Photo: QRC Members at Angel View, Gateshead (photo courtesy of Simon)
The 2nd half of May has been very busy with QRC members competing in a variety of events from 1 mile relay right up to 160 miles and including all the disciplines of road, track, trail, fell and Canicross! There has been lots to celebrate including parkrun milestones, PBs, setting PBs, club records and top 3 placings in age categories.
17th May: parkrun – Darlington, South Park & Wynyard Woodland
At Darlington South Park, Marc Ellis was 2nd finisher overall in 17:35 and Dawn Richardson was 1st female finisher in 20:22 whilst Graham Looney achieved a PB of 22:03, shaving 36 seconds off his previous PB in September 2024 and Ian Hart achieved his 250th parkrun milestone in 22:54.
At Wynyard Woodland, Dave Jones was 8th finisher overall in 19:52.
17th May: Skipton Skedaddle
Setting off from the beautiful market Town of Skipton, this new route takes in parts of the Dales High Way, River Aire Ultra and Pennine Way. For both the Ultra distances the beautiful Malham Tarn and spectacular Gordale Scar are visited with breath-taking views of the best of the Dales and are not to be missed. The 50 mile distance heads off after Gordale Scar and then joins the Pennine Way all the way to the peak of Pen-y–ghent ascending Fountains Fell along the way. Down into Horton-in-Ribblesdale, runners follow the Ribble Way back out onto the fells eventually returning to Malham Tarn and following the route of the River Aire back to Skipton.
Karen Dove completed the 20 mile event in 6:22.
18th May: Its Grim Up North – Wuthering Heights
Moors, madness, and mileage! A beautifully bleak challenge that would make even Cathy and Heathcliff proud. Wind, hills, and wild views await entrants.
In the 10 mile route, Sandra Cass finished in 1st place and 1st in age category in 1:45.
18th May: Darlington Trail series – Harrogate Hill 10k
This was the 2nd race of the series – starting from the bottom end of Glebe Road, it is described as ‘a fast and flat course mostly, with a couple of cheeky hills.’
Chris Bowe completed the route in 1:01
18th May: Chester Half Marathon (10k also available)
The Chester Half Marathon offers one of the flattest routes in many years, with a spectacular City Centre finish. Participants run past some of Chester’s historic landmarks – the route starts at Chester Racecourse, heading up Watergate Street, through the Walls and the historic centre of Chester. Runners leave the city through the Garden Quarter before heading out into the countryside on Parkgate Road. Just after Little Mollington Hall they turn onto the Roman road into the picturesque villages of Mollington and Lea by Backford. The route then continues up Parkgate Road and turns left to loop round part of Saughall village, before returning on Parkgate Road, to run in to the finish outside the Town Hall and Cathedral via the Garden Quarter.
Ed Griffiths completed the route in 1:34.
18th May: Great Manchester Run (10k and Half Marathon)
The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run is the city’s original and best-loved running event. With a 10K or a half marathon distance to choose from, and in true Mancunian style, it’s a party from start to finish, with a high-energy soundtrack, live music and entertainment zones at every turn – plus, some of the loudest and most enthusiastic local support seen in the UK.
In the 10k event, Diane Vaughan finished in 46:45 and Rebecca Devine in 49:50.
18th May: Pier to Pier
This is one of the most scenic runs in the North East along the coastline from South Shields to Sunderland, following the coastal paths. The run starts besides the Pier at South Shields and after roughly a mile along the sandy beach the race moves to The Leas, here runners can choose any route apart from the road or footpath down to Souter Lighthouse.
Robert Kirby completed the race in 1:02 and Nicole Westmarland in 1:31.
18th May: Ormesby 10k
This 10k event takes place monthly on the 4th Sunday of the month in the grounds of Ormesby Hall, with the exception of this month’s event! (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 you 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.
Jeff Marriott completed the event in 1:04.
19th May: NEMAA Track and Field League 2025
Viv Hardwick competed in the NEMAA track and field Match 1 at Monkton Stadium, Jarrow.
Viv was very close to equalling his club record – only a tenth of a second off, running his best 3k in two years with a time of 14:28.9 and 3rd in age category, 100m in 17.5 (2nd in age category) and 400m in 1:27.0 (1st in age category).
Information about further track and field events can be found here: Track & Field – Quakers Running Club
22nd May: Saltburn 5k
The 2nd of the Muddy Roads series, this midweek race starts near the beach huts on the promenade and features a mix of trail and grass, undulating with flat and downhill stretches, taking runners through Hazel Grove woods and along the cliff tops.
