Elvet Striders

05/07/2025

Willow Miner Trail Race Results

The results of the race are now live here: https://www.elvet-striders.uk/2025/07/05/willow-miner-trail-race-results-2025/. Well done to everyone who took on the challenge of the race and many congratulations to the prize winners.
You will also find links to fantastic photo albums by Peter Bell and Nik Prowse on the page. Many thanks to them.
We hope that everyone who took part enjoyed the race, and look forward to hosting you once again next summer.

Willow Miner Trail Race Results 2025Wednesday, July 2, 2025 5th July 2025WMTR ResultsMalcolm Sygrove The winners of the Willow Miner Trail Race 2025, Stephen Jackson of Sunderland Harriers and Charlotte Dillon of Houghton Harriers, lead the field at the Willow Miner. Photos © Peter Bell.Full Result...

14/04/2025

ERRA National Road Relay Championships

This Saturday saw Elvet Striders field both men's and women's teams at the National Road Relay Championships in Sutton Park, Birmingham. This was a particularly historic occasion for the club as it was the first time that a Striders women's team has competed at this prestigious event. As you can see from the photos, there was no shortage of effort and team spirit shown by all our runners. Many congratulations to both teams.

Proud men’s club captain Michael Littlewood said:
“I witnessed the first women’s team to represent Striders at the National Relays and they were awesome. Then the men raced and I can honestly say they gave it their all. Totally proud of them all.”

09/03/2025

🌟 Dentdale 2025 – Striders Shine in the Dales! 🌟

What a fabulous day out in Dent for Elvet Striders! This scenic but challenging road race, set in the stunning Yorkshire Dales, features two distances—14.2 miles and 7.9 miles—taking runners through picturesque countryside, tough climbs, and an often-unforgiving headwind.

Our ladies' captain summed up the day perfectly:

💜 "What a fabulous day out at Dent! Beautiful sunshine, lovely cakes, and amazing Striders support. Some tough hills to contend with and a headwind to battle against for half of the race made for some tough conditions, but the team spirit was second to none!"

🏆 Outstanding Striders Performances:

14.2 miles:
🥉 3rd Male – Bryan Potts
🥇 1st V50 Male – David Milligan
🥇 1st V55 Male – Allan Renwick
🥇 1st V40 Woman – Corrine Whaling
🥇 1st V45 Woman – Tamsin Imber
🥇 1st V65 Woman – Fiona Shenton
🏆 Winning Male Team – Bryan Potts, David Milligan, Michael Littlewood
🏆 Winning Female Team – Corrine Whaling, Esther Swaffield-Bray, Tamsin Imber
7.9 miles:
🥉 3rd Male – Stephen Soulsby

Huge congratulations to everyone who took on the challenge! Whether chasing podiums or simply soaking in the stunning views, it was a brilliant team effort from all involved.

📖 From the Archive: Curious about past Striders adventures at Dentdale? Take a look back at our previous race reports here:

https://www.elvet-striders.uk/run-reports/road/dentdale-run/?year_range&strider

Dentdale Run 2018 ResultsSaturday, March 10, 201814.1 miles 14th March 2018Dentdale RunStriders' Web results Leave a comment

20/02/2025

06/02/2025

🏃‍♀️ North East Harrier League – Alnwick Fixture 🏃‍♂️

The North East Harrier League (NEHL) heads to Alnwick on Saturday, 1st March, bringing one of the most scenic and challenging courses on the XC calendar! 🌿⛰️ Set against the backdrop of Alnwick Castle, this course features rolling hills, tough climbs, and the ever-present mud—perfect conditions for cross-country racing!

🔵 Elvet Striders at Alnwick - From the archive:
Alnwick has been a memorable fixture for Elvet Striders, with many great performances over the years. If you’re looking for inspiration or just want to relive past races, check out our collection of race reports here:

📖 https://www.elvet-striders.uk/run-reports/xc/nehl/alnwick-nehl/?year_range&strider

📢 Race Details & Travel Info
📅 Date: Saturday, 1st March
📍 Location: Alnwick Castle Grounds

🚌 Need a lift? Elvet Striders have a coach booked for this event and currently have seats available. Runners from other clubs are welcome to get in touch if they’d like to join us—email [email protected] for more details.

The NEHL is a team-based league, and all Striders members are encouraged to take part—whether it’s your first time racing or you’re a seasoned XC runner. For those on the sidelines, it's a great day out watching and supporting the purple vests in action! 💜

Harrier League Alnwick 2020Alnwick, Saturday, February 29, 2020 29th February 2020Alnwick NEHLStriders' Web Results men ladies Leave a comment

31/01/2025

From the Archive – The Commondale Clart

The Commondale Clart is a classic winter fell race in the heart of the North York Moors, known for its challenging mix of trails, road sections, and plenty of clart (mud!). Covering around 8.3 km with 220 meters of climb, it’s a race that tests runners' grit as they navigate the rolling terrain around the village of Commondale.

Over the years, many Elvet Striders have taken on the Clart, sharing their experiences in race reports. You can read reflections from David Shipman, Nigel Heppell, and Tom Reeves among others, who have battled the mud and embraced the challenge. Check out their reports here:

https://www.elvet-striders.uk/run-reports/fell/commondale-clart/?year_range=%3C2015&strider

The most recent running of the Commondale Clart took place on Sunday, January 12, 2025, and while next year’s date is yet to be confirmed, it typically returns in January as part of the Esk Valley Fell Club Winter Series. Keep an eye on their page for updates if you fancy tackling this muddy classic or any other upcoming fell favourites!

