The Stanhope 10 mile is a recently introduced race, in its 3rd year and run for charity. This year’s charity is Quinn’s Retreat, supporting families affected by suicide.

The run starts at the Stanhope Showground and leads up the hill back towards Teesdale. The day started cool but as the runners toiled up the hill, the sun came out and the day warmed up. At the top of the first hill the race turned towards Bollihope and back towards Stanhope. The views from the top were magnificent and those struggling with the gradient had longer to appreciate them!

The race is officially untimed so the timings of the three Teesdale AC runners are taken from their own devices. First back was Victoria Bainbridge with 1.43.00 closely followed by Katy Smith in 1.43.28 and Judith Rodwell came home in 1.54. A very challenging run but enjoyable and friendly.

Teesdale Athletic Club at the Gateshead 10K Trail Run

Over a thousand runners, young and not so young, took part in the Gateshead 10K Trail run in the picturesque surroundings of Derwent Walk Country Park on Saturday 14th August. Starting (and finishing) at the Blaydon Rugby Club grounds the off road trail run follows clear paths through Derwent Country Park with superb views (for those with time to look) along the way. The route is largely flat and fast with the occasional incline to test the runners’ stamina.

Dark clouds threatened to dampen the proceedings but soon dispersed giving excellent running conditions and after an enthusiastic mass warm up under the guidance of the excellent MC the race began, elite runners sprinting off first followed by amateur runners.

Teesdale AC was represented by 7 runners, all completing the run and enjoying this well organized event, pleased to be back in competition after such a long break.

Run times for the Teesdale crew were:

Peter Wilcox 48:05

Claire Hesketh 51:50

Mike Jarman 51:52

Barbara Crawley 56:26

Judith Rodwell 1:02:51

Amanda Pettitt 1:04:25

Jane Mardon 1:35:22

Well done to all the Teesdale runners.

The race winning time was 32:52, something to aspire to!

The London Landmarks Half Marathon took place on Sunday 1^st August. Katy Smith proudly represented Teesdale AC in what was her first official half marathon. Around 12,500 runners set off in waves from Trafalgar Square following a mostly flat course, passing landmarks such as the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London amongst others. Runners were spurred on by musical performances along the route – live DJ’s, string quartets, choirs and even the Bow Bells rang out! The weather was kind, good running conditions with an overcast sky and one or two showers to cool runners down. Katy achieved a PB of 2:10:00.

Teesdale Athletic Club runners Vicky Bainbridge and Alan Bray both took part in the Darlington 10 kilometre road race on Sunday 1st August. The weather was warm but the clouds kept the sun at bay and running conditions were good.

The race was well organised and over one thousand runners were set off socially distanced, in waves, one minute apart. Alan was first back in 411th place in a time of 50 minutes and 50 seconds and finished 3rd male over 70, Vicky followed soon after in 495th position in a time of 53 minutes and 38 seconds which was a personal best time over the 10k distance.