Rob Dent was the first Quaker finisher in 22:00, followed by James Atkinson (24:34), Rob Gillham (24:43), Abbie Jones (24:53 and 2nd in age category), Carys Samuel (25:00 and 3rd in age category), April Corbett (28:04 and 1st in age category), Anthony Corbett (29:42), Sandra Cass (29:50 and 1st in age category), Chris Clark (30:17), Helen Clark (31:11) and Berni Gibson (41:16).
24th May: parkrun – Darlington South Park & Northallerton
At Darlington South Park, Andrew Vernon finished in 3rd place overall and 3rd male in 18:00, shaving 1 minute and 7 seconds off his previous PB from September 2015! James Stuart achieved his 3rd PB this year, shaving 12 seconds off his previous PB from last month.
Meanwhile, at Northallerton, Rob Dent was 8th finisher overall in 20:35.
25th May: Northallerton 10k (10k league)
This loop starts on Northallerton high street and takes runners out of the town into some of the most stunning country road views in North Yorkshire. The route is predominantly on country roads that are safe and well marshalled.
Marc Ellis was first Quaker finisher in 38:42 and 2nd in age category, followed by Dave Jones (41:32), James Atkinson (43:09), Rob Gillham (45:28), Simon Metcalfe (46:05), Carys Samuel (46:24), Brian McLaren (46:34), Neil Chalmers (46:35), Luke Hewitson (46:35, set PB), Michael Thompson (46:41), Graham Looney (46:58 & PB), Ian Hart (48:33 & 2nd in age category), Jonathan Eccles (50:07), Chris Neesam (50:37 & PB), Alex Looney (50:40), David Nalder (50:42), Lisa Bowerbank (51:45), Sue Sparrow (51:53), Chris Evans (52:51), Charlotte Madley (53:36), Dave McLachlan (53:54), Ian Burgess (54:48), Simon Rek (55:04), John Harrison (55:17), Paul Cockburn (56:10), Chris Clark (56:11 & PB), Carmelita Coco (56:43), Louise Priestman (58:30), Melissa Hird (58:51), Helen Clarke (59:13), Sarah Burrows (1:01), Jeff Mariott (1:01), Ross Edmond (1:02), Juliette McLaren (1:02), Chris Bowe (1:03), Lucy Bendle (1:08), Berni Gibson (1:10), Paige Robson (1:11) and John Yeomans (1:14).
25th May: East Yorkshire Half Marathon (10k also available)
Starting and finishing in the event village which is directly opposite the impressive Burton Constable Hall, this fast and flat route promises to delight runners. The courses follow a road closed loop around West Newton and New Ellerby along flat country lanes, just 8 miles from Hull city centre.
Michael Oliver completed the Half Marathon event in 2:05.
25th May Wild Deer Whinlatter Half Marathon (10k also available)
With breath-taking views across the Lake District towards Keswick and Skiddaw this run won’t disappoint those who love the Lakes. These are tough routes are mainly on firm trail paths with plenty of elevation!
Tom Chapman completed the event in 2:04.
26th May: LDWA Flower of Suffolk (100 miles)
Starting from the Ipswich School Sports Centre in Rushmere St Andrew, Ipswich, this route goes firstly through the Fynn Valley, heading North and into some lovely scenic countryside. Entrants pass by Helmingham Hall and on to discover Framlingham with its 12th century Castle. After breakfast in Leiston the route heads to Thorpeness, which was designed in the early 20th century as an exclusive holiday village and then on to Aldeburgh past the Scallop Shell structure on the beach. From Aldeburgh it is on to the Sailor’s Path over to Snape, passing Snape Maltings before heading down to the beautiful area of Orford, then turning back and heading inland into Rendlesham Forest. The route then calls at the Suffolk Punch Trust in Hollesley and continuing onto to Sutton Hoo, through the beautiful town of Woodbridge, along the River Deben and back towards the finish.
David Thompson completed the event, (his 10th LWDA 100 miler) in 29 hours 57 minutes, breaking his own club age category record.
26th – 29th May: Canix Fur Nations Canicross Event
The Canix Fur Nations is one of the most exciting international Canicross events, bringing together competitors from England, Scotland, and Wales to battle for national pride. This year’s event took place at the stunning Glamis Castle, a historic and picturesque setting that provided a challenging yet breathtaking backdrop for four days of racing.
The event featured multiple race distances, including:
- 5km and 2km races on May 26th and 27th
- 10km race on May 28th
- Final sprint races on May 29th
The trails around Glamis Castle offered a mix of woodland paths, open fields, and technical terrain, testing both runners and their canine companions. The unpredictable Scottish weather added an extra challenge, with bursts of sunshine followed by sudden showers.
