On Saturday 30th July TAC members turned out to support the inaugural Cotherstone cross country run, raising funds for Pancreatic Cancer and the Great North East Air Ambulance. The race set off across the fields at Doe Park before picking up the old railway line and then joining the road to Hunderthwaite. A long mile of uphill took the runners to the edge of the hamlet before turning across the fields with incredible views of Teesdale and beyond to enjoy. The 3.5 mile course finished back at Doe Park where Barnard Castle Brass Band entertained the crowds.
Gail Foster and Jane Mardon of Teesdale Athletics Club ran the Watlass Wander 5K race on Saturday 18th June at Thornton Watlass. Even with a 10am start it was hot and sunny as the runners gathered on the village green for the organised warm up. The race was run through the beautiful grounds of Thornton Watlass Hall and on into parkland, along tracks by corn fields and into the woods where some boggy bits were encountered. The race was an out and back and classed as multi terrain with an undulating profile. Once back at the village green runners were greeted by traditional fete stalls and attractions, all supportig local charities, businesses clubs. Jane was 1st in her age category, and Gail finished 13th.
On Thursday 16th June five members of Teesdale Athletics Club travelled to Kiplin Hall for a 10K race on the hottest day of the year so far. The race was two laps around the gorgeous grounds comprising grass pasture, woodland tracks and lakeside paths. At the end of the race runners were treated to a hot drink and tasty home baked cake. First to finish was Dave Raymond in 47:18, followed by Rhys Foster in 57:46, Barbara Crawley in 60:28, Amanda Pettitt in 68:43 and Gail Foster in 76:54.
On Sunday 12th June Dave Raymond from TAC completed a 10K race at beautiful, sunny Burton Leonard. The course was set in stunning nearby countryside and comprised roads, farm tracks, woodland paths and open countryside with a ford to cross (or a bridge for those that preferred to stay dry) thrown in. Dave completed the course in 49.19 and was an impressive second in his category.
TAC members, Barbara Crawley, Amanda & Simon Pettitt travelled South to the seaside to take part in the Great Grimsby Orstead 10k on Sunday 4th June. Barbara and Amanda warmed up for the race on Saturday 3rd June, enjoying the Cleethorpes Park run,before undertaking the 10K race the following day in memory of Amanda’s Mum Shirley.
The race is run on a traffic free, fairly flat course that is well supported by the local community, with bands playing along the route and at the finish in People’s Park, where in the past Amanda’s mum has been waiting to refuel Amanda & pals with a picnic. Despite a damp and windy start it did not spoil and a fun time was had by all. The great picnic still went ahead but had to be taken indoors with the inclement weather.
Barbara finished in 56:12 and Amanda & Simon ran together finishing in 1:06:15
The 40th Blaydon Race returned to the streets of Newcastle on Thursday 9th June in a sell out event and with a new 6 mile route. The race started on the Quayside under the Tyne Bridge, followed the river to the Newcastle Business Park, where the race joined the Scotswood Road. The racers then crossed the Tyne on the Scotswood Bridge heading towards the Metro Centre before turning back on themselves towards Blaydon with the finish line looming on the Shibdon Playing Fields.
It was a family affair for Teesdale Athletic Club, Trudy Layton ran the race with her daughter Ellie, who runs with Crook and District, and Andrew and Steven Mounter formed a father and son team crossing the line together in 65.30. Trudy and Ellie have now completed the race together six times, Andrew has run the Blaydon Race sixteen times and Steven has just completed his second race. Trudy completed the course in 73.01.
On Sunday 29th May, Joanne Wall, from Teesdale AC, joined thousands of runners to take part in the Edinburgh Half Marathon. A beautiful, scenic course taking runners from Edinburgh’s city centre, via Holyrood Park and along the coast to the finish line at Musselburgh. Joanne finished with a half marathon PB and a course time of 2:27:15
On Sunday 8th May four members of the athletics club headed out to New Marske to take part in the Pizza 8K Trail race organised by Muddy Roads. On a hot and sunny day the course was set through bluebell laden Errington Woods with mixed terrain from trail to grass. From the top of the woods competitors could take in spectacular views of Roseberry Topping and the Saltburn cliffs and the temptation of a slice of woodfired Napoli pizza at the end kept the team going to the finish line. Rhys Foster was first to cross the line for TAC in a time of 45.40, with Barbara Crawley following in 50.07, Amanda Pettitt in 57.48 and Gail Foster in 65.05.
On Wednesday 13th April 8 members of Teesdale Athletics Club took part in the annual Children with Cancer 5K fundraiser organised by Darlington Harriers. The run took place in South Park on a sunny, spring evening, and followed the usual park run route. There was a lovely atmosphere with lots of support for all the runners as they ran the three laps. First man home for TAC was Dave Raymond in 22.32, followed by Rhys Foster in 24.32, Steven Mounter in 32.27 and Andrew Mounter in 33.05 for the men. First home for the ladies was Barbara Crawley in 27.46, with Louise Franks in 31.02, Christine Whitford in 31.09, Gail Foster in 32.27 and Alison Mounter in 33.03. Both Alison and Andrew gained 5K personal bests.
The final leg of the NYSD cross country season was marked with a relay race at South Park in Darlington. Blue skies and sunshine were in abundance as the seven Teesdale Athletics Club members, making up the female and male teams, congregated at registration. The ladies team of Alison Mounter, Tricia Child and Erika Dixon set off first, each completing two laps of the course before handing over to the next runner. Then it was the men’s team of Dave Raymond, Steven Mounter, Rhys Foster and Peter Wilcox’s turn. Once again each competitor completed 2 laps of the course. The cross country events can be fiercely competitive with teams from across the region taking part. As one of the smallest clubs participating, we were delighted to have had representation at all the events throughout this season.