6 Teesdale AC runners made their way over to Settle on Sunday 23rd February to take part in one of the Grim Up North series of races, consisting of half marathon, 10 mile and 10k races. The weather was very unpromising on the way over with some roads partially underwater but passable with care. It was cold, wet and windy whilst waiting for the start but once the half marathon started the rain settled to a drizzle and cleared up in time for 10 mile race. There were quite a few puddles en route but after trying to edge round the first one, the runners plunged through. The route could be discribed as undulating with some  serious climbs. As the sky cleared, the views over to Pen y Gent were spectacular with snow still on the tops. It was an out and back route and the 3 race distances shared the route for a time, which added to the friendly atmosphere.  Mike Jarman was second runner back on the 10k route, with a very impressive 47.25. Claire Hesketh was first back for Teesdale in the 10 mile race, in 1.31.06 followed by Barbara Crawley, 1.36.25, Andrew Crawley 1.39.44, Judith Rodwell 1.47.58 and Amanda Pettitt 1.51.21. Everyone enjoyed the challenging run, well supported by a cheerful posse of marshals and appreciated the beer or cider and chocolate at the finish. Judith Rodwell 

Thousands of competitors ran in the English National Cross Country Championships held in the scenic grounds of Wollaton Hall on Saturday 22nd February. Wollaton Hall is an Elizabethan country house standing on a small hill in Wollaton Park, Nottingham. The surrounding parkland is home to a large herd of free-roaming deer, and is regularly used for large-scale outdoor events such as rock concerts, sporting events and festivals.On Saturday there were no deer to be seen in the park but there were a lot of rough muddy paths and waterlogged areas for runners to splash through. The men’s race, attracting a large field of 1,710,  took runners round four laps of ever increasing size to explore the extremes of the park and its muddy hills and watery ditches. Steve Moss representing Teesdale AC,  persevered through to the end of the 8 miles and came in 1,526th in 1:14 which was 3 mins and about hundred places behind former Teesdale AC member son Andrew who now runs for North Dorset Triathlon Club.

On Sunday 16th February, 6 members of Teesdale Athletics Club travelled to York to take part in the Bloodaxe Challenge. Runners can complete as many 1km laps as they want within a 2 hour period and can stop whenever they want.
Weather predictions were dire due to storm Dennis but fortunately the temperature was mild for the time of year and despite blustery conditions the wind wasn’t too bad. A nasty hail shower half way through soaked everyone but a beautiful double rainbow afterwards almost made it worthwhile!
All runners once again thoroughly enjoyed this event and were rewarded with chocolate and cakes at the end.
Trudy Layton 17 laps 2.01 hrs
Mandy Harrison 11 laps 1.20 hrs
Astley Fenwick 11 laps 1.42 hrs
Janet Stables 10 laps 1.11 hrs (Pb)
Mim Fenwick 10 laps 1.46 hrs
Jane Mardon 9 laps 1.24 hrs

Andrew Aislabie took part in the Gretna to Carlisle 10k race on February 2nd.
The weather was cold and wet and he got soaked but completed the race in 51minutes and 11 seconds and finished in 322nd place