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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Race Reports & Results
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Race Report: The Quakers Late Summer Invitational Race |
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Written by Michael Joyeux
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Thursday, 26 August 2010 12:39 |
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Click here for the results of the Late Summer Invitational Race!
The Quaker Running Club proudly returned to hosting races on Wednesday with the Late Summer Invitational Race. Originally titled the Sean Connery 80th Birthday Invitational, it was a fun and fast paced event which served as excellent practice for future events.
The race started at the Baydale Beck Pub, with the pub kindly allowing us the use of its car park and facilities, with ample overflow parking at Broken Scar and along the road. With the race being an invitational run, runners registered only for administration purposes. It was refreshingly different having Quakers involved in the registration process, with Diane and April taking charge of form filling and handing out numbers. The race swelled up with lots of regular faces from training, some of whom don’t often race (well done them for coming down!), and some regular faces from other local running clubs. As the clock got nearer to seven o clock, the runners amassed at the start and exchanged banter. The race formalities began with a very comprehensive guide to the course and a brief speech from club chairman Mike Horan. And then... ...we were off... 
The course was along public walkways so we had to be wary of other users of the footpaths, so getting a good running position was important. The front runners steadily all kept together, seemingly unsure of the pace we were going to be taking and who was going to lead. Thankfully, a non Quaker took the lead and sailed off into the distance leaving us all content to spread ourselves out accordingly.
The course was the definition of multi terrain with grass, pavement, silted walkways, mud trails and everything in between! The terrain had a slight undulation to keep us on our toes.The course was extremely well marshalled with marshals spread across the course to offer support and cheers, there was almost a marshal for every runner who took part! Johneven made the effort by wearing a shirt and tie for the occassion, although he did try to point me down Staindrop Road!   The finish of the race was all downhill, passing Ian and Jackie, with a sprint into the layby, with plenty of water and isotonic drinks to replace the sweat outpoured! After the race, better than a goody bag, there were chip butties – proper chips too; a pint of beer and banter in the Baydale Beck Pub. 
Overall, this was a fun race, regardless that I’ve ran the course hundreds of times, it adds a little something extra to run it competitively. It was well worth the trip out and all Quakers should be encouraged to do the race next time. Thank you to the Race Organisational Committee for organising the event; thank you to the marshals for looking after us and cheering us on; and thank you to the Baydale Beck for some brilliant chip butties (and having Summer Lightening on tap). Roll on the next one! Thanks to Michelle for the Photos!
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Last Updated on Friday, 27 August 2010 15:52 |
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Race Report: Coniston Old Man |
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Written by Nick Watson
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Friday, 20 August 2010 12:33 |
Lakeland Country Fair – Coniston Old man A rare blue sky was cursed by many a runner in the Lakeland Country Fair fell race held at Torver, near Coniston. The race was held alongside Cumbrian wrestling, horn blowing(?), a hound show and a bird of prey display (fascinating until the falcon decided to b*gger off). The ‘out and back race’ was described as 6.5 miles from the showground to the top of Coniston Old Man and back. About 90% of the runners were sporting local club vests, so I knew I was in for a comprehensive drubbing. The race trotted along in sedate single file along footpaths and farm tracks until away from civilised view, the route turned ugly. Managing to cling on to a pack of local vests, I took small comfort in the fact that all of us had to hunker forward in a laboured ‘hands on knees’ grind up the first climb. Of many. ‘It must be just beyond the next ridge’ was my silent mantra as sweat dripped, lungs burst and blisters brewed. After 30 minutes of vertical calf cruelty, the lead runner bounced over the nearest ridge towards us ascenders, giving false hope to all that the summit was at hand. Several ridges later I was heaving up cola bottles as I tipped a nod at a marshal, fell onto the trig point at the top to ‘touch the summit’ then turned to go back down. The view of lake Coniston was awesome. But the lack of sensation or voluntary control of my legs rather diverted my attention. Having no choice but to trust luck and my faithful Walshes, I maintained a controlled fall down the 1:2 gradient slope littered with rocks and slate until I lost the runner in front. After making a scenic detour through the bracken, I spotted other runners below and managing to pick up the trail back to the show field. Staggering over the finish in 1 hour and twenty, my legs gave way and I was unable to stand for at least 30 minutes (whilst I was fed cake). By then the falcon had returned and a fat, drunk bloke ‘who fancied a go’ had trounced all the serious competitors to win the Cumbrian wrestling. Quite an eventful day all round. Yes, it was hard and yes, I still can’t walk down stairs 3 days later. And yes, it’s difficult to understand the appeal. But once the shock subsides, it’s then that you truly appreciate participating in such a unique Cumbrian event as the Lakeland Country Fair.
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Race Report: Guisbrough Grunt Fell Race |
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Written by Mark Colling
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Thursday, 19 August 2010 16:16 |
6.1 miles didn't sound too bad when I looked at the details for the latest race in the Summer Fell Series - even the 980 feet of elevation didn't seem too daunting. A few other Quakers thought the same, with 12 of us on the start line (quite a low turnout by our standards, especially for a Championship Race). The race got underway at about 7:20, which was a little later than scheduled, due to people still registering, and the requirement for a few detailed instructions to make sure no-one got lost. The first mile was quite straightforward, albeit busy, with my Garmin giving me a time of 9:13 - so far so good. The second mile saw the field thinning out, and a section of a relatively flat single-file trail keeping the pace steady, my Garmin giving a time of 8:30 - no problems so far. During the third mile, the reason for the race being called Grunt+ became apparent with a near vertical slope that was more of a climb than anything else, my trusty Garmin showing 18:14 - ouch!! Mile four was undulating, and wouldn't have posed much of a problem, had it not followed the Grunt - 9:51 on the Garmin. During mile five, the trail leveled out more or less, and headed out to the moors (and a lot of flies!) - Garmin says 9:03. Mile six saw the trail loop back on itself as the cinder path petered out to a sheep path through the heather which became harder and harder to be certain of (by this point I had made the mistake of overtaking the runners ahead of me who knew the way - 9:24 including a few stops to scratch my head and consult the map. Mile seven (not bad for a 6.1 miler!), brought us off the moors, and back into Guisborough Woods, zig-zagging our way down the slope, and passing two Quakers who had got lost, and were having to retrace their steps - again, lots of map referral slowed the pace to 10:16, even though it was downhill. The last quarter of a mile was easy, being on a road and downhill - despite chatting to a fellow runner who had pointed me in the right direction a few times, the pace was a respectable 7:53 without having to try too hard.  The finish line had a few Quakers waiting, some who I expected to see, and some who I didn't - in all, two had to drop out due to injury, and four did not compete the course after getting lost, and the dark closing in, making completion too risky. All in all, an enjoyable race which required an element of map reading, together with a head for heights - definitely worth a reccy if running it next year.
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Race Report: Thunder Run 24 |
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Written by Dave Thompson
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Monday, 09 August 2010 13:04 |
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Not to be outdone, the following race report was sent in by Dave Thompson. Following all the nice comments people have said about the other write up, I'm sure this one will go down equally well! As Dave said, next year... Annette Clarke and myself entered this event at the last minute.Therefore we,unlike team Roy and Co,did not arrive until the Saturday morning courtesy of John Clarke.In comparison we were more "team slumming it" tents took all of 5 minutes to erect of course we did not have a seperate mess tent,massage tent,kitchen tent,zen zone tent,I want to be alone tent,butlers tent etc.Were we jealous you bet we were. 
After registration and picking up tee shirts time to fuel up ,bacon buttyand fat rascal,we decided as with all races we must agree a strategy to avoid a complete fiasco.First major decision who goes first,and gets blown into the weeds by all the racing snakes in the 5 and 8 man teams.Easy solved according to my team colleague I had the baton(plastic wristband)in my registration pack so it had to be me.After that I suggested the revolutionary idea of I will do a lap then you do one.That was thrown out as to simplistic.
After a brainstorming session,that did not take long,we came up with a cunning plan, which Baldrick would have been proud off,in order to get some shut eye during the night from lap ten starting at approx 9:00pm we would each run two double laps,giving the non runner two hours rest,reverting back to single laps after sun up.John then had the dubious task of holding on to this masterplan,to ensure when we got knackered we would know what we were doing and making sure non of the other teams picked up on this earth shattering strategy.Agreed an initial taget of 24 laps. After a race briefing complete with demonstration of how to pass a plastic wristband from one runner to the next,what we go though for our sport,the first runners were sent on their way at 14:00 over the 10K course. In all through all the categories 201 teams started the race.Racing snakes being very much to the fore leaving us mere mortals eating dust.On a twisty hilly course one first lap being completed in a shade over 34 mins(bloody hell) I got dragged along with the usual mad dash on the first lap in a never to be repeated 49 mins.The race quickly settled down wristbands being exchanged without any mistakes,please note GB spint relay teams.The rest between laps enough to fuel up on the norm bannanas,mars bars,flapjacks and to change into dry kit,must be a better way of securing numbers than safety pins. Via the chip timing the organisers were able to provide a leader board for all the categories plus by entering your number into a gizmo you also received your individual performance.Thus we were dead chuffed to see we were initialy in 7th place in the mixed pairs out of 18 teams, soon rising to 6th after the 5th lap.The only problem was that you had no idea who were in the teams that were ahead of you.No problem with the other teams recognising us as we had Quakers RC plastered over several changes of Kit.John was therefore sent undercover to suss out the opposition. All was going well until the dreaded double laps as darkness fell.Having done races through the night before had no problem running in the dark but I usually have company,on this you were on your own.What made it much worse is that the runners from 8 and 5 teams still going hell for leather kept zooming past you with monotoness regularity which gave you a total inferiority complex.
Evil thoughts of sticking a leg out and blaming the trip on a tree root had to be supressed.By 2:00 am our hopes of completing 24 laps were beginning to slide. However by dawn after the last of the double laps we had reached 4th spot the others suffering more than us.This gave us a much needed boost and the lap times came down.John had by this time a good idea of the teams who were ahead of us and tactfully put it that we were definately more experienced and although we were not looking great they by comparison were looking like shi**.
As the race reached its conclusion we were now up to the dizzy heights of 2nd.More spying revealed one of our closest rivals had been got at by a wasp(note to self for future) and was out of the frame.In the changeover pen before her last lap Annette was collared by the lady team member in 3rd who quizzed her on how was it going etc.Although by now entering the completely knackered stage after the changeover Annette flew the first K like a ferrett up a tramps trousers which totally deflated the opposition and secured the 2nd place. 
So in conclusion we completed 22 laps 137 miles.After 12 years of this running malarky this is the first trophy I have won albeit 2nd the winners completed 25 laps.So I was grinning like a cheshire cat and what was even more pleasing it would seem our team, combined age 106,was not as youthfull as the majority of the opposition.Slowly slowly catchy monkey.
Agree totally with all Michael's comments re the organisation etc.A really fantastic event. This is a must for a Quaker blitz next year.Points to consider. - *Get on Roys team the facilities are fantastic.
- *Ensure everyone in your team has the same goals.
- *Agree a strategy.
- *Bring plenty of Kit.
- *Just in case bring your own wasp
Dave T
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Last Updated on Monday, 09 August 2010 13:04 |
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Darlington 10k - August 8th 2010 |
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Written by Wayne
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Sunday, 08 August 2010 19:23 |
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Well I'm pleased to say that I got it completely wrong when I said we'd probably fall short of the 73 finishers that we had in last years race - we totally smashed our best ever race entry with a fantastic 82 members crossing the finish line in this mornings race, we have 79 listed in the official results, two members who ran without timing chips and therefore weren't recorded in them (could you both please provide your times for Julie's press report) and one other who handed me a membership form this morning and so is identified as unattached. Well done to each and everyone of you for creating yet another landmark in Quakers RC's 15 year history. As if the above wasn't reason enough to celebrate at the Quaker 'Coffee'??? House, Dawn Richardson, Lucy Jefferies and Jackie Nicholls took the second place ladies team prize, congratulations and well done goes out to each of them. Thanks also to all those members who turned out to give support all round the course (and I mean all round), this really helped especially on the second lap. Finally a big thank you to Mark and Wendy Colling, Melanie McSherry and Jill Wallis for removing around 1100 race chips from competitors trainers, I know your efforts were appreciated by all who finished the race. Julie Jefferies has asked me to remind you all to let her know of any PB's recorded ASAP as she has to submit the press report by Tuesday evening if we are to make it into this week's Herald & Post and Northern Echo. A brilliant day for the club and one for which you should all feel justifiably proud.
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Last Updated on Monday, 09 August 2010 12:45 |
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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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Race Reports
