Press Report: 1st – 15th May 2026

Photo: Darren, Wendy and Diane at Lakeland Trails Staveley (Photo taken by Lakeland Trails)

Another bumper edition with lots to celebrate! QRC members have taken part in a range of events across all the disciplines during the first half of May including road, trail, fell, Canicross, 5k, 5mile, 10k, 10 mile, half, marathon and marathon distances, as well as our QRC White Horse handicap event with lots of great achievements and PBs.

 2nd May: parkruns – Darlington South Park, The Demesnes and Carlingwalk Loch

 At Darlington South Park, Rob Dent was 10th finisher overall in 19:03, Dawn Richardson was 3rd female in 21:18 and Paige Robson achieved a new PB of 30:28, shaving 20 seconds off her last PB last month. Sally Singleton broken the Club Record in age category in 33:40 and Berni Gibson completed her 50th volunteer milestone.

At The Demesnes, Alex Mathers was 2nd finisher overall and 2nd male in 20:27 and at Carlingwalk Loch, Ian Bond was 3rd finisher overall and 3rd male in 22:06.

 2nd May: Esk Valley Epic Trail Run

This events (36 miles and approximately 4,500 ft of elevation) starts and fished at Glaisdale Village and offers a circular loop following the Esk Valley Walk, spanning moorland, woodlands and riverside trails. The terrain is made up of compact trails and stone tracks, smooth wooded paths and challenging moorland trods and rougher ground. It is a constant series of steep ascents and descents, not just a few big hills!

Rebecca Jones completed the event in 8:41 and 2nd in age category.

2nd May: Lakeland Trails Staveley 21k

The trail climbs out from Stavely above the Kentmere valley. Before returning along the valley itself past idyllic tarns and through ancient woodland and climbing Reston Scar.

The half marathon ventures over Green Quarter Fell, past the picturesque Skeggles Water, before dipping into the landscape of Longsleddale. Underfoot conditions are variable with short sections of tarmac, grassy footpaths, stony bridleways and stiles near the end.

Darren Alderson, Wendy Colling and Diane Lockhart completed the event in 3:32.

3rd May: Melmerby Ripon 10k

Starting and finishing in the village of Melmerby, this event is a single lap, undulating rural road route that weaves through quiet limestone lanes and surrounding villages, offering a mix of gentle climbs and descents whilst showcasing North Yorkshire countryside.

Ed Griffiths completed the event in 40:53, followed by Carys Samuel (45:53 and 2nd in age category), Shaune Eland (49:22), David Nalder (49:41), April Corbett (52:42), Anthony Corbett (55:18) and Lucy Bendle and Lisa Quinney (1:08).

 3rd May: Newcastle-Gateshead Marathon and Half Marathon (10k also available)

This road closed course takes in the famous landmarks of Gateshead including Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Sage Gateshead, BALTIC, Tyne Bridge, Swing Bridge and finishing in the iconic Gateshead International Stadium and finishing by running around the track and crossing the finish line cheered home by family and friends.

In the half marathon race, Caroline Litster finished in 2:09.

 3rd May: Kirbymoorside 10k (10k league race)

This undulating road race is staged annually to raise money for Kirkbymoorside and Gilamoor Primary Schools. The route starts in Kirkbymoorside town centre, heading out through residential streets, with the first 1–2 km including a notable uphill section, which is the toughest climb of the race. The course then moves onto quiet country roads, looping through surrounding farmland and open countryside – the mid‑race sections are rolling, with gentle undulations rather than steep hills. The final kilometres bring runners back toward the town with a fast downhill stretch, allowing for a strong finish.

 Marc Ellis completed the event in 38:06 (1st in age category) followed by Dave Jones (41:20), Rebecca Howard (43:54 and 1st in age category), Graham Looney (44:51), Phil Neal (46:02), Katherine Hackett (47:23 and 3rd in age category), Brian Martin (47:30 and 1st in age category), Chris Neesam (48:00), Sue Sparrow (48:30 and 1st in age category), Alex Looney (50:58), Rachel Grayson (54:05), Sharon Ellis (57:22), Sandra Martin (59:19) and Wendy Noble (1:07).

3rd and 4th May: Canicross Fur Nations Trophy at Shipley Country (5k each day)

The Fur Nations 5k course at Shipley Country Park is a multi‑terrain loop using the park’s established bridleways, woodland paths and mixed‑surface trails

Emily Beaumont represented Team England at this England leg of the Fur Nations trophy, running for the first time with 2 dogs and came 4th out of 13 in her category over 2 days.

5th May: Ormesby Hall Summer Night Series 5k

This was the first event of the Summer Night Series and takes place at Ormesby Hall (National Trust), so the course is set within the estate grounds. Entrants can expect a mix of woodland paths, estate tracks, and open parkland, a scenic, trail loop.

Lou Trainor completed the event in 25:19 and 1st in age category) followed by April Corbett (27:21 and 2nd in age category), Anthony Corbett (28:10) and Jeff Marriott (31:31 and 1st in age category).

 6th May: Locke Park Pie and Peas (Championship Race)

This Redcar based 5 mile race is organised by New Marske Harriers and uses 5 laps of a 1 mile loop in Locke Park.

Marc Ellis finished the race in 30:11 and 1st in age category, followed by Rebecca Devine (41:23, 2nd in age category and set PB) and Dave Thompson (42:30 and 2nd in age category).

7th May: QRC Whitehorse Handicap 

 This was the first of the QRC Summer Trail Handicap races with a choice of 4.5 miles or 2.7 miles. Members met at the Railway bridge on Low Skerningham Lane at the end of Glebe Road. The handicap system saw the runners with the shortest expected run time setting off after those with a longer time which meant anyone could finish first!

