Photo: Rachel, Amy and Lou at Cross Country (photo shared by Helen C)
Poor weather and road conditions meant that some parkruns and races were adapted, cancelled or rearranged. Despite this, QRC members managed to participate in a selection of events including parkrun, road runs, cross country, fell and trail races with distances from 5k to 33 miles.
3rd January: parkruns – Darlington South Park
At Darlington South Park, Dawn Richardson was 2nd female finisher in 21:49, whilst James Stuart completed his 25th parkrun milestone in 21:27 and Mark Trowles completed his 500th parkrun in 30:50.
3rd January: Hardmoors 30
The Hardmoors 30 is a 33-mile circular loop from Robin Hood’s Bay with runners passing through check points at Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay, Ravenscar Beacon, Cloughton Wyke and Ravenscar. This year there was a diversion in place due to landslips, with the new route following the rail trail from Ravenscar to Robin Hood’s Bay instead of following the Cleveland Way Coastal path and descending into Robin Hoods Bay to then rejoin the Cleveland Way and follow the original race route through the streets of Robin Hoods Bay to the race finish.
Many entrants didn’t make the event due to treacherous road conditions. Wendy Colling was sweeper in the event, finishing in 8:00.
3rd January: Osprey Trail Run
Taking place in Northumberland, this night race was 2nd of the Shadowlands Race Series. The route weaves through a mix of forest tracks and technical mountain bike trails. The route, centred around the Osprey trail, took runners northeast along the Forest Drive before diving into the undulating blue trails around Gowanburn, offering 447 meters of cumulative elevation gain. Participants navigated sweeping woodland paths, gentle climbs, and rapid descents, punctuated by tight switchbacks and scenic stretches that captured the forest’s serene beauty. The diverse terrain tested both endurance and technical skill, as runners contended with soft woodland floors, occasional exposed roots, and subtle variations in gradient, making for a dynamic and engaging night race.
Helen Clark completed the event in 3:02.
4th January: NYSD Cross Country at Barnard Castle
This event took place at the Demesnes in Barnard Castle.
U17, U20, SEN and VET women, over 65 men and over 70 men ran 2 laps totalling 3.7 miles.
Ian Hart completed the event in 29:15 and 1st in age category, followed by Lou Trainor (29:25 and 2nd in age category), Rachel Grayson (32:12), David Whittle (32:40) and Amy Storey (33:40).
U20, SEN and VET men ran 3 laps totalling 5.6 miles.
Rob Dent completed the event in 39:36, followed by Martyn Farnsworth (41:22), Michael Thompson (46:42) and Chris Clark (53:45.)
4th January: Canicross – Lakeland Paws at Whinlatter
This event offered a new route for this year and a choice of 5km or 10km, heading out on the South side of the forest. Still a mix of trails and forest roads, with the same scenery that Whinlatter has to offer.
Kate Schweizer was 2nd in age category with a time of 35:16.
Special mentions…
Congratulations and well done to QRC members that have achieved ‘unofficial’ parkrun milestones over the last fortnight!
QRC parkrun on tour
On 3rd January, Quakers on Tour braved the cold and snowy conditions and headed over to Sedgefield parkrun. Next month, on February 7th, members are very welcome to meet up for Hackworth parkrun at Shildon.
Hackworth Course Description
Three clockwise laps of the route marked in blue on the map, returning to the start each time. At the end of the third lap, follow the long stretch in red to finish. Please note that dogs are not allowed at this event due to a Public Space Protection Order.