The first meet of the NYSD Cross Country League took place on 9th October at the Acorn Centre, Middlesbrough. 

Although unable to muster two teams, 6 members represented TAC and were met with an inviting, undulating course round the school fields and over some public grounds. The recent rain made the ground soft but not too muddy, and the bright sunshine was welcome but a strong wind made it challenging in places. 

Two laps for the women’s team meant they were supported round the course by the men whilst they waited for their race to start. 

3.9 miles saw Erica Dixon, in her first x country race for TAC come in at 30.57, Louise Franks at 37.51 and Judith Rodwell 46.47.

Their race done, the women cheered on the men on their 3 lap, 6 mile course.  Nigel Mawer was first for Teesdale in 47.21, David Raymond 49.33 and Mark Russell 51.29. Mark is a new member and also running his first race for the club. A good start to the season and the next meet is 13 November.

Caroline Hamilton was offered the Teesdale Athletics Club place in the 2020 London Marathon, but Covid put paid to the event taking place.  Unfortunately in 2021 Caroline was injured when she should have been training and taking part, but third time lucky and she was finally able to compete this year.  It felt like it was a long time coming!  London did itself proud, the weather was perfect, the organisation was great and the spectators amazing.  There were crowds cheering the competitors on from the start to the finish line.  The course is predominantly flat but does have a few inclines to contend with and takes in famous landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the Cutty Sark and finishes on the Mall.  The running community is so supportive and the London Marathon is no exception.  Caroline completed the 26.2 miles in 5 hours 39 minutes.

Gail Foster, Rhys Foster and Dave Raymond made the journey over the border to Cumbria for the Acorn Bank 10k. With perfect running conditions the race started and finished in the beautiful grounds of the Acorn Bank National Trust Property.  It was an undulating road race along country lanes, with quite a few challenging hills. It skirted the villages of Newbiggin and Culgaith, passing some beautiful houses, churches, a gaggle of geese – it was a stark contrast to last week’s GNR. There were plenty of marshalls en route to direct us and  cheer us on and  great support from the organisers, Eden Runners.  The delicious tray bake served to finishers was a welcome energy boost at the end of the race.

Teesdale Athletics Club runners accompanied by other runners from Barnard Castle took part in Sundays Great North Run Half Marathon.

Louise Franks, Erica Dixon (first runner back from the club in 2:04), Rhys Foster (first male club runner in 2:16), Fiona Turnbull, Gail Foster, Joanne Wall, Karen Watson and Alison Mawer all from Teesdale Athletic Club were accompanied by Will McNab, Rachel Tweddle, Clare McGrath, Mandy Harrison. Other runners who ran but are not pictured are Suzanne Hunter, Victoria Emmerson, Dave Sellwood, Sarah Norman, Steve Devlin, Anna Newrick and Claire Priestley.

This was Rhys, Karen, Anna and Will’s first GNR and they picked a warm one! With approximately 60,000 people it was a huge event. Ailish McColgen started the race after a minute’s silence and the singing of ‘God Save the King’ to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth.

 It was back to the normal route from the town centre to the seaside and as usual there were bands and supporters all along the route. Only one of the group sampled the famous beer at mile 10 and apparently it was lovely!

On Friday evening Trudy Layton along with Alison, Andrew and Steven Mounter, travelled to Middlesbrough to take part in the Ali Brownlee 5K, which returned to the Boro after a three year hiatus. Celebrating the “Voice of the Boro”, and his passionate commentary of Middlesbrough F.C. from 1982 to 2016, as well as his amazing community fundraising work, the run raised valuable funds for Mind Middlesbrough and Stockton, Daisy Chain, Leo’s, South Cleveland Heart Fund, South Tees Hospitals Charity, The Teesside Family Foundation, Our Hospitals Charity and the Jane Tomlinson Appeal.

There was a new route for 2022, with a start and finish in Centre Square. Runners left the Square and ran down to and around the exterior of the Riverside Stadium, before turning to run adjacent to the river, passing the iconic Transporter Bridge before turning back up to the finish line. 

First home for Teesdale AC was Alison in 33.38, followed by Andrew in 33.49, Steven in 33.53 and Trudy in 34.09.

Full details of Teesdale AC training sessions can be found on the club website, teesdaleac.com. All levels of ability are encouraged and welcome. Follow us on Instagram – teesdaleac2022

Rutted fields, stony paths, cow pats, stiles to climb over and cheering onlookers  greeted members from Teesdale Athletic Club on Sunday 21st August when they took part in the Scorton Feast Memorial 10K multi-terrain race.  The event was held to raise funds for Target Ovarian Cancer and the Herriot Hospice Homecare and was part of the Scorton 3 Day Festival.  The first kilometer was run clockwise around the perimeter of the field before turning onto a short stretch of road leading to the paths around Scorton lake and surrounding woodland.  After two laps of the scenic lakeside trails the runners turned for home finishing with an anti-clockwise run back around the field to the finish line.  Congratulations to new member Stuart Jones who finished in an impressive 45.44 minutes and was awarded first prize in his age category (M60).  Dave Raymond was next home in 48.14, followed by Rhys Foster in 53.44, Gail Foster in 01:13:01, Alison Mounter in 01:14:01 and Fiona Turnbull 01:23:16. 

Three members of Teesdale Athletics club took part in the SG Petch Darlington 10K road race on Sunday 7th August.  After collecting their race numbers there was a relaxed atmosphere in Darlington market place with deck chairs to sit in whilst waiting for the phased start to commence.  It was hot and sunny with very little shade as runners made their way around the two lap course in the centre of Darlington.  The event was well organised and lots of spectators were out to clap and cheer the runners on, including the vicar outside the church in Woodlands road. Finishers were presented with a bright T-shirt, a medal, water and a snack, and were encouraged to stay on to enjoy the music and presentation in the marketplace. Rhys Foster was first back for the club in a time of 51.52, followed by Louise Franks in 1.09.32 and Gail Foster in 1.12.07. 

On Saturday 13th August, four members from Teesdale AC travelled to Blaydon Rugby Club for the Gateshead 10K Trail, a popular annual event set in the beautiful Derwent Walk Country Park. They arrived to a thankfully cool, misty registration, however by the time the race started, the sun had broken through and temperatures were climbing to the hottest August day of the year so far. The route was alongside the river Derwent, old railway lines and woodland paths which provided much welcome shade from the searing sun. Dave Raymond finished first in 50:04, followed by Barbara Crawley in 1:01:40, Louise Franks in 1:08:56 and Amanda Pettitt in 1:10:21.

On Sunday 3rd July, the Mounter family took part in the Great North 10K race in Newcastle. With a new route this year, dubbed ‘I love the Tyne’ the race started at the Baltic, crossing the Swing Bridge to follow the river up to the Newcastle Business Park then looping back to the bridge to cross and follow the river up on the Gateshead side. Another loop back at 8K returned the runners  to the Baltic to cross the finish line. Steven was first to finish in 71.28, followed by Andrew in 71.39 and Alison in 71.40.