In the shorter route, Lisa Jenkins finished first in 26:30 with Andy Walker finishing second in 36:67.

In the longer distance, Zoe Robinson finished first in a handicapped time of 42:26, Paul Dalton in second place with 42:29 and Rob Dent in third place with 42:48.

*handicap adjusted +18 seconds as set off later

 9th May: parkruns – Darlington South Park and The Demesnes

At Darlington South Park, Michael Joyeux finished in 4th place overall in 17:01 and Danny McIntyre bagged another PB, shaving off another 6 seconds from last month to finish in 18:23. Dawn Richardson was 1st female finisher in 21:38 and Zoe Robinson achieved a new PB of 26:24, shaving 38 seconds off her previous PB in December 25, whilst at The Demesnes, Rebecca Howard was 3rd female finisher in 23:32.

 9th May: The Drop – Darlington

With a choice of 10 or 15 mile distances, participants were blindfolded, transported to an unknown location, and were required to navigate back to Darlington without maps, GPS, or directions. Because of this, the terrain varies depending on the route each participant chooses.

This unique event offers:

• No set course — every runner’s route is different.
• Navigation challenge — decision‑making is the core skill.
• Terrain variety — you may run on road, trail, grass, gravel, or riverside paths.
• Distance uncertainty — 10 miles “as the crow flies” may become 12–16 miles depending on your choices.

Congratulations to Paul Dalton who was dropped off at Crathorne, Yarm and made his way back to Darlington.

 10th May: Leeds Marathon

The race started and finished at Headingley Stadium with a route that included a circular path around Woodhouse Moor and passing through Adel, Lawnswood, Bramhope, Pool in Wharfedale and Otley, with runners experiencing some of Leeds’ most scenic countryside with a loop around Golden Acre Park before returning to the Stadium.

Sue Woodcock completed the event in 4:54 and Sarah Burrows in 5:08, achieving a shiny new PB.

10th May: Leeds Half Marathon

The race started on St Michael’s Lane and finished inside Headingley Stadium with the route heading out via Cardigan Road, Victoria Road and loop around Woodhouse Moor towards Leeds City Centre.

Fiona Dixon finished in 3:09 and Rachel Fawcett and Paul Ryan ran together in 2:47

10th May: Hardmoors White Horse

The Hardmoors White Horse Trail event offers three circular races held at Sutton Bank Visitor Centre in North Yorkshire, featuring marathon (approx. 28 miles), half marathon (approx. 17 miles) and 10K (approx. 8 miles) distances.

In the 10k event, Dave Jones finished in 3rd place overall and 1st in age category in 59:41) followed by April Corbett (1:22 and 3rd in age category) and Anthony Corbett (1:22). Mark Colling was sweeper, finishing in 2:12.

In the half marathon event, Karen Dove finished in 4:19 and in the Marathon event, Wendy Colling completed the marathon as in 08:18 (sweep).

10th May: Bristol Half Marathon (10k also available)

This even offers a city-centre start which weaves through the city centre including Queen Square and Castle Park, with several twists and turns. Then it is on to Prince Street Bridge and Cumberland Road and a scenic waterside stretch along the Floating Harbour. The half marathon then splits from 10K route, heading onto the Portway for a long, straight out‑and‑back section beneath the Clifton Suspension Bridge and through the Avon Gorge.  Runners then turn around just after 9 miles and loop back along the Portway and rejoin the 10K route at Merchants Road, with a flat, fast final stretch along the waterfront.

David Ledgerwood completed the event in 2:17.

 10th May: Race to the base half-marathon

This event is a wild, rugged, remote trail half‑marathon running from Lochinver to the base of Suilven, one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains. The race begins on quiet single-track road, moving on to forest track and wider gravel paths. The majority of the route is described as ‘rough in places, gravel and stone path and well-marked but remote’ – classic Highland trail running – uneven, rocky and exposed. The final mile lops through Culag Woods with narrow woodland paths, roots and short climbs and descents. The total elevation gain is 1700ft.

Emma Bland completed the event in 2:33.

 10th May: Ripon 10 miler

The Ripon 10 Miler is a scenic, undulating multi‑terrain race that starts and finishes at Hell Wath Nature Reserve. The one‑lap 10‑mile route runs mainly on footpaths, woodland trails and parkland tracks, taking runners up Whitcliffe Lane, through Mackershaw Woods, across the Seven Bridges area and into Studley Roger Deer Park, before returning via Fountains Lane. The terrain is a mix of trail, grass, gravel and woodland paths, with steady climbs and rolling hills throughout, making it a hilly but picturesque course with beautiful views of Ripon and the surrounding countryside.

Rob Dent completed the event in 1:14, and David Thompson in 1:38.

 14th May: Stately Trails: Constable Burton (5k and 10k)

At Constable Burton you will find a beautiful Grade I listed Georgian house set amongst extensive formal and woodland gardens in the heart of Wensleydale. DalesRunner bring runners and walkers the opportunity to complete a 5km or 10km on stunning trails through this exclusive estate!

Melissa Hird completed the 5k event in 47:00 (and 2nd in age category).

In the 10k event, Rob Debt was 6th finisher overall in 51:13, followed by April Corbett (1:06 and 3rd in age category) and Anthony Corbett (1:07).

 Special Mentions:

 Commiserations to Claire Chapman who recently completed her 69th Lyke Wake Crossing.

Congratulations and well done to QRC members that have achieved ‘unofficial’ milestones and achievements over the last fortnight.

Well done to QRC parkrun tourists who ran at Millfield on 9th May.  The next parkrun tourism is on 6th June at Conyngham Hall.

 Information about Conyngham Hall can be found here:

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