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.