start at Lord Stones Cafe, I managed to have a quick sleep in the car on the way as I have to admit I was totally knackered and rapidly wishing I had chosen a leg to run early on in the day. We saw Nick W and Mark in who both did fantastic time in the ever increasing heat then went to Sneck Yate for my start. I was very very nervous but was nice to have a few friendly faces to see me off. The leg i did isn't hard, but I am not good in the heat and that mixed with lack of sleep and food did make the run quite challenging with the run down to the white horse seeming endless. I did take a wrong turn which put me back about 10 minutes which I only have myself to blame, doing a reccie of your leg is essential and I have learnt my lesson for next year, it was good to see Steve who was running the same leg for some words of encouragement. Finaly managed to pass onto Ian, feeling slightly sorry for myself and it was off the Helmsley with the promise of a fish and chip supper. The turn out at Helmsley was great and helped brighten my very tired and hungry mood, with a good number of the Quakers choosing to catch up on the days event and swap stories of heat, hills and times. This really is a great day and one I think will be a permanent fixture in the Quakers diary. A massive well done has to go to Darren Park who not only organised 32 runners and made sure we were all where we were supposed to be at the right time, but gave constant support and saw an lot of us start and finish, he also had to contend with a few injuries resulting in people having to drop out and finding replacement. This day is what the Quakers is all about - fantastic team work. Well done to all and roll on next year Comments (2)

Race Review: Swaledale Marathon

Written by Sarah Beadle
Tuesday, 29 June 2010 17:01
This was my first Swaledale but having done a couple of reccies I knew this one had its challenges. We arrived nice and early (for a change), parking was easy and checked into registration with a kit check thrown in for good measure, this race has a great atmosphere with a good mix of walkers and runners so you are rarely running alone. Setting off at the bottom of the hill its a pull up but worth the views at the top, weather was on our side so luckily wasn't too hot, first 8-9 miles were almost enjoyable until the cramp kicked in, it seemed to be very common due to the nature of the terrain, there was the standard ups and this race is tough but also enjoyable if that is possible. With plenty of encouraging runners and walkers it was nice to chat to a few on the hard uphills which help keep you going. There are water stops along the way with friendly marshalls and also a check point which encourages a few pints before setting off again!. 6 and a half hours later the end is in sight and being told the finish was only 2 minutes away was the best news I could hear It finished in the village and was great to be welcomed by the shouts from fellow Quakers before collecting your badge and mug and a meal. This is a fantastic event and extremely well run, if you are into your of road madness this is well worth a go. A huge pat on the back to all who organise this no wonder its so popular. Add new comment

Club Championship Update Events 12: New Marske Harriers Summer Coast Road 5km

Written by Michael Joyeux
Friday, 25 June 2010 16:28
On a hot summers night in Redcar, the Quakers found themselves running the New Marske Harrier's 5km Summer Road Race. After a 3pm England kick off, there was a good turn out of 21 Quakers. With no Brian Martin or Wayne Bramley (present cheering on) on the line, there was 50 points up for grabs and Danny Gordon looked for another 50 point tally. As did Peter Smith, Dave Todd, Michael Joyeux and Stuart Hardcastle. Billy Harris, still contemplating the Edinburgh comedown, also raced for maximum points with Graham park and Paul Jefferies looking to overtake him! Jeff Marriott, with bairn in buggy, pushed himself (or should that be pushed, ha ha ha) through the heat to finish in 24:31. The Quakers ladies team of Wendy Colling, Julie Whinn, Sally Singleton and Diane Atkins jostled in the points to try and keep pace with Lucy Jefferies. With Peter Rowley, Mark Colling, Anthony Corbett, Daniel Craig, Sue New, Ian Davison and Gillian also comprising the rest of the Quakers. So who took home the 50 points? How did the heat take its toll on the runners Where did you finish? Click below to find out! Click here to download the Quakers Running Club Championship Update Events 12: New Marske Harriers Summer Coast Road 5km 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. Add new comment
Last Updated on Friday, 25 June 2010 16:28

Club Championship Update Events 10 & 11: Whorlton Whallop and Aycliffe 10k

Written by Michael Joyeux
Thursday, 24 June 2010 18:29
Running to form with a first home finish at Whorlton and second place to the ever improving Dave Todd, Brian Martin looked to continue his efforts to retain his title. Former Champion Danny Gordon also put his efforts into taking home 50 points at both races with two good performances. Whilst another former Champion, Peter Smith, showed he was back to his best with a great run at Aycliffe! Former leader Ben Bourne, a newcomer to the hills, looked for maximum points at Whorlton as he looked to overtake Lucy Jefferies at the top of the table. There was also fine efforts by both Collings, with Mark and Wendy looking to take the superior point total at Whorlton. Whilst David Curtis continues to improve, running 47:21 at Aycliffe, as he prepares for his Autumn Marathon. Aycliffe proved to be a popular race with no less than 30 Quakers battling for points! Competition was rife across the field with points being decided by mere seconds! Both Graham Park and Diane Vaughn finished within 30 seconds of each other, was it enough? So who took home the points and how does it affect the table? Who's top? Where did you place? With Durham Dales coming up on Sunday, do you fancy the challenge to rack up the points? Click here to download the Quakers Running Club Championship Update Events 10 & 11: Whorlton Whallop and Aycliffe 10k 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. Add new comment
Last Updated on Friday, 25 June 2010 07:28

Club Championship: Allendale 8 Miler

Written by Anthony Corbett

Monday, 21 June 2010 20:31

At the Allendale 8 Mile race, where there were no hills, only bumps, Dave Todd was the first Quaker home! However, with defending champion Brian Martin and veteran hill runner Stuart Hardcastle amongst the starters it was always going to be a tight battle for 50 points!

Edinburgh veterans Dave McLachlan and Billy Harris, also looked for maximum points! Amongst the ladies Louise Trainor finished strongly in the field but had Lucy Jefferies to contend with!

Also amonst the field there was racing newcomers Sandra Martin and Fiona Dixon looking for a good start to their racing careers.

So who took maximum points and how does that affect the table? With a new leader at the top of the table, the Summer Coast Road and the Durham Dales Challenge coming up - all to play for!

Click here to download the Quakers Running Club Championship Update Event 9: Allendale 8 Miler

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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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

Join the Quakers Running Club Facebook Group!

Visit our Flickr Page and see photos of Quakers doing all kinds of weird things, some of which even include running!

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.

If you are interested in doing the race, please speak to Dave Thompson at any of the club training sessions. Or email him for further details!

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?

Subject: Sweatshop - by: MC
For those that use Sweatshop online, you may be interested to hear that they are opening a store at the Metro Centre on 11th September.

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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