The seasonal Poultry Run in Loftus saw 10 Quakers on the start line for the 8 mile multi-terrain race. Nick Wadd put in a good performance to be first home for the club in 53:29 with Colin Wild (57:20) and David Todd (59:05) also running well to take 2nd and 3rd positions. Michael Wray (62:19) and Peter Rowley (62:44) completed a good day’s racing for the Quakers’ men. Louise Trainor enjoyed yet another victory for the Quakers’ women with her 60:08 finish time while Abbie Hull can also be pleased with her 70:25 finish time. Little separated Julie Whinn (75:57) and Sandra Cass (76:02) with Diane Adkins following in 81:55.

The Tour de Helvellyn, a tough 38 miler over remote, unmarked Lakeland trails, was a must for Quakers’ endurance runners, Dave Thompson, Charlie Bogg and Annette Clarke. With plenty of snow underfoot and daylight hours at a minimum, it was never going to be any easy feat. A couple of navigational errors towards the end cost the three valuable time, but they pressed on to complete the race in just over 12 hours, still quite an achievement given the terrain and conditions.  

Ten Quakers joined in the festivities at this year’s Jolly Holly Jog in Ripon, a 10k trail race which takes in Studley Royal Deer Park. Colin Wild was first Quaker home in 44:56 over the muddy 10k course followed by Steve Snook (48:34) and Peter Rowley (50:53). Peter McCrossan was next Quaker to cross the finish line in 52:03 with Anthony Corbett following in 55:12. Michelle Boshier led the Quaker’s women home in 58:25 followed by John Whinn (61:09), Sandra Cass (61:30), Diane Gardner (66:02) and Lorraine Porter (73:47).

Guisborough Woods Fell Race was the perfect antidote for the Christmas excesses with 1000 feet of climbing along its 6 mile route. Mark Robinson and Darren Stockdale took time out of their Christmas schedules to take part in the race, finishing in 52:50 and 59:36 respectively. The fells beckoned again on New Year’s Day, this time with runners taking part in the Captain Cook’s Races which summits at Captain Cook’s Monument. Lucy Jefferies took 47:37 to complete the 5.5 mile with its 750 feet of ascent with Stuart Hardcastle following in 48:29. 

Quakers’ endurance runners are increasing in numbers and this was demonstrated on New Year’s Day when eleven Quakers represented the club in the Hardmoors 30. Charlie Bogg, Annette Clarke, Dave Thompson, Michelle Boshier, Sandra Cass, Anthony Corbett, Andrew Lambe, Abbie Hull, Roy MacDougall, Wendy Colling and Mark Colling completed the 30 mile circular route which took in Whitby and Robin Hoods Bay before returning to the start point at Ravenscar.