Alexander Mathers and Helen Clark represented Team England in this end of season event which took place at Glamis Castle in Scotland.
On day 1 Alex finished in 19:57 (3rd place); on day 2 he finished in 19:23 (2nd place) and on day 3 he finished in 40:16 (2nd place) whilst Helen Clark finished in 28:22 and 54:22.
Team England emerged victorious, securing the Fur Nations Trophy, with Scotland finishing second and Wales in third.
28th May: Penshaw Fell Race
This event tests the limits of entrants as they climb the steep hill toward the monument, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Steve Snook completed the race in 25:15.
28th May: Darlington Trail Series – Low Conny 5k
This was a new route and the 4th of the series.
Luke Hewitson completed the race in 21:29, followed by John Harrison (25:28), Chris Bowe (30:46) and Jeff Marriott (32:44).
29th May: NYMAC Relays
The course is a certified measured one mile course and uses almost the first mile of the Stewart Park parkrun course. The course is well signed and marshalled and is a massed start with all categories starting together, just outside the Captain Cook Museum. 105 teams took part this year. Shout out to Dave Jones who ran twice, which meant we had 5 full teams taking part.
Dave Jones (5:59), Alexander Mathers (5:57), Luke Hewitson (6:18) and Marc Ellis (5:21 & club record) competed in the MOpen category with a combined finish time of 23:35.
Neil Chalmers (6:20 PB), Simon Metcalfe (6:27 & set PB), John Harrison (6:54 & set PB) and Dave Jones (6:00) competed in the MOpen category with a combined finish time of 25:41)
Carys Samuel (6:18, PB & club record), Abbie Jones (6:44 PB), Deborah Berry (7:01 & set PB) and Lucy Coxon (7:08) competed in the FOpen category with a combined finish time of 27:11.
David Nalder (7:35), Paul Cockburn (7:15 PB), Ian Burgess (6:57) and Jeff Marriott (9:05) competed in the M200 category with a combined finish time of 30:52.
Melissa Hird (8:32 & set PB), Sarah Burrows (8:08 & set PB), Lisa Bowerbank (7:25) and Rebecca Devine (6:56 & set road mile PB) competed in the F160 category with a combined finish time of 31:01.
29th May: Angel View Run (Championship Race)
The Angel View Race is a 5.5 mile trail race that takes place around the Angel of the North, with the finish line taking in the iconic structure. The race consists of 2 laps on a range of different terrain.
Rob Gillham was first Quaker finisher in 43:47, followed by Brian Martin (48:51 and 3rd in age category), Wendy Colling (53:32 and 3rd in age category), Simon Rek (53:57), Chris Clark (54:57), Helen Clark (55:02) and Lisa Jenkins (60:27).
30th May – 1th June: Hardmoors 160
This is a gruelling ultramarathon that tests endurance, resilience, and mental fortitude. The race begins at Sutton Bank, where runners set off eastward along the Cleveland Way towards Helmsley. This initial stretch offers breathtaking views of the North Yorkshire Moors, setting the tone for the challenge ahead. Leaving Helmsley, competitors transition onto the Tabular Hills Route, navigating across the moors towards Scalby. This section is known for its rolling terrain and technical trails. Runners then merge onto the Hardmoors 110 route, following the clifftops of the Cleveland Way. The coastal section is both stunning and punishing, with steep ascents and descents leading towards Ravenscar and beyond. The final stretch retraces the Cleveland Way, looping back towards Helmsley, where exhausted but triumphant runners cross the finish line. With over 7,000m of elevation gain, unpredictable weather, and relentless terrain, the Hardmoors 160 remains one of the UK’s toughest ultramarathons – a true test of grit and determination!
Emily Beaumont completed the event in 51 hrs 17 minutes and setting the club record for the furthest single distance in age and the third Quaker to do this distance.
31st May: parkrun – Marrechia (Rimini)
At Marrechia, Alex Looney was 3rd female finisher in 26:06.
Special Mentions:
Congratulations (and condolences) to Claire Chapman who completed a double crossing of the Lyke Wake Challenge (approximately 80 miles) taking her total number of crossings to 64!
Congratulations and well done to our parkrun graduates (as well as coaches and volunteers) at South Park on 17th May.
Congratulations and well done to QRC members that have achieved ‘unofficial’ parkrun milestones over the last fortnight!
Thank you and well done to Jo Meynell, who have recently achieved her 100th parkrun volunteer milestone.