Jeff Marriott summed it up perfectly when he said that local races need to be supported or else they will disappear! He was completely right and whilst races like Tees Pride or the Darlington 10k offer thousands of participents and a big race feel, there’s nothing like lining up with a couple of hundred runners in club vests for a locally organised run. I seriously doubt there’s much danger of a fantastic event like the Old Monk’s Trail run ever losing numbers – it’s far too much fun for people to not want to do this race.

I headed up towards Hart Village near Hartlepool for the 5.5 mile trail run. The club had laid on free tea and cakes at the start which were very gratefully consumed as runner milled around. Having never done the race before, I canvassed opinion on what the terrain would be like. All the replies pointed towards hilly, so I assumed there would be undulations.

The race started, as all good races should, at the top of a hill. This meant that there would be uphills to follow! The race dipped and turned up along farm roads and then off road through some superbly muddy tracks! Footing was haphazard and it was cracking fun trying to not end up on your backside! When we arrived at a bridge over a small stream a small build up started as it was single file across the walkway. However, some keener runners leapt into the stream and ran through the water! Although I was wearing Mark Colling’s approved seal skin water proof socks, I resisted and kept to the bridge!

The trails gave way to woodland and a couple of massive slippy climbs, there were grunts and moans as people hauled themselves up. One runner remarked loudly that “my legs are still full of mince pies and turkey!”, which gave me a giggle. Once out of the woods, we  pounded onto pavement and roads which lead to a glorious downhill sprint finish!

The marshalls throughout the race were supportive and encouraging and it was great to be mentioned either by name or as a Quaker! There was a great little cheering section at the end and overall it was a fantastic welcome into the new year of racing in 2012.

Well done Hartlepool Burn Road Harriers for such a brilliant race!

 It was a little disappointing to only have 12 Quakers on the line at the start with Billingham and Sedgefield boasting well over 30 a piece! Come one folks, if you’re not already doing a run then try one of these local races! Trail running and trail races are certainly a different cut of cloth from the usual 10k! Have a look at the races coming up; ask for suggestions on the facebook group; or speak to some of the more grizzled looking runners on a club night!

Next races coming up: Clay Bank East, The Winter’s Handicap and Acklam X-Country!