Race Reports & Results
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Race Report: Brass Monkey |
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Written by Michael Joyeux
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Sunday, 24 January 2010 18:45 |
 Knavesmire Harrier's Brass Monkey Half Marathon: 24th January 2010
With the best intentions and well thought out plans, things inevitably don’t work out exactly as you planned. So while I’m doped up on Ibuprofen and having consumed a swimming pool full of Lucozade I thought I’d type up a race review of the Brass Monkey.  The informal chatter around the Brass Monkey in the weeks leading up to the event promised a flat course which would be ideal for half marathon personal bests; the weather would be ideal; the long nature of the race would kick of marathon training perfectly and there was the potential to be some good goodies at the end.
Having hitched a lift from Mark and Wendy (thanks to them for the lift and the running tunes on the stereo!) I avoided the coach, which was going to be visiting York for post race food and drinks, to avoid the inevitable drinking. I have no doubt that on route to the race, the coach probably broke down and may or may not have been sent through a black hole – as is the tradition on Quaker Club trips. The parking at the event was plentiful and there was loads of room for cars. The early start and convenient location meant that it was easy to navigate through with ease, avoiding all the traffic and students which York normally offers. There were loads of people milling around at the start, tea and coffee was reasonably priced and there was ample seating and toileting for all involved. Putting your bag into storage was quick and easy, as was getting your chip. It seems bizarre to me how so many races make a mess of chips and bags when the Knavesmire Harriers made it look so simple. Tees Pride, I’m looking at you! There were two young ladies from Lucozade peddling “free sports science advice”, which basically meant freebies. They were surro unded by Quakers grabbing “free sports science advice”, although Brian and Dave didn’t look too pleased with the taste. The race itself didn’t disappoint. Everyone went to the right pens quickly and easily, although I think there wasn’t enough room in the sub 1:30 pen as it was consistently passing people up until my little accident. The race was as flat as promised, with very little surface water. The light drizzle helped to keep things cool, whilst there was no wind in any direction. The race was extremely well marshalled, who shouted us all on through shouting our club names, whilst warning us to “keep to the left!!!”. I didn’t understand why I couldn’t have my iPod on me, there’s certainly been other races with more road time where we’ve been allowed MP3 players. I personally missed my music! The mile markers were accurate and my Garmin satisfyingly bleeped within seconds of approaching a marker and the water stations were well staffed and maintained. The finish was quick and breezey, with my gun time matching my Garmin and the chip time down to about ten seconds. The prize was a decent sweat shirt, which joins the rest of the cotton tops I wear when gardening and a goodie bag with some chocolate and energy gel.  From informal chat, Dave Todd, Mark Robinson and Brian Martin all had tremendous runs. Smashing their previous personal bests! Dave Todd being first “mortal” Quaker home behind Alister Tatham in a cracking time of 1:26 and Mark taking 8 minutes from his previous half marathon PB! I’m sure that more Quakers broke their own records and congratulations are deserved to all who took part and finished!
Overall, a superb well organised race which is well worth running! Definitely going to do this one again! Photos thanks to Flaming Photography Results for the Race are available on UKresults If you have any thoughts, ideas or would just like to add something, why not add a comment below? [For registered users only]
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Last Updated on Sunday, 24 January 2010 18:49 |
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Written by Statistician
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Wednesday, 30 December 2009 14:25 |
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After the continuous freezing temperatures and snow my first thought was checking the Ripon Runners website to see if the race was cancelled. No such luck - just a disclaimer saying it was icy, slippery and if you didn't want to run, then walk ! The cricket club car park was only 3 inches deep in snow - which made for wet feet before setting off on the 10 minute walk to the start. Pure packed ice made that an adventure in itself, especially with the steep path to the field where the race began. This field was snow covered with a nice icy surface, apart from the areas where people had walked in the preceeding week and turned it into solid ice ! The organisers gave a pep talk before the run - just go out and enjoy yourself after all you could fall over and break a leg walking in Ripon town centre ! Highly motivational  The course was simple - snow, deep snow, ice, packed ice, solid ice - a few metres of tarmac (covered in black ice) and slippery bits. It was more survival than competition - and having to be helped across a narrow footbridge one person at a time was bizarre. I thoroughly enjoyed it - fell over only once - though tried many more times, managed a personal worst by nearly 3 minutes and would go and do it tomorrow if it was on again ! Many took part in the traditional Quakers picnic afterwards - mulled wine, mince pies etc. Another great turn out, around 30 despite the weather. Well done all !
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 30 December 2009 17:05 |
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Race Report: Thirsk 10 Mile Race |
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Written by Michael Joyeux
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Sunday, 29 November 2009 18:42 |
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And this is where it ends, the penultimate race of this year’s club championship. The second year in a row where Thirsk has played a part in the final result - Wayne and Brian would battle it out. Of course none of this mattered to myself and the other hardy band of Quakers who had made the trip down to Thirsk for the Thirsk 10 mile race, organised by Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers. The drive down to Thirsk really told the story for how the race would enfold, puddles of standing water and lashing rain made me slightly scared for my safety in my little yellow car. Luckily enough, I was stupid enough to drive down at silly o clock and there was nothing on the right hand side of the road, so I straddled the middle and arrived in good time. Car parking was well organised and plentiful with spillage parking (and shopping) available at the nearby Lidl and Tescos. The field must have been well drained as it seemed drier than the roads!? There was an abundance of runners milling around quite early on with lots of families taking part in the fun run. No such fun however for those of us attempting the 10 miler, I signed up, picked up my chip and waited for more Quakers to arrive. The refreshments were on the steep side, I wondered about the T&S harrier’s coffers as I handed over £1 for a cup of tea – I suppose if Costa can charge that... Despite the warnings on the website, it seemed there was an abundance of entries available on the day and well over a hundred people seemed to have signed up. Always a good sign! There were loads of Quakers starting to congregate in the Grimlock hall. Talk was of the championship and the rain as we waited for 11am to arrive. As I was starting my warm up Dave warned me about my iPod, which was apparently banned in this race. Not wanting to risk disqualification, I threw it back in the car; just in case! The race itself started with a mass gathering in the stand of the race course. All the runners, there were loads of us, were shepherded through a small gate to make our way to the start line. I took the opportunity to sneak behind the woodshed and make myself a little lighter before starting a brisk jog to the start line. There wasn’t enough room for the sheer mass of people who were crowded at the start, I had to walk along a hedgerow to the sub 70 minute “pen” (bloke holding a sign). I could hear discussions about “the start” and suddenly we were off! No warning, no gun, no noise, just off! Many of us started our watches long before we went over the chip timing pads, which weren’t very clearly visible. The start was a absolute mess with about ¾ of puddles and standing water making it dangerous as people weaved through puddles looking for dry terra firma. I was clipped twice and almost went tumbling! The race soon spread out and by mile two, everything and everyone was nicely spread out. Sans iPod and sans crowds or people, it was very much an atmosphere of hedgerows. Running down B roads is hardly thrilling, but I guess that’s the price of a good quick 10 mile race! I noticed quite quickly, that my Garmin wasn’t lapping on the mile markers. Normally it’s a good couple of metres out, but it was sometimes about 100-200 metres in front of the marker!? I used this as a positive and continued running hard. Shortly after mile seven, we turned up a road and headed up for the loop. I like loops, especially long ones, as I was able to see all the front runners coming in and cheer when I saw other Quakers coming back through! This really helped for the last mile. The final mile was a good long run, flat and very quick paced! There were supporters cheering us on and it was great to finish! As a bit of a techy I loved the “beep” I got when I crossed the line! Finished with a new ten mile PB, which I was very happy with! The T shirt at the end was decent enough and there was loads of free water! I congratulated Wayne for his race and championship win. Dave, Brian, Noel and Steve were the other front runners looking suitably tired and proud of themselves. Overall, the race served the purpose of being a fast 10 miler with bags of PB potential. On a sunnier/drier day the conditions would have been perfect! The organisers would probably admit the start was a little unorganised, but with the sheer mass of people for such a small race it could be expected. The course, although uninspiring, was varied enough and as a welcome change from some of the more urban road races. I enjoyed myself and will return next year to will return next year for sure!
