Bowes loop offers rewarding challenge

After the amazing success of the Deepdale Dash in January, Steve and Sarah of Teesdale Athletic Club organised The Bowes Loop – a scenic trail half marathon not for the faint hearted.

Race headquarters for this event was at Bowes and Gilmonby Village Hall, with the race starting at 9.30am.

There was a minimal kit list due to the remoteness crossing Bowes Moor on the Pennine Way.

The route passed the 12th century Bowes Castle then across to God’s Bridge, before heading to Blackton Reservoir, passing Goldsborough Carr and back to Bowes on a mile-long road finish.

The route included dirt tracks, boggy sections and fields and there were lots of friendly marshalls to encourage the runners as well as a food and drink station.

A tail runner ensured everyone returned safely to Bowes where runners were rewarded with soup or hot drinks along with a medal and a goodie bag.

Everyone said it was lovely to be out on the fells and the race had a bit of everything.

There were many smiles and waves and most agreed the run had been a brilliant event and that they would definitely do it again.

Martin Jones finished first in 1.44, Nathan Mawer from Startforth was second in 1.50, and Teesdale Athletic Member James Emmerson was third with 1.52.

Also running for TAC was Mat Davies who finished in 6th place in 1.58. and Kornel Devlin of Barnard Castle in 2.20.

Well done to one of our couch to 5k runner Sophie who recently completed in the A J Bell Great North 10k she completed the tough route in a great time of 1 hour 26 minutes and 33 seconds.

Sophie also ran in the Darlington 10k and is carefully planning her training prior to The Great North Run in September. Sophie has said she is having the time of her life running with Teesdale Athletic Club.

We meet for training with our experienced coaches on Tuesday and Thursday at 6pm at Barnard Castle Post Office. Come and try a couple of sessions before joining.

Report: Gail Foster