Photo: Emma and Pip at Spring Canal Canter Half Marathon (photo shared by Pip)
A great start to March… this report celebrates members’ achievements at events from 60m track right up to 40+ miles of Lyke Wake including parkruns, 10k’s, a 10 miler, half marathons and 20 milers; not forgetting the first Championship and 10k league races of the season.
1st March: Middlesbrough Half Marathon
This event started in Centre Square, outside the Town Hall and MIMA gallery. The road closed course heads out through Albert Park, passing the home of Middlesbrough FC at Riverside Stadium, before looping around the docks to finish back in Centre Square.
Marc Ellis was 1st Quaker finisher in 1:19 and 3rd in age category in 1:19, followed by Adrian Gooding (1:39 PB), Luke Hewitson (1:44 PB), Graham Looney (1:45 PB), Rebecca Dodd (1:52 PB), Lidia Vassilovska (1:58 PB), Alex Looney (1:49), Stephen Ash (1:59), Adam Charles (2:00), Dan Rushton-Orton (2:02), Dave Thompson (2:03), Paul Cockburn (2:03), Caroline Litster (2:10), Sharon Ellis (2:12), Sarah Burrows (2:14), Wendy Noble (2:24) and Paige Robson (2:28 set PB),
1st March: Haweswater Half Marathon
The course starts in Bampton Village and primarily follows an out and back course – all on quiet tarmac roads – along the shores of Haweswater in a remote and dramatic mountain valley.
Ray Reed completed the event in 2:09.
1st March: Leicester 10k
The Leicester 10K is run entirely on road and paved paths, making it a fast, smooth, and beginner‑friendly course with only gentle inclines. Runners follow a scenic city‑based loop from Jubilee Square, moving quickly into quieter parkland, passing through the University of Leicester area and Leicester Cathedral before returning to Jubilee Square for the finish.
Stephen Moore completed the event in 1:17.
3rd March: More Than a Run Night Series
This is the final run of the 4-part Winter Night Run series, with this date as an added extra due to the icy conditions which prevented the January run. Whether new to running, a seasoned trail runner or a family looking for an adventure, this evening run in the grounds of Ormesby Hall could be for you. The 5k route takes entrants through the grounds including the Pennyman Woods.
Jeff Marriott was the only Quaker that took part, finishing in 30:35 and 1st in age category.
7th March: parkruns – Darlington South Park, the Demesnes (Barnard Castle), Hartlepool & Ushaw House
At Darlington South Park, Dave Jones finished in 9th place overall in 19:47, whilst at The Demesnes, Sue Sparrow was 2nd female finisher in 26:50. At Hartlepool, Sarah Burrows achieved a new Pb of 26:47, shaving 1 minute off her previous PB in August 2025 and at Ushaw House, Rob Dent was 9th finisher overall in 20:55.
14th March: parkrun – Darlington South Park and The Demesnes (Barnard Castle)
At Darlington South Park, Rob Dent was 9th finisher overall in 20:01 and at The Demesnes, Dave Jones was 2nd finisher overall and 2nd male in 21:19.
14th March: Dentdale Run (Championship Race) (7.9 miles also available)
These race takes place around the lanes of Dentdale in the Yorkshire Dales. It is an undulating course but runners are rewarded with beautiful scenery.
Marc Ellis completed the 14.2 mile race in 1:32 in 7th place overall and 1st in age category and Michael Thompson finished in 2:01.
14th March: Spring Canal Canter
Organised by It’s Grim Up North, the Spring Canal Canter is a flat, fast, and scenic out‑and‑back route along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, starting near Kirkstall, Leeds. It is popular with runners chasing PBs as well as those who enjoy relaxed, traffic‑free canal paths.
Rachel Lister completed the half marathon event in 1:44 and 1st in age category, followed by Emma Joyeux and Pip Rayner in 2:29.
14th March: Welcome Way – 20 miler and Half Marathon (34 and 50 miles also available)
The Welcome Way 20‑mile race (21.5 miles) offers a challenging, varied trail route with 2280 ft of elevation around Otley, following the official Welcome Way footpath. Runners experience a mix of moorland, woodland, riverside paths, canal sections, farmland and rolling hills. Notable landmarks include Otley Chevin, Burley Moor and Baildon Moor as well as rivers, reservoirs and canal stretches.