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Last Updated on Sunday, 29 November 2009 18:45 |
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Written by Steve Snook
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Wednesday, 04 November 2009 21:23 |
Cross Country Fixtures 2009-2010According to the BBC: When people think of cross country running, they often picture a group of skinny people sweating profusely as they compete for first place. Although this image is for the most part correct, it is also sadly lacking in an understanding of the sport. Cross country is not a sport concerned with mindless running. It is, in fact, full of strategy and thought. The Quaker's compete in the NYSD League in events held around the North East. We encourage all club members to take part in what can be excellent training; working towards conditioning both mentally and physically. Date | Competition | Venue | Info /Results | | 11th Oct | NYSD League | Croft Autodrome no u11 | Details Results | | 25th Oct | NYSD League | McCain Sports Ground, Scarborough | Details Results | | 15th Nov | NYSD League | Upsall Hall (Flatts Lane Country Park) | Details Results | | 6th Dec | NYSD League | Summerhill, Hartlepool no u11 | | | 12th Dec | NE Championships | Branksome SchoolDarlington | Course details | | 17th Jan | NYSD League | Caedmon School, Whitby | | | 7th Feb | NYSD League | Acklam Grange no u11 | | | 14th Mar | NYSD League | Richmond Racecourse | |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 November 2009 10:28 |
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Race Report: McCain’s Yorkshire 10k Scarborough 11.10.09 |
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Written by Jeff Marriott
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Friday, 16 October 2009 08:59 |
McCain’s Yorkshire 10k Scarborough 11.10.09 There was no problems for Caroline or myself to be up early for this race in Scarborough, Robert was already awake for 6am, so it was just a case of getting our kit on and sorting the 1001 things you need when taking a baby anywhere (all parents will know what I mean) I loaded up the car with bags and buggy and off we went to sunny Scarborough, though I did not realise how far away it was from Darlington. Though the journey was fine until the Satnav had a nervous breakdown because the road it wanted to take was shut, because of the race. So after a bit a guide tour of the back streets of Scarborough we found the Spa, but had to park further away from the start than we really wanted to., because of this we had a 10min power walk to the Spa to collect the Race chip. The Spa The hall was well set up with numbered tables corresponding to your race number where you collected your champion chip and more tables for bag storage and also an area for pre & post race massage and there were plenty of toilets but no changing facilities The course The race is a straight out and back course along the coast road starting & finishing at The spa (south beach)going passed the amusements and the castle up to the north beach before a u turn and back down the other side of the road. The race The start area was quite congested with over 800 runners and a lot of spectators, the race started right on 10:00am with Sally Gunnell sounding the hooter, before competing in the race, the pace was a slow at the start with everyone having to squeeze though the start/finish banner to cross the timing maps. I started near the back with Robert in the buggy, trying to avoid runners legs as the first km was quite slow once the field started to break up with the marshal’s getting the runners to use both sides of the road, right from the start the support was really good plenty of clapping and Robert was getting loads of cheers from the younger spectators. After about 3k the tarmac changed to cobbles which was an effort for me to push the buggy, but Robert enjoyed all the bouncing about .At 4k there was a slight incline at which I achieved the ultimate runners dream we overtook Olympic finalist Iwan Thomas and Olympic champion Sally Gunnell, Robert gave them a wave as he cruised past , we had now settled in to a 5min Km pace, The front runners were already on their way back with the winner clocking a sub 32min, at the turn round point at 5 km I thought I would get the benefit of the sea breeze we had been running into, no such luck as always the wind the changed direction but with course being slightly down hill to finish. I was very pleased with the sub 50min time though Robert thought we could have been quicker if had used the slick tyres instead of the intermediates. There were plenty of helpers giving out water and bananas while you queued for a cotton t-shirt and a disappointing goody bag no sweeties only leaflets’ and information on Scarborough though the bag is reusable. Conclusion I will defiantly be including this race again in next year’s 10k leagues, would make good club trip Pros - Very fast course definite PB possibilities
- CampionChip (so correctly timed)
- 2 water stations on the course
- Traffic free and very well marshalled
- Good parking
- Great support on the whole course
- Plenty of Toilets
- Baggage storage
- Post race services
- Fish n Chips and the beach afterwards
Cons - No changing /showers facilities
- Cotton Tee (should be technical now days)
- Poor goody bag
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Last Updated on Friday, 16 October 2009 09:01 |
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15 years of the Quakers Running Club
Quakers 15th Anniversary BallSaturday 29th May 2010
To celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the founding of the Quakers Running Club, the club are holding a celebration ball for all current and past members. To celebrate the great races ran, the fantastic training, the personal bests, the unthinkable achievements and of course the blisters, muscle strains, dodgy knees and drunken slip ups. Thanks to Dawn Richardson for organising the event, for more information please click here.
