Darlington Quakers Running Club Late Summer Invitational Race

Darlington Quakers Running Club hosted its Late Summer Invitational Race last week with a 5.5 mile circular race starting at the Baydale Beck pub in the west end of Darlington. The multi-terrain run was organised by the Quakers as a blue print for future runs and the good turnout of Quakers and runners from local clubs was an indication that the run could become a permanent fixture in the racing calendar. First home was Richard Laider from Shildon Running and Athletics Club in an excellent time of 34:21 followed by Tim Makin from Durham Fell Runners in 34:53 and Nick Watson from Quakers in 35:26. Michael Joyeux, nursing a fractured hand supported by a sling, put in a plucky performance to finish 6th for Quakers in a time of 37:38. Lucy Jefferies was first woman home for the Quakers and took the women’s first prize overall in 39:45, closely followed by Gail Bell from Sedgefield Harriers in 40:03 and Susan Milburn from Newton Aycliffe Athletic Club in 41:45.  The post- race prize giving in the Baydale Beck, complete with chip butties, rounded off what was a successful and enjoyable evening for all concerned. Many thanks for the hard work put in by the race organisers: Anthony Corbett, Richard Payne and Stuart Hardcastle and the many Quakers who officiated or marshalled the course.

Mark Robinson and Craig Watson both flew the flag for the Quakers when they took part in races further afield. Mark, who is training hard to recapture his pre Edinburgh Marathon form, was the sole entrant for the club in last weekend’s Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon which he completed in a very respectable 1:45:34. Over in the northwest, Craig Watson took part in the Fleetwood Half Marathon. The extremely windy conditions, whipping up sand into the faces of the runners along the sea front, were not conducive to personal bests, but Craig battled the elements to finish in a good 1:58:36.