Who’s got memories of racing the Clart? Share your stories in the comments! 💜

Commondale ClartNorth York Moors, Sunday, February 16, 2014BS / 5.2m / 722'Dave Shipman 16th February 2014Commondale Clart, Dave ShipmanStriders' Web The Commondale Clart, very aptly named this year!! I have done it in winter and summer previously but was still apprehensive given the monsoon rains l...

24/01/2025

🛒 Elvet Striders Food Bank Run – Giving Back to Our Community

As part of our monthly club run, Elvet Striders recently came together for a very special event to support the Tesco Gilesgate food bank.

📍 Starting at Maiden Castle, our runners brought along generous donations and set off in pace-specific groups, all converging at Tesco around 7:40 pm. Huge thanks to Rory, Malcolm, Phil, Wendy and Emma for their help in organising and leading the groups and for transporting the collected items.

At Tesco, we handed over the donations, coming together not just as runners but as a community dedicated to making a positive impact. 💪

Food insecurity is a growing issue, and we’re proud to support local efforts to provide for those in need. If you’d like to get involved, consider donating to your nearest food bank—every contribution helps!

Together, we can make a difference. Thank you to everyone who joined this fantastic occasion

Please help with food bank donations, a link to the durham food bank is as follows -

We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by the Trussell Trust. Find out how to get emergency food and other support. Make a food donation or find out about volunteering.

15/01/2025

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Brass Monkey Half Marathon 2025 🏅

This weekend, the much-anticipated Brass Monkey Half Marathon takes place, and Elvet Striders will be out in force! 🎉 Known for its fast course and fantastic atmosphere, this race is a favorite among our members.

We'll have a strong contingent of Striders representing the club, aiming for personal bests, achieving milestones, and enjoying the camaraderie that makes this race so special. 💜

Curious about how we've performed in past years? Check out our archive of run reports to read about our experiences, triumphs, and tales from previous Brass Monkey races.

We have archive reports going back to 2007!!

https://www.elvet-striders.uk/run-reports/road/brass-monkey-half-marathon/

Best of luck to all the runners taking part, and we can't wait to share updates from the race! 📸🎽

The clue’s in the name. For the temperature that is. A flat (apart from bump over the road in closing stages), fast, PB hunter’s half-marathon. Surprisingly rural with cosy finish and ceremony. Organised by York Knavesmire Harriers

08/01/2025

The Montane Spine Race is Back! 🏔️

The iconic Montane Spine Race kicks off on January 12, 2025 – a gruelling challenge that pushes runners to their limits across the Pennine Way in the depths of winter.
Elvet Striders' very own Elaine Bisson will once again take on this epic event! In 2022, Elaine tackled the Spine Race with incredible determination, and her gripping account of the race is a must-read –
https://www.elvet-striders.uk/2022/01/30/montane-spine-race-2022/
Elaine’s return to the Spine Race this year promises to be another inspiring journey, and we’re inviting all Striders and supporters to follow her progress as she faces one of the toughest races in the UK. 🌟
Stay tuned for updates as the race unfolds and cheer Elaine on as she conquers the mountains! 💜💪

Montane Spine Race 2022Sunday, January 9, 2022268 milesElaine Bisson 30th January 2022Elaine Bisson, SpineMalcolm Sygrove The Montane Spine Race is a 268 mile non-stop race following the Pennine Way from Edale to Kirk Yetholm in midwinter. It is regarded as one of the world’s toughest endurance ra...

14/10/2024

https://www.elvet-striders.uk/2024/10/08/the-lyon-equipment-lake-district-mountain-trial-2024/

Check out Nick's exciting race report on the Lyon Equipment Lake District Mountain Trail! His experience captures the true spirit of mountain trail running in the stunning Lake District. 🏔️✨

Want more great reads? Head over to our website for many more fantastic race reports from Elvet Striders members. Whether you're after some race inspiration or just love a good story, you won't want to miss these!

The Lyon Equipment Lake District Mountain Trial 2024Orthwaite, Cumbria, Sunday, September 15, 2024Short course: 15.2km, 1,100m climbNick Latham 8th October 2024Lake District Mountain Trial, Nick LathamMalcolm Sygrove The weather. A British… obsession? pastime? When I’m going out on the fells, I....

06/10/2024

Good luck to Stephen and David on their epic challenge. 🏃🏃

29/09/2024

Elvet Striders Jubilee parkrun Takeover – October 26th 🎉

Elvet Striders are thrilled to announce our takeover of the Jubilee parkrun on October 26th! To make the event even more special, we are partnering with Teesside SARC to collect essential toiletries for those in need. If you’re able to donate, the following items would be greatly appreciated:

🧴 Shampoo
🧴 Conditioner
🧼 Body wash
🪥 Toothpaste
🪥 Toothbrush
🧴 Deodorant
🧽 Face cloth
🪮 Hair brush or comb

There will be a collection point at the event, so feel free to bring any items along. This is a great chance to support both your local running community and a wonderful cause. Thank you for your kindness and generosity! 💜

We look forward to seeing you at Jubilee parkrun on October 26th! 🙌👟