Now running is a very odd sport, it can be done for competition or for pleasure. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been taking part in quite a few different races across many different distances and terrains and each one has offered something quite unique to my racing experience.

On the coast, in Redcar we were treated on Good Friday to the New Marske Mermaid 10k – part of the Club Championship and 10k leagues. It was a pedal to the metal kind of run, a route which I have ran no less than seven times and I’ve got five medals and a really nice coaster to prove it! The run was a fast one, loads of support all around the route but there was never any question about the purpose of this run. Run 10km as fast as you can – PBs await! We were also put through our paces on almost the same route on the Spring Coast Road 5km run (another race route I’ve done well over ten times?!), another PB hammering race on the tarmac and pavement! After both races, pints and fish and chips were a compulsory part of the event! The now, semi traditional, drinking session afterwards is certainly ample reward for the run!

Now where as the pavements were flat and fast, the Esk Valley Carlton Challenge offered something completely different. The route was thrillingly quick at the start and the mad dash was exhilarating up and down the trails; through forests, paths, woods and mud leading to the upwards sprawl up the Jacob’s Ladder. Then however, the pace lessened and we trudged up the rocky path for a couple of miles of steep hills before descending at a ferocious speed to the finish. Another championship race out of the way and points scored all round!

The following week, to combine the hills and views of the Charlton Challenge (well maybe more slanty than hilly) with the Mermaid, we travelled across to the scenic Kirby Moorside 10k. A lovely drive on a Sunday through lush green countryside, littered with yellow rapeseed flowers awaited us. We reached the startline in the midst of a massive village festival! After a quick sampling of beer from the local Spar – Red Stripe, hooray beer! – we found out that the first 2.5 miles were all uphill! We joined the startline and off we went! The hills flew past and we were quickly heading down again! In contrast to the other races mentioned, this was a 10k league race, rather than a championship one. So I only had to be in front of Messers Todd and Jakeman, rather than pulling the pedal to the metal and flogging myself. So it was a lovely chance to enjoy a jog out in racing colours.

The next day, the Tees Barrage! A popular race amongst local 10k aficionados. It was warm, fast and as fleas on a stick. We all started strong and did two long laps which ensured that the majority of runners didn’t get lapped by those horrid quick and speedy runners at the front. Again, it was lovely to see so many Quakers out in White and Black wearing the club colours! With someone commenting that “you’re taking over every race”! Another T shirt in the drawer which led us to...

...Ripon ten miles. Which was like Kirbymoorside, with extra hills, another 3 miles and heat. Another championship race so another good turn out and a pile of Quakers on a bus (there’s a joke in that somewhere!). A fantastically tough and challenging race, which finished with some excellent performances including Ian’s phenomenal sprint finish!

Now racing might appear quite daunting for a lot of people who turn up one night on a Tuesday or Thursday, but as the numbers of Quakers of all different abilities show there is something to be gained from having a go and taking part. With the Championship and 10k League events giving everyone something to compete for. Or alternatively, just giving you something to do or a target to go for! With that in mind, Darlington 10k in August – have you entered? 100 Quakers on the line... Club vests, available from Dawn or Wayne on most club nights!