Juliette McLaren completed the route (21.5 miles) in 4:59, followed by Lisa Jenkins (5:01).
The Half Marathon option offers a 13.75 mile trail route with around 1,360 ft of elevation gain, following a scenic portion of the Welcome Way around Otley. It packs in moorland, woodland, riverside paths, farmland, and canal sections and also includes Burley and Baildon Moors and big sky views of Wharfedale.
Michelle Dale completed the Half Marathon route (miles) in 3:19.
15th March: North East Counties Athletics Association (NECAA) Indoor Track Championships, Gateshead
This was another successful meeting held at Gateshead College Indoor Athletics Hall, with some championship records being set and many PBs – standards were very high with some excellent performances.
Viv Hardwick completed the 60m final in 12.76, taking the gold medal in his age category.
15th March: Croft Motor Circuit Event (10k league)
This is a unique opportunity to choose from a 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, 20mile or marathon and enjoy a smooth traffic free tarmac motor racing circuit!
In the 10k race, David Aiken was first Quaker finisher in 43:54 and 2nd in age category, followed by James Stuart (44:41 PB), Rebecca Howard (45:31 and 2nd in age category), Luke Hewitson (45:32 PB), Phil Neal (46:25 and 3rd in age category), Graham Looney (46:47), Carys Samuel (46:49 and 2nd in age category), Chris Neesam (48:35 PB), Katherine Hackett (49:37 and 1st in age category), Lisa Bowerbank (49:56, PB and 2nd in age category), Alex Looney (52:45), Jo Neesam (56:15 PB), Chris Clark (57:23 and 1st in age category), Simon Rek (58:24), Sharon Ellis (58:56 PB and 2nd in age category),Graham Park (59:14 and 2nd in age category), Wendy Noble(1:03 and 2nd in age category) and Paige Robson(1:04).
In the half marathon Dan Rushton-Orton finished in 1:53 and 3rd in age category.
15th March: Alnwick Castle Half Marathon (10K also available)
Organised by Wild Deer, starting and finishing by the River Aln beside Alnwick Castle, these runs take in Hulne Park, Priory, and parts of the castle grounds, offering a scenic and challenging experience for all trail runners. The route is described as mixture of forest tracks, estate roads, and open parkland and being mostly firm underfoot, with some grassy sections.
Gráinne Duffy completed the event in 2:27.
15th March: Liverpool 10 miler (Half Marathon also available)
The Liverpool 10 Miler is a fully‑paved, road race starting and finishing at Liverpool’s iconic Pier Head. The course is predominantly flat with one short, sharp incline early on, and is classed as a rolling but very runnable road route.
Jeff Marriott completed the event (on his birthday) in 1:40.
15th March: Harry Gamble-Thompson 20Ten
Organised by New Marske Harriers, the 20Ten offers a 10 mile or 20 mile road race run on a 1‑mile loop inside Redcar’s Locke Park. The terrain is almost entirely tarmac, flat, and very consistent, making it ideal for pacing practice and spring marathon preparation.
Sarah Burrows completed the 20 mile event in 3:46 (PB).
Special mentions:
Congratulations and well done to QRC members that have achieved ‘unofficial’ parkrun milestones over the last fortnight!
Congratulations and well done to Scott Beaumont who has now ran every day for 6 years! Scott has ran various distances and terrain, from short road runs to ultra marathons on the trail – a fabulous achievement!
Condolences to Tom Chapman and Claire Chapman on their recent Lyke Wake Crossings; Tom completed his 50th crossing and Claire completed her 68th.
Cross Country
The results of the final NYSD xc league were shared with members via newsletter last month…
Congratulations to Carys Samuel who finished 3rd overall in her age category, and Marc Ellis who finished 2nd in his age category. A special mention to Ian Hart who finished 4th overall in his category, just pipped by 2 points – not bad for his first xc season. The ladies team finished an excellent 8th out of 17 teams. Well done to everyone who joined the league this year and especially to those whom it was their first time XC.
parkrun Tourism
The next QR parkrun tourism will take place on 21st March at Woodlands, Scarborough (Falsgrave Road, Scarborough, YO12 5EA)
Information about the course can be found here: