Photo: Helen, Vicki, Hannah and Lisa at Fountains Abbey Half Marathon (photo shared by Hannah)
Races during the first half of February included parkruns, cross country, fell, road, trail, night races and Canicross races with distances up to Half Marathon.
1st February: Cross Border 10k
Competitors run across the Scottish border in this point-to-point 10k from Carlisle to Gretna in Scotland. With plenty of fantastic scenery, this flat course is perfect for runners looking to secure a new PB.
Chris Neesam was first Quaker home in 49.48, followed by Jeff Marriott (54.26), Ian Burgess (56.21), Jo Neesam (57.10), Sarah Burgess (59.46) and John Harrison (59.48).
1st February: Wild Deer Fountains Abbey Trial Runs (Half Marathon, 10k and 5k also available)
The Wild Deer Fountains Abbey Half Marathon was set against the backdrop of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, offering a rare blend of history, natural beauty, and challenging terrain.
The opening miles wound through the Deer Park, where herds of fallow deer grazed in the distance. The ground here was a mix of short grass and firm trail, making for a smooth but slightly undulating start. As the route entered the Studley Royal Water Garden, the terrain shifted to gravel paths and ornamental bridges, with gentle inclines that tested the legs early on. The middle section of the race brought a series of woodland trails with muddy, root-strewn paths and short, sharp climbs. Here, footing became trickier, and the reward was a sweeping descent back towards the open parkland. The final miles looped back past the Abbey ruins, with the finish line framed by centuries-old stonework. Half marathon runners then repeated this 10k loop.
Hannah Alderson, Helen Clarke, Vicki Peters and Lisa Jenkins completed the half marathon route in 2:45.
The 5K route was a scenic loop weaving through the UNESCO World Heritage Site and its surrounding landscapes. The opening stretch was on firm gravel paths, winding past the abbey ruins and into the manicured Studley Royal Water Garden. Midway, the course opened into grassy parkland, where gentle undulations tested the legs. The ground was soft underfoot from recent rain, with the occasional muddy patch adding to the fun. Narrower dirt trails through the trees brought roots and uneven ground demanding careful footwork. The last kilometre climbed slightly, before a fast descent back towards the abbey.
Lisa Quinney completed the 5k route in 35:57.
1st February: Warwick Half Marathon
The Warwick Half Marathon is a race that blends history, countryside charm, and a deceptively challenging route. Starting at Warwick Racecourse, the route is a scenic loop through the Warwickshire countryside, with a mix of surfaces and gradients. The first 3 miles offer smooth tarmac roads winding out of town, with gentle undulations to warm up the legs. Miles 4–8 include rolling country lanes bordered by hedgerows and open fields. The terrain here is mostly road, but with a few rougher patches where winter weather had left grit and debris. The most changing section is between miles 9 – 11 with a couple of steady climbs that test endurance, especially the long drag past Hatton. The final stretch offers a gradual downhill back towards Warwick, before re-entering the racecourse for a flat, fast finish on compacted gravel and grass.
Michael Oliver completed the event in 2:15.
1st February: Hardmoors Saltburn 10k (Half Marathon and Marathon also available)
This route starts from Saltburn Learning campus and heads through the woods and Valley Gardens towards The Ship Inn, up the steps and onto the cliff tops. Runners pass by the charm bracelet and pass over the railway line before heading uphill, passing farms and heading back to the Ship Inn and retracing earlier steps to the finish.
Dave Jones completed the 10k (7. 5miles) route in 1:07 in 4th place overall, 3rd male and 1st in age category, followed by April and Anthony Corbett in 1:34.
1st February: NYSD Cross Country – Richmond
This event was Fixture 6 on the Cross Country calendar. It takes place on Low Moor which is high above Richmond and on a good day affords runners a fantastic views North over the Aske estate towards Aycliffe, East over Teesside, and South across Wensleydale, Pen Hill and beyond.
In the U17, U20, Senior and VET women category (6k, 3 small loops) Carys Samuel finished the route in 30:27 and 3rd in age category, followed by Lou Trainor (32:49), Katherine Hackett (33:03), Rachel Grayson (35:49) and Helen Clarke (39:10).
In the U20, Senior and VET men’s category (1 small and 3 large laps), Rob Dent finished in 42:54, followed by Martyn Farnsworth (46:03), Michael Thompson (50:59) and Lee Coles (53:33).
3rd February: More than a Run at Ormesby Hall night race – Winter night series
This was the fourth of the night series which it suitable for new and experienced trail runners. The route is in the grounds of the National Trust property including Pennyman Woods, with a slightly different and longer route this time.
Jeff Marriott completed the route in 31:39 and 2nd in age category.