Races coming up
A few races you might like to try!
The Tees Valley Trail Race Series15th April 2010 - Preston Park, Eaglescliffe
29th April 2010 - Pinchinthorpe Visitors Centre, Nr Guisborough
13th May 2010 - Newham Grange Leisure Farm, Coulby Newham M/Bro Newham Grange, Coulby Newham
27th May 2010 - Hemlington Recreation Centre, Hemlington, M/Bro
10th June 2010 - Acklam Grange School, Acklam, M/Bro (TBC)
24th June 2010 - Wynyard Walkways Visitor Centre (Handicap Race) - All races are approx. 5KM (3.1 miles) and are suitable for all levels of runners from total beginner upwards.
- Races to be entered on the night only. Registration opens at 18:30 and all races start at 19:15.
 The Durham Dales Challenge The entry forms for the Durham Dales Challenge are now available, the Durham Dales Challenge is a 16 (or 30 if you’re mental) mile walk/run which takes place on the Durham Dales. You have to navigate to five points on the map and then return to the start. The route takes you along some stunning parts of the countryside and covers a massive range of terrain. With undulating dips and long stretches of vegetation it is the definition of “different”. This race is a must enter, the Quakers managed 15 entrants last year and it’d be great to see the race packed out with more club vests! Here are some random quotes from last year’s entrants... "I have just got into off road running and found the race challenging and enjoyable. The check points are a great thing and make the whole thing less tedious and the volunteers at these stops were great with offers of cakes and other treats along the way."
Sarah Beadle "The scenery, challenge, route, great check point help and the pies and peas were the best. Best race of the year, loved it."
Michael Joyeux "Best organisation ever on any event done, could not improve."
Gareth Williams You can download a ZIP file with both parts of the entry form by clicking here.
Latest items on the discussion forum - why not join in?
Member Spotlight
This month's member spotlight is on our Club Secretary, Wayne Bramley. How did you get into running and why? I used to enjoy playing 5 a-side football until a broken ankle and six weeks in plaster prompted a re-think, one of the first races I remember doing was the 10 mile Cummins Football Section Fun Run way back in 1981, I followed this up with the Northern Life / Green Howards Assault Course Run which I seem to recall involved a 5k run followed by a full assault course, rope swings / monkey bars / water etc. great fun! What kept you going when you first started running? In 1988, a friend at work talked me in to entering the Great North Run, it was held in July back then and was known as ‘the peoples race’ that was where my running career truly started, well sort of! I trained for the three months leading up to it, ran it, and then had nine months recovery!! And year on year for many years that was it, a yearly half marathon with the occasional Darlington 10k thrown in for good measure.
How much training do you typically do? If I’m honest probably not enough! It really depends on what my plans are and the races that I’m aiming for. Marathons have occupied a lot of my time in recent years so the weekly mileage can get quite high (I’ve lost count on how many times I’ve said “never again” then signed up for another one a week later…..well! nobody believes me now anyway!) last year I tried to concentrate a bit more on shorter races and got by on club sessions with a couple of runs in the region of five or six miles during the week and around a 10 to 15 miler on a weekend.
Be honest, do you enjoy training?
Does anyone?? Marathon training can become particularly tedious, knowing that when you get home from work that you have to go out and do yet another training run, it’s all too easy to get bored (especially if training alone) but I really do enjoy the camaraderie found at the club on training nights, working with the rest of the guys to get the most that we can out of the training sessions.
