Athletics
Tees Barrage Trail Race
ADRIENNE Howard ran her first race for Teesdale Athletics Club on February 25.
As part of the Stockton winter trail series, Adrienne travelled to Tees Barrage with Fiona Bainbridge and they were delighted to find that Janet Stables, from the club, was a volunteer marshall at the event.
It was a cold but bright and sunny morning and there were about 120 runners.
The race started with a loop of the white water rafting course then went east along the Tees almost to the Newport Bridge then through woodland back to the Barrage.
The marshalls were really encouraging and it was generally a friendly and accessible race which was well organised.
The next run in the series is at Ropner Park on March 25.
High Cup Nick Fell Race
ON Saturday, February 24, members of Teesdale AC competed in the High Cup Nick Fell Race. This is a friendly race that has grown in popularity during recent years, starting and finishing in picturesque Dufton, in the Eden Valley.
The route follows one of the classic walks of the North Pennines with the half way point ascending the mighty High Cup Nick waterfall before returning on the western ridge back towards Dufton.
The route took runners across open fields, marshland and rocky terrain. A cold head wind made going quite tough during the first section, which was all uphill, before leading runners into the mouth of High Cup.
Thankfully this year the waterfall was dry which made the last scramble to the top much easier – but extra care was still needed on the narrow stony footpath.
Taking time to take in the magnificent view looking back down the perfect u-shaped valley, it was time to push on, heading back along the ridge towards Dufton.
The race is a major fundraiser for the village hall, and it’s clear to see, judging by the mountain of cakes and hot soup given to all runners crossing the finish line, the event is very well supported by all the community.
A truly awesome day saw Steve Moss finish in 1.35.47, with Pete Wilcox a few seconds behind in 1.36.15. Next came, Denise Turnstall followed by Sean Williams in 1.48.36.
North Yorkshire and South Durham Cross Country League
DENISE Tunstall and Steve Moss represented Teesdale AC at the last fixture of the cross country league held at the Richmond’s old race course.
Although closed for horse racing back in 1891, the circuit remains clear on the sloping hillside overlooking Richmond.
With rough grass and some soft going muddy stretches, it provided a challenging cross country race route.
It was cloudy with light winds making a great day for supporters, many who were joined by their four legged companions making the most of the wide open space.
Denise ran two large laps of the course in 26.35mins to take 48th position in the women’s 5k race.
Meanwhile Steve completed one small and two large laps in 46.39 minutes for 102nd position in the final 9.5k race for men.
