Athletics
TEESDALE Athletics Club runners headed west on Saturday, for the annual Ravenstonedale 10K race, a small and extremely friendly event favoured by athletes of all abilities and one which reflects great credit not only upon race organisers, the Howgill Harriers, but, more generally, the village folk of the area.
At about 12.30pm, seven Teesdale AC runners assembled at the village hall HQ to collect race numbers before joining the throng of other runners winding their way through the lanes of Ravenstonedale towards the start.
Shortly after 1.30pm, runners were released onto a course which saw them take on the seemingly relentless undulations of the roads and lanes which surround the village centre.
This is a course which challenges and delights in equal measure. It requires runners to make an almost continual ascent throughout the first half of the course, but thereafter rewards them with stunning fell views.
The course is run on roads open to traffic, but the competence of the marshals and compliance of other road users ensured runners had nothing to fear.
Spectators were sparse out of the village environs but were highly enthusiastic, as were the residents of Ravenstonedale itself who roared runners to the finish.
First home for Teesdale AC was Steve Moss (45.14mins) followed shortly after by Alan Bray who bagged another highly credible sub-50 minute finish (49.48).
Katie Motttershead was first Teesdale AC female home (54.44) followed closely by Barbara Crawley (54.58).
Special mention should be made of the performance put in by Judith Rodwell whose 57.25 saw her secure another first in her age category.
Simon Pettitt and Amanda Pettitt rounded out the Teesdale AC finishers. Andrew Crawley provided vocal support for his teammates and ensured the day’s events were captured on film.
Teesdale AC runners were united in their praise for this unique event which showcases the best of Cumbrian hospitality and the beauty of Ravenstonedale. Little wonder then that year-on-year it sells out within a few days of entries being open.
Later in the day, this year’s three mile Moon Run was held at Gibside.
All proceeds from the run were donated to The Children’s Heart Unit Foundation charity.
This year shining brightly and representing Teesdale Athletic Club were Fiona Bainbridge, Henry Turnbull, Morag Burton, Alice, Steven, Janet Stables and Mim Fenwick. The trail run was held in wet and challenging conditions. The run was not timed and open to all ages and abilities.
All who participated lit up the route as runners ‘snaked’ back down from the 2km initial climb. It was an incredibly well supported event with marshals lining the course.
Alan Bray
