Photo: QRC members at Ormesby 10k (photo shared by Anthony)
Lots to celebrate again – a busy second half of September saw Quakers competing in various distances from 1 mile up to 64 (ish) miles with championship and 10k league races and a first Ultra thrown in for good measure.
18th September: Monthly Mile – event 6
Organised by Darlington Harriers, this event was the last of the series that took place in South Park.
Dave Jones was first Quaker finisher in 5:49, followed by John Harrison (6:32 & PB), Paul Roberts (7:34) and Jeff Marriott (8:17).
20th September: parkruns – Darlington South Park & Wynyard Woodland
At Darlington South Park, James Stuart achieved a PB of 21:14, shaving 26 seconds off his previous PB in August this year, whilst at Wynyard Woodland, Dave Jones finished in 3rd place overall and 2nd male in 20:30.
20th September: Pilgrims Ultra 50k (100 mile and 100km also available)
This event begins on Holy Island Beach and follows miles of sandy beaches, hugging the dramatic coastline and passing iconic landmarks like Bamburgh Castle. It traverses coastal villages, offering opportunities for supporters to cheer runners on and ends in Craster, where runners are greeted with medals, refreshments, and a celebratory atmosphere. The route is mostly flat with gentle undulations, making it accessible for first-time ultra runners while still offering a challenge for seasoned athletes.
Caroline Lister completed the route, her first ultra, in 6:34.
20th September: Snape 10k (5k also available)
This 10K course is a multi-terrain route, offering a scenic blend of rural roads and countryside paths. Runners started from Snape Institute and headed out through the village, with sections passing through Bedale. The terrain included tarmac roads through village lanes and Bedale outskirts and grassy fields and footpaths. The route is generally flat with gentle undulations, making it suitable for both competitive runners and those looking for a relaxed countryside run.
Darren Wright was first Quaker finisher in 3rd place overall and 1st in age category in 39:49, followed by Rob Dent (42:01, 6th place overall and 3rd in age category), Daniel McIntyre (42:21 and PB in 8th place overall), Dale Chapman (43:40), Simon Metcalfe (46:30), Neil Chalmers (47:01), Carys Samuel (2nd female finisher and 1st in age category in 48:17), Lou Trainor (50:25 and 3rd in age category), Sue Sparrow (51:23), Simon Rek (54:54), Amy Storey (55:04 and 3rd in age category), Paul Cockburn (55:04), April Corbett (55:27), Chris Clark (57:16), Anthony Corbett (57:44), Lesley Neal (58:58), Phil Neal (58:59), Helen Clark (59:19), Carmelita Coco (1:01), Ian Burgess (1:03), Sarah Burrows (1:06), Jeff Marriott (1:06), Paige Robson (1:07), Lucy Bendle (1:08) and Berni Gibson (1:11).
21st September: Wensleydale September Saunter
This circular route of 13.6 miles starts and finishes in Leyburn with proceeds in aid of charities. This year the event raised over £900 for local charities and good causes.
Julie Bell completed the route in 3:02 followed by Sandra Cass, Wendy Colling and Katherine Hackett in 4:35, followed by Darren Alderson, Sue Woodcock and Mark Colling in 5:30 and Dave Murphy, Diane Lockhart and John Yeomans in 5:31.
21st September: Belfast City Half Marathon
The Belfast City Half Marathon is the largest Half Marathon event in Northern Ireland (about 5,000 entrants). This really flat race starts on the Ormeau Embankment, not too far from the City Centre and takes in the South, East, North and West of Belfast. The route is well supported by crowds cheering runners on as they pass through housing estates, industrial estates and parks. Runners are advised to, ‘Mind out for the little pedestrian bridge over Con Water as you leave Victoria Park, though – it bounces as runners pound over it!’
Michael Oliver completed the route in 2:06.
21st September: Beckbusters 10k (Championship Race)
This multi-terrain course starts and finishes at Bishop Monkton Primary School. Due to heavy rainfall and the river bursting its banks, the course was reversed. This event is known for being fairly flat and fast whilst still being located within some beautiful and picturesque countryside. The course incorporates a mixture of road, footpaths and trails and quiet country roads as well as a section along Ripon Canal.
Alex Mathers was first Quaker finisher in 42:02 and 2nd in age category, followed by Carys Samuel (51.10 and 2nd in age category), April Corbett (57:42 and 2nd in age category), Chris Clark (59:11), Helen Clark (59:22 and 2nd in age category), Wendy Colling (59:22), Anthony Corbett (1:00) and Lisa Jenkins (1:07).
Congratulations and well done to Carys, April and Helen who were the 2nd fastest female team.