7th February: parkrun – Darlington South Park & Hackworth (Shildon)
At Darlington South Park, Marc Ellis finished in 4th place overall in 17:59, whilst James Stuart achieved a PB of 20:42, shaving 7 seconds off his previous PB in December 25. Meanwhile, at Hackworth, Shildon, Rob Dent finished in 4th place overall in 21:11 and Ian Hart finished in 9th place overall in 24:22.
7th February: Punk Panther Harrogate Hustle
This event offers 34, 20 mile and half marathon distances around Harrogate and Knaresborough. Organisers say that is particularly suitable for first timers at all distances, as they start near the Great Yorkshire Showground, encircling the spa town of Harrogate at a radius of 3-4 miles, mostly on attractive country paths and passing through the spectacular Nidd Gorge. The Ultra distance also takes in the Knaresborough Round.
Karen Dove completed the Half Marathon (14.5 miles) event in 4:19.
7th February: The Duergar Nightcrawler
The last event in the Shadowlands Race Series, not far from Rothbury lies one of the most beautiful areas of Northumberland, the Simonside Hills. Popular amongst walkers, runners and photographers for their stunning vistas, the hills of Simonside hold another piece of largely unknown notoriety – Duergar!
The dwarfs of Simonside, or Duergar, are rumoured to take great satisfaction in leading travellers astray after nightfall. Lighting their torches, they stay ahead of confused visitors, leading them deeper into the often pitch-black Northumberland wilderness until they fall into a bog or plunge from a precipice to their demise.
Helen Clark completed the event in 2:23 and 3rd in age category.
8th February: Grizedale Growl (East Side)
The event route was created at very short notice last year due to storm damage preventing the normal Grizedale route; however, the organisers loved it so much, they decided to make it a permanent fixture. These 6k (150m elevation) and 10k (260m elevation) routes are based at Grizedale Forest in the South Lakes, near Hawkshead. The routes are slightly longer, but less mountainous and technical. Entrants run from close to the main carpark on the East of the forest on wide forest tracks.
Kate Schweizer completed the 6k event in 35:00.
14th February: Whinlatter Moonrunner 10k Head Torch Trail Race
The feeling of a head torch trail run in the woods is unique. The night-time adds a whole new dimension to trail running: it is both wild and peaceful at the same time. Your senses become razor sharp and you become aware of your heartbeat pounding in your chest. You may hear the hoot or screech of an owl, or the rustling of woodland animals in the undergrowth. In the darkness of the woodland canopy the light from your head torch will be reflected back by the eyes of deer and other creatures peering out from the safety of the deep forest. This event took place at Whinlatter, England’s only true mountain forest.
David Aiken and Rebecca Howard completed the route in 1:03 and 1:04 respectively.
15th February: London Winter 10k
This race is officially the UK’s largest 10k road race, with over 19,500 runners taking part this year. The route passes the city’s most recognisable landmarks including the National Gallery, Nelson’s Column, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Gherkin, The London Eye and Big Ben. En route, there is live music and larger-than-life winter characters. The event raises vital funds for Cancer Research UK.
Diane Vaughan completed the race in 50:57.
15th February: Run Newcastle Valentines Half Marathon, (10K, 5K and Couples Relay also available)
This event takes place in the open surroundings of Newcastle’s Town Moor on a traffic-free 5k course that is on mainly tarmac paths around the Moor. The half marathon is just over 4 laps of this flat and fast course.
Michael Oliver completed the Half Marathon event in 2:13.
15th February: Smurf Run (Saturn Runs)
This is a 7-hour Time Challenge event which allows participants full control over the distance they want to run. The minimum distance is 5km, which is part of a full lap. Usually, a full lap is 4.37 miles (7km). Entrants ran as many or as few of these laps as they wished in the 7-hour time limit. The course is along a beautiful stretch of the River Wear with views of the Cathedral and is classified as a trail run. It is fully signed so no navigational experience is required.
Sandra Cass completed 8.7 miles in 1:26 and was 1st in age category of those completing the same distance.
Special mentions
Congratulations and well done to QRC members that have achieved ‘unofficial’ parkrun milestones over the last fortnight.
Well done to QRC parkrun tourists who ran at Hackworth, Shildon on 7th February. The next outing will be at Woodlands, Scarborough (weekend away):
Course Description…
Out-and-back course, following the track bed of the former Scarborough-Whitby railway, with a short diversion part-way on the outward leg, then turning back at the junction with Newby Farm Road.
Facilities…
- Toilets at Sainsbury’s
- The car park is currently free for three hours, but consult signs for changes. If you wish to stay longer, or if this concession ends, space in the car park can be booked on horizonspaces.co.uk using location 50342
- Other nearby car parks are at the station and Somerset Terrace on Valley Bridge Road