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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Written by Michael Joyeux
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Tuesday, 06 April 2010 09:36 |
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On Good Friday, the Quakers headed en masse up the Marske for the Mermaid 10k race. It was commented by one of the race hosts that the "Quakers had taken over the race" - we had 30+ runners on the start line. This was the first race I did as a Quaker four years ago and I've ran it ever year since. It's a great quick start to the bank holiday weekend with a pint after the race and fish and chips for lunch! The race was well organised with loads of parking at the start, entry on the day and an easily accessible start line. The terrain was all road and pavement with no hills or slopes; personal best territory! The race went off with a bang and went round the housing estate once and then onto the sea front. The start was slightly crowded with a couple of bemused pedestrians getting caught in the rush. There were a couple of bumps on the way down as the runners got mixed up together. The field quickly spread out into single fileas we went past Bydales School at 2km. From there there was a long stretch along the sea front with a few people cheering and shouting us along. There was a water station at 5k, which we passed again at 7km. The weather was lovely and cool and it was perfect running weather. The faster runners started to lap the rear of the field and it was great to get and give some encouragement. Come off the sea front we had a 1.5km sprint along to the finish! I ended up racing with a couple of lads, unfortunately ending up on the losing end! But I still managed to cross the line in a new personal best of 37:50. I know a lot of Quakers crossed the line with PB times. There were a lot of runners who didn't get a goodie bag, there must have been a lot more entries on the day than they were expecting. I know a couple of people, who had preregistered, were thinking that priority should have been given to those that entered before the race. Overall, the race was fantastic and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a 10k personal best or as a race to gauge their speed at the start of the running season. Highest recommendation! Quakers Photo Gallery Update 500(!) Photos from the Mermaid 10k Race have been added to the Photo Gallery! Thanks to Dave Aspin and Sue New for taking the photos! Click here to view the photos! Mermaid 10k Results (Download as a PDF) - Thanks to New Marske Harriers
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Club Championship Event 2: Hartlepool Marina 5 Miles |
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Written by Anthony Corbett
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Sunday, 04 April 2010 18:30 |
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The 2010 Club Championship continued with a windy 5 mile race in Hartlepool, with both defending Champion Brian Martin and former Champion Steve Snook, making their 2010 Championship debuts who would take the top 50 points? Also Lucy Jefferies attempts to keep top of the ladies group! With two club record broken, by both Diane Vaughan and Julie Jefferies the results surely could be interesting! Click here to download the Quakers Running Club Championship Update Event 2: Hartlepool Marina 5 Miles 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 Sunday, 04 April 2010 18:31 |
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Written by Phill Rutter
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Sunday, 04 April 2010 18:16 |
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The Quakers endurance team enjoyed their second outing of the year on Saturday, when Charlie Bogg and Annette Clarke joined fellow local runner, Denise Kelvey-Brown at the Cleveland Survival. The 26 mile route, starting at Great Ayton, took them over Roseberry Topping and through Guisborough Woods, before heading across the moors towards Commondale. Battling against a headwind, they returned to Great Ayton, via Kildale and Captain Cook’s Monument, to complete the course in 5 hours and 35 minutes.
Speed merchant, Nick Mason opted for the considerably shorter time trial in Albert Park. Making his debut at the weekly 5k event, he ran an impressive 19:51 to finish 12th and become the fourth fastest Quaker over the course.
Nick Watson took 13th place at the Great Grizedale Forest Trail Race, finishing the undulating Cumbrian ten-miler in 67:25. Darren Park came 85th in 85:42, Sandra Park ran 91:47 for 106th place and Sarah Beadle was 135th with a time of 109:28.  Out on the Cleveland Hills, the Northern Runner Winter Series continued with Sunday’s Blakey Blitz. Andrew Lambe finished 76th, while Danny Gordon took 100th place and with one race remaining, he is guaranteed third position in his over-65 category.
The was an excellent turnout from the club at Sunday’s Hartlepool 5-Mile Road Race, where new club records were claimed by Diane Vaughan (144th, 36:34) in the over-45 category and Julie Jefferies (209th, 40:09) in her over-50 age group. Andrew Kenworthy was the first of 38 Quakers to complete the coastal course. The 31 year old, who only joined the club in September, clocked a swift time of 30:31 to come 30th from 377 finishers. David Todd (48th, 31:51) held off Brian Martin (55th, 32:13) for the second Quaker spot, while Lucy Jefferies (119th, 35:40) was the first lady from the club. Also running for the club were Steve Snook (62nd, 32:48), Dave McLachlan (71st, 33:19), Andrew Knox (80th, 33:56), Billy Harris (95th, 34:25), Simon Wakelin (102nd, 34:33), Scott Green (112th, 35:08), Darren Stockdale (126th, 35:55), Peter Smith (129th, 36:06), Ben Bourne (141st, 36:32), Ian Hammond (142nd, 36:32), Richard Hughes (159th, 37:29), Peter Rowley (171st, 38:05), David Curtis (172nd, 38:05), Wendy Colling (190th, 38:49) Mark Colling (202nd, 39:30), Jackie Nicholls (206th, 39:58), Anthony Corbett (226th, 41:12), Craig Watson (260th, 42:50), Nigel Walker (276th, 43:38), Carol Penney (285th, 44:16), Bev Snook (286th, 44:19), Julie Crocher (305th, 45:38), Sally Singleton (306th, 45:40), Diane Gardner (316th, 47:27), Sandra Martin (326th, 48:13), Kevin Simpson (343rd, 49;50), Susan Limbert (344th, 50:03), Noel McLay (347th, 50:58), Hillary Joyeux (348th, 51:02), Sue Boyle (351st, 51:31), Julie Wears (356th, 52:18) and Bill Frankland (371st, 62:27).
