Photo: Marc, Rob, David and Michael at The National Cross Country Championships (photo shared by Lou)
A busy fortnight for QRC members with events taking part in parks and woods, on road, track, fells and moors and as well as the National Cross Country Championship at Sedgefield.
21st February: parkruns – Darlington South Park and The Demesnes (Barnard Castle)
Keeping it local for parkrun achievements this week, at Darlington South Park, Michael Joyeux was 3rd finisher overall and 3rd male in 17:31 and at The Demesnes, Nick Wadd was 6th finisher overall in 24:31.
21st February: National Cross-Country Championships (Sedgefield)
Over 3,000 athletes descended on The English National Cross-Country Championships which took place at Hardwick East Park in Sedgefield. Hundreds of clubs were represented – this was a major return to the North East, as we last hosted in the region in 2013. The event was live‑streamed via the England Athletics YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@englandathleticsvids
The Senior Men category had the biggest single field of the day with 1,300 taking part. Marc Ellis completed the 12k route in 50:23, followed by Rob Dent (56:00), David Aiken (1:00) and Michael Thompson (1:06).
In the Senior Women category, Rebecca Howard completed the 8k event in 40:20, followed by Carys Samuel (41:41), Lou Trainor (45:02), Rebecca Dodd (45:53) and Rachel Grayson (47:57).
22nd February: Snake Lane 10 miles
This popular and well-established road race is a fairly flat and fast 10 miler which as the name suggests, has a winding stretch that snakes its way through the countryside at the foot of the Yorkshire Wolds.
Brian McLaren finished the race in 1:24 and Juliette McLaren in 1:35.
22nd February: Derwent Reservoir 10 Mile Trail Run (Club Championship Race) and 5 mile event also available
Derwent Reservoir is owned by Northumbrian Water and sits right on the border of County Durham and Northumberland. The mixed terrain routes showcase the very best of this scenic area. This is the 7th year of these popular Wild Deer February trail runs with a choice of a 5 mile or 10 mile route around this beautiful, yet challenging North East location. The 10 miler does a full lap of the Reservoir on closed roads and firm trails. The 5 miler is all on firm trails.
David Nalder completed the 10 mile event in 1:25 and 1st in age category, followed by Sue Sparrow (1:28), Rob Gillham (1:34), Dave Thompson (1:38 and 2nd in age category) and Simon Rek (1:41).
22nd February: Hamsterley Canicross 10k
The Hamsterley Forest Winter trail Canicross 10k follows the wonderful crisp trails and tracks of the beautiful forest park, an undulating but rewarding course, with spectacular views of the valley and forest.
Emily Beaumont completed the event in 59:06, followed by Helen Clark in 59:49 and Kate Schweizer in 1:06.
22nd February: Ormesby10
Organised by More Than a Run, this 10k event is predominantly held on the 4th Sunday of each month from February to December, though they do advise to check in advance for any changes due to events taking place in the hall. The race is free/ ‘pay as you feel’ event with donation very much appreciated.
The route takes runners up through farmland and woods, down the drive and onto the new multipurpose trail through the Pennyman Woods. The terrain consists of tarmac and gravel driveways, field margins and woodland trails. (There are plans to slightly alter the route slightly as the drive around the back of the hall is now tarmac).
This year, More Than a Run have introduced an electronic system with online registration now required. Entrants keep their number for future Ormesby10 events and just register attendance with the marshal at the desk in the Stables.
Register here: online registration — More Than A Run
April Corbett completed the course in 1:00 (2nd in age category) followed by Chris Clark (1:02), Anthony Corbett (1:02), Diane Lockhart (1:07 and 3rd in age category), Darren Alderson (1:07), Amy Storey (1:07), Karen Dove (1:28) and Lisa Jenkins (1:28).
28th February – parkruns – Darlington South Park
At Darlington South Park, Dave Jones was 7th finisher overall in 19:44; Lisa Bowerbank achieved a new PB of 23:15, knocked 9 seconds off her previous PB in January this year, whist Lisa Quinney shaved 29 seconds off her PB in April 22, finishing in 32:04.
28th February: High Cup Nick Fell Race
The route starts and ends on the Village Green and is 9 miles with a climb and descent of 1712 feet. The Race is a community occasion which raises funds for the running of the Village Hall.
This well-marked 15km fell race (1509 ft of elevation) on the edge of the Eden Valley, takes runners to the dramatic High Cup Nick landmark, before returning mostly along the Pennine Way into the scenic village of Dufton.
Alexander Mathers completed the event in 1:33, followed by Carys Samuel (1:56) Emily Beaumont (1:56), Scott Beaumont, (2:14), Simon Rekk (2:14) and Diane Lockhart (2:14).
28th February: Ultra Trails Tibthorpe Loop
This is a 13.1‑mile circular trail half marathon through the rolling Yorkshire Wolds, starting and finishing at Field House Camping & Coffee Barn near Tibthorpe. The course is undulating, non‑technical, and easy to navigate, making it ideal for both new and experienced trail runners. The course is considered undulating but not steep, with long, flowing sections ideal for steady running and classic Wolds scenery of open fields, gentle hills and wide views.
Karen Dove tail walked the half marathon in 4:49.
Special mentions:
Congratulations and well done to QRC members that have achieved ‘unofficial’ parkrun milestones over the last fortnight!