The Quaker’s Running Club celebrated its fifteenth anniversary on Saturday with a black tie ball at the Croft Spa Hotel. Although the majority of Quakers are mostly found in less grand attire - trainers, shorts and vests – they all got scrubbed up to celebrate 15 years of running.

Formed originally with a membership of just six and operating out of a shed at the back of Cleveland Bridge, Mike Horan, Club Chairman, stressed during his speech how far the club had come in the last 15 years. Never one to miss an occasion to make a grand speech, Mike talked how proud he was that in the last five years the club has blossomed into one of the largest running clubs in the North East of England.

So here’s a “Race Report” for a presentation evening...

Signing up for the Presentation Evening was a doddle, cash or cheques were given to organiser Dawn Richardson either at the club or through the post. Dawn did a great job publicising the event (and organising the venue).
Getting to the start of the evening was easy, with those not drinking providing lifts. Although it has to be said, some people were holding out for 50 points at Raby Castle the following day. The refreshments were super tasty and well portioned, these came into play roughly after two trips to the drink station. A special mention goes to the Butternut Squash soup and Sticky Toffee Pudding - both were superb!

Once the drinking and eating subsided, the dancing began! The ladies showed off their moves whilst the men built up their dutch courage. However by the end of the evening, even the staunchest and hardened non dancers/runners were on their feet.

An excellent evening was had by all, by the end of the night I think I might have sweated more than I did at Edinburgh – dancing and a bow tie will do that to you! Here’s to the 20th in five years time!

If you have any photos from the event, if you could please burn them onto disc and give them to Michael on any of the club nights, he’ll out them into the Quakers Photo Gallery. Thanks to Dawn and Steve for the photos provided so far.

Click here to view the photos from the Quakers Ball