On Saturday 25th November, an amazing 24 members travelled to Ravenstonedale in Cumbria for the Ravenstonedale 10k road race. Richard Trowles (39:17) finished sixth overall and second in the Men’s Over 40 category as he continues his excellent year of running. Also representing the club were Trevor Needham (47:05) and third in the Men’s Over 60 category, Dave Blewitt (48:20), Salv McDonnell (49:19), Daniel Tatham (49:26), Mark Bainbridge (51:20), Kieran Hornsby (51:20), Cath McDonnell (54:16), Keith Hatton (55:20), Shelley Ramsey (55:27), Sarah Gill (56:37), Trish Kay (57:01) and third in the Female Over 60 category, Sue Podmore (59:43), Carley Cooper (1:01:26), Alan Kellett (1:01:40), Heather Bainbridge (1:01:46), Yvonne Blewitt (1:02:18), Tracey Pickering (1:04:48), Anne Kellett (1:04:57), Sandrine Hewitt (1:05:04), Eve Doe (1:07:47), Cliff Pickering (1:12:40), Nicola Ingman (1:13:22) and Rob Nicholson (1:13:25).
Although it is essentially winter running, one member travelled to warmer climates on the same day to take part in the Medio Maratón Benidorm (Benidorm 10k), Richard Holland managed to tackle the course in an excellent time of 44:26 despite the warm conditions for the race.
Sunday 26th November saw the third event in the NYSD Cross Country series, with the club well represented across all categories. Joe Dickinson (5:09), Luke Thompson (5:43) and Elijah Turnbull (7:16) represented the club in the Under 11 Boy’s race. In the Boys Under 15 race, Luke Walker (14:51) was the sole representative for the club. In the Under 17, Under 20, Senior and Veteran Women’s race, Bernadette Cooper was first back in a time of 34:26, finishing third on the over 35 category. Also representing the club were Tamara Kirk (36:45), Susan Rees (40:30), Carley Cooper (40:41), Cath McDonnell (41:35), Melanie Rowland (41:43), Kelly Dickinson (43:05) and Tracey Pickering (50:31).
In the Senior and Veteran Men’s race, John Firby was first back in a time of 34:38. Also representing the club were Richard Campbell (39:02), Matt Muir (39:41), Martin Turnbull (39:54), Dez Fielden (42:12), Andrew Sedgwick (44:40), Matt Heron (45:20), Gareth Hamblin (45:43), Daniel Tatham (52:24), Keith Hatton (56:50) and David Stothard (58:07). In the Men’s Over 65 Veterans’ race, John Burnside (37:06) and Steve Williams (38:49) represented the club. Kevin Greenall was the sole representative for the club in the Men’s Over 70 race finishing in a time of 46:18.
On Saturday 25th November, 18 members started their weekend with a parkrun, taking in the Town Moor, Gateshead, Sedgefield, Hackworth, Hartlepool, Victoria Dock and Leazes events.
At Gateshead, Richard Tonge (30:55) and Kathleen Tonge (31:29) both completed the course for the first time. At Victoria Dock, Em Flynn completed the course for the first time, finishing in a time of 33:16. At Leazes, Ian Stothard set a new personal best for the course of 38:15.
If you are feeling inspired and are interested in joining the club, or want to take your running to the next level, you can turn up for one of our sessions. Our sessions cater for people of all abilities and we would be delighted if you wanted to join us to mark that next chapter in your life with running.
You can find out more by visiting or website or our Facebook page. If you would like to chat with someone, then you can email ayclifferunningclub@gmail.com – make this the time you get into running and join us to keep it going for many years to come.