How does it feel to have (jointly) won the club Championship this year?
Obviously I’m really pleased for both myself and Brian, he’s had a tremendous year. It’s been a fantastic championship in 2009 with individuals battling for positions not just at the top of the table but from the top all the way down to the bottom and respect to everyone that played a part. Overall though I think the real winner has been the club; the numbers we’ve had turning out at races has been brilliant to see and really got Quakers noticed wherever we went.
What's your aim for 2010? The Edinburgh Marathon in May will be my last chance to have a go at the O/45’s club record (2:52:24) I’d like to get in to the best shape possible to give it one last shot before moving in to a new age group in June.
What is your favourite race/distance/terrain?
I have to admit that for me there is something very special about the London Marathon and although Amsterdam’s marathon didn’t go quite according to plan, I really enjoyed the course, starting and finishing in the Olympic Stadium certainly added to the event.
What's your idea of running heaven?
The sun is shining, the birds are singing and you’re in that groove where you feel like you could run all day (I just wish I could remember the last time it happened!)
What's your idea of running hell?
Trying to keep up with Dawn Richardson on a 20 mile training run! (Only kidding Dawn, honest!!)
Any advice to newcomers?
“Be patient” it doesn’t happen over night, you have to work at it, we’ve all been there so don’t get disheartened and improvement will come with time, try to find a training partner and remember that “hard work + rest = success!! hard work + hard work = breakdown!!” Dawn R lent me a book on motivation recently and this one stuck in my mind “Those who believe they can and those who believe they can’t are both right”
How do you prepare for a race?
I usually have everything sorted the night before, Number pinned to vest and kit all laid out ready for the next morning, there’s nothing worse than getting a couple of miles down the road and suddenly thinking “where’s???”
Best way to relax/reward yourself after a race?
Usually a nice hot bath (to feel human again) followed by the odd beer or two (I’m easily pleased!)
How did you end up doing so much for the club?
That’s a good question! I joined Quakers in 1998 when it was still a relatively small club, I knew Keven and Keith Shevels (two of our founder members) from Harriers days and I suppose I got involved right from the start by negotiating a move from Cleveland Bridge’s ground where Quakers was based to Hummersknott School; the rest is history as they say. From the work done on a daily basis for the club through to ‘Race for Life’ I get a lot of satisfaction from ‘making things happen’ and continuously look for ways to take Quakers forward and to give our members what they want from the club.
How do you feel about the growth of Quakers, especially as we push on towards the 300 members mark?
Hopefully the continued growth of the club means that we have the recipe right, other than our excellent website and press reports we don’t go out of our way to advertise our presence, so word of mouth must also play a big part. We don’t force membership on people; they join because they want to – to be part of a great club.
What would you like to see happen next with Quakers? We like to keep our options open and are always willing to listen to any proposals put forward, we’ve got one or two irons in the fire at present which may or may not come to anything but the one overwhelming thing that came out of last years AGM was that which ever road Quakers follows it must never lose its identity or its ethos, the elements that make Quakers what it is today.
What is the best part of the club in your opinion?
Without doubt the friendliness of its members and also its ability to help people change their lives for the better.
Apple, Water, Banana or Mars bar in your ideal goodie bag?
I don’t have a sweet tooth and definitely don’t do the 5 a day thing so I guess it has to be water (just as long as it’s been processed by the Guinness brewery first!!)
And finally, what is it with you and hills?
I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about, anything said about my dislike of hills is nothing but a malicious rumour spread about in the main “by me”! (being a self confessed member of the Flat Earth Society and all) actually it hasn’t always been like that, I did many Fell races in the early days, Doctors Gate, Guisborough Woods and St John’s Chapel to name but a few. Back in 2002, I was fortunate enough to record my one and only race win, ‘The Hamsterley Forest Jubilee 10k’ which I’m sure anyone who ran it will tell you is ‘an undulating trail race’ so I guess it’s just that as I’ve grown older I’ve developed this insurmountable fear of heights and therefore stick to the flatter races!!!
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Race Reports
