January Head Torch Run: Aykley Heads, Durham, Tuesday, Jan 6th, 2009

Dear Runners, Details of the next head torch run are 7pm meet for 7:10pm start at DLI museum car park, Aykley Heads, Durham City map here. The route is approximately five to six miles over extensive urban parkland and will take about one hour. Parts of the route might be quite muddy and slippery, therefore grippy shoes are advised. There are some short and steep inclines too. Dogs are acceptable but there are some sections near roads and the railway, so a leash is advised.
No need to let me know beforehand, just turn up on the night, but if you do want to get in touch before hand then my mobile number is 07941 506 484 or e-mail me via wjvh@btinternet.com This run will be led by Steve Gustard of Durham Fell Runners. In the event of severe weather the run might be cancelled, so please check for an e-mail before departing. Weather forecast at the moment is for a dry and cold night. Sorry for the late notice with this one, it was going to be held on the 13th to coincide with a near full moon but we've had to bring it forward a week. Hope you can all make it, Regards Will

Published: 29/12/08

DFR Men's Team Success at the Hexhamshire Hobble

A superb turnout of ten DFR members ran the 15th Hexhamshire Hobble on Sunday, 7th December, 2008. DFR men won the Men's Team prize, with Jason Allison 3rd, Mike Mallen 6th and Graham Burns 8th. This is the first time in 15 years, that the winning men's team has not been Northumberland Fell Runners. Amazingly, this was Jason's first true fell run, so to come in 3rd in such company requires double congratulations. After a few more races to refine the fell techniques, he will be a formidable opponent - look out everyone! The other men who had good runs were Chris Fairless, Stuart Ferguson, Paul Kelly, and Matt Lynn. The girls were not to be outdone, with Ros Kelsey, Liz Oates and Denise Tunstall giving great performances. Again, this was Ros's first real fell race and she is proving to be a natural gazelle, who will do better and better as she learns the arts and crafts of fell running. The future of DFR is bright with these sort of performances. Mike says he anticipates NFR will be down in full force for the Ayhope Skyline to try to re-establish their reputation. We shall see.

Published: 12/12/08

Club Dinner Reminder

This is to remind everyone who has booked a meal at the DFR Christmas Dinner, at the Red Lion, North Bitchburn, on Thursday, December 18th, that the timing is to arrive at 1930 for drinks in the public bar, sitting down for dinner at 2015. Have you remembered what menu items you ordered?

Published: 12/12/08

Karen's Party Success

Karen reports that the DFR Social Event, held at her house on November 29th, was attended by 20+ members. The World Table Football Championships were the highlight of the evening, with much hilarity and incompetence. A raffle allowed members to win prizes of amazing value, astronomical education and complete uselessness but not all at the same time. The event resulted in £140 being raised for Club Funds. Thanks again Karen, it was a great effort and enjoyed by everyone there. Karen says thanks to everyone who came and contributed to the fun, good conversation and raffle prizes; without you there would have been no event!

Published: 12/12/08

Hamsterley Forest Car Park Annual Passes 2009

Annual passes for the Hamsterley Forest Car Parks for 2009 are now available for purchase. They are sold at the Visitor Centre or at Wood'n'Wheels Cycle Office. If you had one for last year, you may well have received a form of application, with the price stated as £35. Durham Fell Runners members have a concession reducing the price to £30 for the full year. Please will everyone who parks regularly, say for the Thursday night training runs, please obtain and display their pass. Otherwise we have complaints from the Chief Executive of forest operations, which is very emarrassing for the Committee.

Published: 12/12/08

Forum Back On Line

Webmaster John Nightingale has set up a Face Book Group to be used as the Forum and it is now available for members to use as they wish. The advantage of Face Book is that it has standard options for adding text, photos, messages, video, discussion topics, etc. To use the Forum, members need to be invited and will then have an account or be a member of the group. To be invited, please send your email address to john-in-athens@hotmail.com. Only DFR members will be invited to join this group. For those who are not familiar with using Face Book, the user interface is reasonably instinctive but please contact us if you need some help.