21st September: Berlin Marathon
Known for its fast, flat course, this marathon is a prime venue for breaking world records and attracting elite runners eager to etch their names in history. The 26.2-mile journey winds through Berlin’s heart, passing iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and Tiergarten Park, offering a scenic and historically rich backdrop.
This was Rob Gillham’s 3rd Major – he finished it in 4:02 and Alex Looney set her marathon PB in 4:06.
21st September: Cow Shed Backyard Ultra
The Cow Shed Backyard Ultra requires competitors to complete the 4.1 mile loop on the hour, every hour, until only 1 runner remains. The bell is sounded exactly on the hour and if runners have failed to make the starting area before the bell rings, then they are disqualified from the event and will become one of the many DNF’s! There is only 1 athlete who does not receive a DNF and they are crowned the champ!
Michael Joyeux completed 11 yards (46.6 miles).
21st September: Carlisle 10k
The Carlisle 10K took place alongside the Half Marathon and Fun Run, starting and finishing at the iconic Brunton Park Football Stadium, home of Carlisle United. The terrain is fast and flat, offering scenic views and a smooth running surface on quiet village roads with gentle undulations.
John Harrison achieved his third PB in three weeks, completing the 10k in 50:47.
21st September: Hardmoors 60
The Hardmoors 60 is a legendary ultramarathon covering approximately 63 miles along the Cleveland Way National Trail, from Guisborough to Filey. Known for its dramatic coastal scenery, challenging terrain, and rich local heritage, the race attracts seasoned ultrarunners and relay teams alike.
Emily Beaumont completed the event in 15:58.
21st September: Locomotion Charity Run (5 miles also available)
Raising funds for Great North Air Ambulance and celebrating the 200th anniversary of the S&DR railway and pioneering history, the 10 mile event (3 miles on road and 7 miles on trail) ran along the original railway route starting from the Locomotion, through Preston Park and finishing at the old ticket office in Stockton.
Dan Rushton-Orton completed the event in 1:24 and Sandra Cass in 1:36.
21st September: Keswick Half Marathon
The Keswick Half Marathon is widely regarded as one of the most scenic half marathons. The course completes a full circuit of Derwentwater and includes an additional loop into the picturesque Newlands Valley. Starting from Portinscale suspension bridge, the early miles skirt Derwentwater’s western edge followed by a steady climb into the Newlands Valley with open views of Catbells, Maiden Moor, and the surrounding fells before a fast descent back towards Keswick. The entire 13.1‑mile route is 100% paved road, making it suitable for road racing shoes, though the undulating nature of the terrain requires smart effort management. The hilly nature of the course and an elevation gain of 367metres make this a “moderate to hard” road half marathon.
Emma Bland completed the event in 2:12, followed by Grainne Duffy (2:22) and Claire Norman (2:27).
22nd September: Redcar Running Festival Half Marathon – Championship Race and 10k (5k also available)
Organised by New Marske Harriers AC, the Redcar Running Festival offers half marathon, 10k and 5k races using an out and back loop on the coast road between Redcar and Marske.
In the Half Marathon, Ian Hart finished in 1:34, 2nd in age category, PB and club record followed by Michael Thompson in 1:48.
In the 10k, Diane Vaughan finished in 49:14 and 2nd in age category.
27th September: parkrun – Darlington South Park
At Darlington South Park, Carys Samuel was 3rd female finisher in 22:58.
28th September: Windsor Half Marathon
This race takes place close to Windsor Castle within the confines of the Windsor Great Park. The course is two laps, one of approximately 4 miles, the other of about 7.5 miles with the remainder made up by the 1.5 mile Long Walk at the start and end of the race. The course is described as undulating – it has many flat stretches, but there are some hilly sections to make the race a bit more interesting. The final 1.5 miles Long Walk offers an impressive sight of Windsor Castle in the distance beyond the finish line.
Sue Sparrow ran a new PB time of 1:46 and was 3rd in age category.
28th September: Ormesby 10k
This 10k event takes place monthly on the 4th Sunday of the month in the grounds of Ormesby Hall. (No need to book – simply show up on the day) The run briefing is held at 8:55am in front of the mansion with the run starting at 9am. The route takes runners up through the farmland and woods, down the drive and through the Pennyman Woods. The terrain consists of tarmac and gravel driveways, field margins and woodland trails.
April Corbett completed the route in 56:28 and 3rd in age category, followed by Sandra Cass (56:28 and 2nd in age category), Lou Trainor (57:56), Paul Cockburn (58:01), Anthony Corbett (58:43) and Carmelita Coco (1:04).
Special mentions:
parkrun…
Congratulations and well done to QRC members that have achieved ‘unofficial’ parkrun milestones and personal achievements over the last fortnight!