Athletics
ELEVEN members of Teesdale Athletic Club (TAC) travelled to take part in the Parkrun at Fountains Abbey, Ripon.
The 5k run comprised a short and long lap around the Studley Royal grounds with its woods, paths, lakes, waterfalls and River Skell. It was a typical autumn morning: cool, dull and dank, but thankfully dry. The leaves resembled a multi-coloured quilt of green, brown, gold and orange as the famous abbey ruins emerged from the mist.
It was a good field of 408 entrants. TAC team results: Nigel Mawer 39th (21.07), Ellie Cox 81st (23.22), Michael Dolderson 113th (24.38), Erica Dixon 143rd (25.51), Jack Wheeler 176th (26.56), Andrew Stainthorpe 204th (28.13), Olivia Hall 206th (28.17), Carrie Wheeler 230th (29.11), David Raymond 269th (30.39), Gail Foster 329th (33.52) and Karen Dolderson 332nd (34.10).
We all enjoyed the run, but something even better was awaiting us. A short bus ride took us back to Ripon and a well-earned breakfast in The Unicorn.
Once refuelled, the final part of the trip was free time to explore the city of Ripon with its central market square, alleyways and commanding cathedral.
Tired out, we all returned to Barney recalling what a wonderful morning it had been and vowing to make it a regular event. Now where’s the next Parkrun with a ‘Spoons nearby?
Nigel Mawer