Published: 28/11/08

Wills Run in Beamish, Nov 25th, 2008

Another successful turnout for Wills evening runs. Eight DFR turned out - Ros, Matt, Graham, Steve G, Jan, Danielle, Jeremy and Stu joined up with runners from NFR and Elvet. Rob Stephens of NFR was our guide around his local tracks, negotiating some strategically positioned logs, ice, metal cows and some very steep climbs, as well as an insight into the local heritage. There is an extensive report, with night pictures, at the Northumberland Fell Runners website. Wills next run will be January 2009; watch this space

Published: 26/11/08

OMM Borrowdale, October 25/26, 2008

Patrick Bonnett reports here on the adventures of seven DFR members who took part in the notorious OMM 2008 in Borrowdale on October 25/26. This report also appears in the Teesdale Mercury. Patrick is to write regular reports on DFR activities for the Mercury and the Weardale equivalent.

Published: 18/11/08

Waldridge Fell Run 11th November, 2008

Seven members of DFR joined Will and members of NFR and Elvet Striders for a 1 hour run around the fells and woods above Chester Le Street on 11th November. Ros, Matt, Steve G, Jan, Tim, Jeremy and Stu enjoyed 6 miles of mud and terrific views, paced around by Nick Swinburn. We all thoroughly enjoyed the run and the company and look forward to Will's Next Run.

Published: 15/11/08

Another Evening Run with Will

Following the success of the recent run around Waldridge Fell, which was attended by about 15 runners (and two dogs), including Nick Swinburn (of NFR and England), there will be another on Tuesday 25th November. The details are: Date: Tuesday 25th November; Meeting point: Eden Place car park, marked as point one on the map at this link. It is just off the A693 and probably signposted to Beamish Hall and Beamish Museum. The car park is a left turn less than 100 yards after turning off the A693. Route: Woods and tracks around Beamish in County Durham (near the A693, so quite accessible from major routes and Newcastle). Time: 7pm, for a 7:10pm departure; Distance: Estimate 6 miles; Duration: Estimate one hour; Dogs allowed: Yes (no road crossings); Head torch: Essential; Footwear: Fell or trail shoes advised but you'll probably get away with road shoes. Terrain: Generally decent paths and trails but some pretty muddy bits too; Contact: Will, 07941 506 484; Invite: Anyone! As last time, if the weather is really bad then I'll cancel so check for an e-mail before setting off.

Published: 15/11/08

Keider Borderer, March 8th, 2009

Missing for a while, this classic border country race of 17 miles is going ahead on March 8th 2009 from Kielder Castle. Go to the Kielder Race Web site for details. The plan is to run the race bi annually, with Greys Pike running on the years in between.

Published: 15/11/08

Heart of Bishop Auckland Appeal

DFR are supporting this appeal, launched to raise money to buy life-saving equipment for Bishop Auckland Hospital. There will be acollection at the Ayhope Christmas Race on December 28th, 2008. If you wish to contribute directly to the organisers, please see the poster at this link

Published: 30/10/08

Karen's Christmas Do, 2008

Please let Karen know as soon as possible if you will be attending her Xmas Do. You will appreciate she needs to know numbers for food planning. The date is Saturday, 29th November, 2008, time 7 pm, to be held at her house in Fir Tree. Food and raffle tickets provided for £10; bring your own bottle(s). Lots of exciting activities, including the Renowned World Table Football Championships with outstanding skill, abysmal incompetence, cheating and a laugh or two. Repeat reminder - please contact Karen and Mike as soon as possible to book places.