Thanks to David Aspin for the photograph of Danny and apologies to Diane Vaughan for missing her out of the original article. 
Graham Park, of the Quakers Running Club, travelled to West Yorkshire, where he put in a fine performance to finish 144th at the Spen 20 race. Apart from a sharp wind, conditions were reasonable for running, resulting in him clocking 2:47:50 over the hilly twenty mile course.
The club was well represented at the Lightwater Valley 10k; a fundraising event for the Help for Heroes charity. Simon Wakelin (92nd, 47:11) was the first Quaker to complete the multi-terrain course, finishing ahead of Ben Bourne (109th, 47:59), Mark Colling (195th, 51:57), Wendy Colling (195th, 52:33), Michelle Boshier (218th, 54:11) and Julie Whinn (247th, 56:18). Next was Sue Woodcock (271st, 57:35) followed by Suzanne Todd (284th, 58:44), Carol Penney (295th, 59:22), Diane Adkins (305th, 59:52), Sally Eddie (333rd, 62:20), Joanne Evans (368th, 68:46) and Rachel Maddison (384th, 74:59). Sally Singleton also ran, but unfortunately was missed at the end and was not given a time.
With the NYSD Cross Country League season culminating at Richmond, the final standings show the Quakers men’s and ladies’ teams in eighth and ninth places respectively. Lucy Jefferies finished with a flourish to take fourth place in the Senior Ladies’ category, while Steve Snook and Danny Gordon both came sixth in their veteran age groups.
Thanks to Sue New for providing the picture of Graham and Nick in action at the Spen 20.
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Written by Statistician
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Thursday, 01 April 2010 08:34 |
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Congratulations to Diane Vaughan and Julie Jefferies who broke the 5 mile club records for their age categories at Hartlepool on Sunday ! Well done ladies !
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Club Championship - Event 2 |
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Written by Statistician
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Tuesday, 23 March 2010 13:48 |
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Hartlepool Marina - 5 mile race along the sea front, Sunday 28 March. 10.30 start. (And don't forget the clocks go forward !).  Flat and fast with terrific views out to sea. Out and back course. 400 entry limit, entries on the day accepted subject to limit - but usually this is not reached. Second championship event for 2010 - and remember, only current members qualify for points so if you haven't renewed your membership by time the results are calculated . . . . . . 
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 24 March 2010 17:04 |
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Club Championship Event 1: Absent Friends |
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Written by Michael Joyeux
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Sunday, 21 March 2010 21:12 |
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The 2010 Club Championship kicked off at Cowpen Bewley, where fifteen Quakers took part in Sunday February 14th’s Ann Johnson Absent Friends Trail Run. Stephen Jones was the leading Quaker over the boggy five mile course; finishing 23rd in 34:40. But was it enough for him to take home 50 points in the first Championship event of 2010? Click here to download the Quakers Running Club Championship Update Event 1: Absent Friends Trail Race 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, 22 March 2010 08:36 |
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Written by Phil Rutter
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Wednesday, 17 March 2010 07:56 |
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Steve Snook claimed a new over-55 club record at Sunday’s Trimpell 20, where he ran 2:23:34. His quick time earned him 108th place overall and seventh spot in his age group. The Morecambe event, which is used by many runners as a preparation race for spring marathons, saw six Quakers complete the flat Lancashire course. Wayne Bramley was the first home from the club, running well to finish 58th in 2:14:08; just half a minute outside his own over-45 club record, set in 2007. Dave Thompson (162nd, 2:32:44) was on target for a new personal best until he faded over the last couple of miles and fell short by a mere 33 seconds. Next was Peter Rowley (256th, 2:49:49), training for the London Marathon, followed by Mark Robinson (285th) and Peter McCrossan (286th), who were both making their debuts at the distance and crossed the line together in 2:56:00. Race 9 in the Northern Runner winter series was held at Clay Bank East on Sunday. A trio of Quakers enjoyed pleasant weather conditions, which have been a rarity this season. Andrew Lambe, who in recent months has become a familiar sight out on the moors, ran the 5.8 miles in 52:11 to finish 50th. Darren Park launched his athletics comeback by taking 70th place in 58:20. He finished just ahead of Anthony Corbett (71st, 58:26), who warmed up for the race with a run at the Albert Park 5k on the previous day, where he clocked 24:17. Also on Sunday, the final fixture of the NYSD Cross Country League took place at Richmond. Lucy Jefferies (14th), Jackie Nicholls (25th) and Mel McSherry (40th) represented the Quakers in the ladies event, where they beat three other clubs to finish seventh. Dave Whittle (49th) led home the men’s team, ahead of Rob McSherry (68th), Ian Hammond (74th), Danny Gordon (75th) and Ian Scott (80th). Susan Limbert travelled to South Yorkshire for the Norton 9, which she completed in 93:37 to finish 487th. Thanks to David Aspin for providing the photographs. Quakers meet at Carmel School on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30pm.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 March 2010 07:57 |
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Page 10 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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