Published: 30/10/08

Waldridge Fell, 11th November, 2008

Evening run over Waldridge Fell (Chester-le-Street) 11th November, 2008
Message from Will Horsley 07941 506 484
Dear Runners, You are invited to participate in a guided run over Waldridge Fell, near Chester-le-Street, on Tuesday 11th November. Meet at 7pm for a 7:15 start from outside the RSPCA animal shelter.
Approx 6 miles at a steady pace. Estimated running time 1 hour. Fell or trail shoes recommended but road shoes will get you around. Head torch essential. Dogs permitted on all of the route but there is one short section of road and several road crossings. Plenty of parking in Beaney Lane outside the RSPCA cat shelter. You will get muddy. I will have my mobile with me so if you turn up late you can call and hopefully track us down.
This event may be cancelled in the event of really bad weather so please check your e-mails before heading out. This is not specifically a club event so feel free to invite any of your friends or family.

Link to map

Published: 28/10/08

DFR Christmas Dinner 2008

All the places for the Club Dinner on Thursday, 18th December, 2008, at the Red Lion, North Bitchburn have now been taken. Karen will sending/giving the menu and deposit forms soon to those who have booked. To assist the Red Lion, we are asked to choose in advance from the menu and pay a nominal (£5?) deposit.

Published: 10/10/08

Winter Solstice Run

Sunday, 21st December, meet at Hamsterley Visitor Centre at 10.00 am for a recce of the Ayhope Skyline race route. A gentle 10 mile runout and tea and cake in the cafe afterwards. Any queries to Stu.

Published: 31/10/08

Thursday Night Training Update

There will be no structured training on Thursdays 18th, 25th December 2008 and 1st January 2009 - turn up and you may be alone! You should be partying anyhow. Back to normal on 8th January, 2009.

Published: 28/10/08

OMM2008 DFR Runners

Good luck to the nine DFR competitors competing in the OMM in Borrowdale this weekend, 25th and 26 October, 2008, namely Steve Lumb, Mike Mallon, Tim Makin, Patrick Bonnet, Alan Hunt, Jason Allinson, Mark Bevan, Rob McSherry and Stuart Ferguson. I am sure there will be tales to tell. Attached is a picture of Tim, Patrick, Alan and Stu just about to complete another Thursday OMM training session.
Stu.

Published: 19/10/08

Congratulations Julia and Helen

Friends and former members of DFR, Julia Steele and Helen Witham, completed the Hardmoors 110 mile Ultra Race in a time of 33hrs 36 mins. This ultra Ultra race, which started at 1700hrs on the 26th September, begins in Helmsley and follows a route round the North York Moors and down the coast to Filey. Many congratulations to you both from DFR on a remarkable physical and mental achievement. We hope your example will inspire our ultra members to emulate you in next year's race.

Published: 17/10/08

World Masters, Czech Republic, 2008

The 8th World Masters Mountain Running Championshps were held on September 6th, 2008 at Dolni Morava in the Czech Republic. There were 619 entries in ten age classes, from 35 to 80 years, male and female, with runners from 24 countries. The majority were Europeans, as usual, with the biggest nation's turnout being Czech but plenty of Brits from Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England entered the race. Seven entries in the M75+ class included Alex Menarry, Durham Fell Runners' Chairman, who turned out to be the only UK gold medal winner. The ceremony after the race copies the Olympics, including the medal presentions on a 1-2-3 podium, with the National Anthem of the winner being played.

Published: 10/09/08

Special Training, OMM 2008

OMM Training. Stuart will be running OMM training sessions after the normal training session on thursdays until Thursday, 16th October. The focus will be on endurance and navigation, as well as equipment and general preparation for the event. You are welcome, even if you are not doing the OMM. The sessions will last at least an extra 1.5 hours on top of the normal session. Head-torch, food, drink and midgy spray a necessity. See the forum for further details.

Published: 10/09/08

Club Meeting 29th October, 2008

The next Club Meeting will be held at Karen and Mike's house in Fir Tree, at 6.30pm on Wednesday, 29th October, 2008. All club members are invited to attend.

Published: 29/08/08

DFR Vests and Other Clothing

DFR Kit. All DFR clothing will now be supplied by Track 'n' Terrain, Elvet Bridge, Durham City. (see the sponsors web page). If anyone requires a new vest or tee shirt, or wants to know what clothes are now available - there may be DFR shorts designed soon - go to the web page or contact us via our web site. All orders should be made to Track 'n' Terrain from now on.

Published: 29/07/08

DFR on Tour

DFR on Tour - Castle Eden Dene. To be able to explore new areas of Durham, occasionally the Thursday night training goes away from Hamsterley Forest. Thursday 26th June at 6:30 from the roadside next to Castle Eden Inn is the next tour venue and Andy Minister is to guide us around Castle Eden Dene. See the thread on the forum for specific details. Over the years the tour has visited Tunstall Resevior, Beamish Woods, Esh Winning, Tunstall Hills and Holwick Scar. If any member wants to showcase their local area then please contact Alex, Gerry or Stu to arrange it. If you turn up at Hamsterley on 26th June, you may be alone.

Published: 6/06/08

DFR at Helvellyn Race

Four DFR members, Robin, Tim, Stu and Mike travelled over to participate in what is regarded as the toughest mid- distance fell race in the Lakes. The weather was dry with good visibilty but 55mph gusts of winds awaiting the runners on the tops. Well done to Tim, who led the DFR team home in a very good time of 2hr 4 mins, over this 11 mile, 4500 feet of ascent route.
Stu.

Published: 29/05/08

For the Ladies

We have received the following email.
Date: Mon, 19 May 2008 Subject: Sportsister - The Sports Magazine for Women
From: danielle@sportsister.com Attn: Club Secretary
Hi, we would like to introduce your female members to our new online sports magazine for women. As you know women's sport is given very little media coverage so we have decided to do something about this by launching a magazine ourselves - www.sportsister.com. Its online and its free and we need your help to make it a success. Aside from giving much needed media coverage to our women athletes, Sportsister also aims to encourage women to get involved in sport via our get started guides and by presenting sport in a female friendly style. We offer solid informed advice, interesting articles, daily news, a forum and an extensive what's on guide focussing purely on the women's perspective. We are also looking for groups of women to take part in our tried and tested guides, we supply 6 items from different brands and you tell us what you think - you get to keep the kit, have your say and see your group on sportsister. If you are interested please email me directly - we are currently looking for a group to test running t-shirts. Lets get women's sport the coverage it deserves and more women and girls involved - help us spread the word ! Thanks for your time,
Danielle and Louise

Published: 20/05/08

Request for Information

The email below was received yesterday. Can we help?
Subject: Information on Fell Running
From: pss5j3f@leeds.ac.uk
Dear Club Secretary,
We are a group of third year sports science students from the University of Leeds. We are currently involved in a virtual project aimed at preventing and treating overuse injuries in fell running. We were wondering if you could tell us the main overuse injuries that your runners suffer from. Also, what services would you expect from this theoretical clinic? Any information you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Regards, James Fattal, Ravi Hannah, Charlotte Johnson, Rebecca Morton, James McNaught

Published: 17/04/08

Membership Fees for 2008

The annual membership fee of £10 is now due. Please pay to Ray Maynard or Mike Mallen as soon as possible.

Published: 07/04/08

Next Club Meeting, 27 July, 2008

The next Club meeting will be held after the Handicap Race on Sunday, 27th July. It will be held in the Forestry Meeting Room near the Visitor Centre or in the Cafe. Following the AGM resolution, all DFR members are invited to attend this meeting, to allow more members to see and make a contribution to the workings of the DFR organisation.

Published: 07/04/08

2008 Annual General Meeting

The DFR 2008 Annual General Meeting will be held at 12 noon on Sunday, April 6th, 2008 (a week after the Doctor's Gate Race). At 10 am there will be an informal run in Hamsterley Forest, starting at the Visitor Centre and the AGM will be held in the Forest Meeting Room after the run. All members are cordially invited to attend and contribute their views on the Club's progress over the year.

Published: 02/03/08

Committee Meeting

A committee meeting has been arranged for Wednesday 23th January, 7pm at Mike and Karen's house, Fir Tree.

Published: 10/01/08