Summer runnin’ had me a blast… It’s June and we’re heading towards Blaydon Race week, so it must be the hottest time of the day, now, surely?! Lots of reports of baking hot races, this weekend, so let’s get this show on the road!

Claire Knox and David Williamson headed over to the Lake District to take part in the Montane Ullswater Way Trail 20 miler, on an idilic Saturday morning… but maybe not for racing…

Both of them turned in brilliant times on the day, with David finishing in 3:40 and Claire in 4:08… especially with over 3000 feet of elevation gain! David ended in 49th position overall, with Claire 21st female.

Also in the Lakes, was Sarah Reay – tackling the Grasmere Gallop 17k trail run… Sarah taking down the course in just over two hours. Despite a fall, Sarah took it all in her stride and completed the race to get the perfect finisher pic.

Heading even further afield, to the north western coast of Wales, to be precise… Our very own Natasha Powell was representing Team England in the Lionsgate Backyard Ultra.

Smashing out 50 miles, across 12 loops, Natasha helped Team England to a third place finish. We’re all very proud of you, Natasha!

In her own words:

“Back home from an amazing weekend at the Lionsgate Backyard Ultra Wales. Welsh Championship 2023 running for Team England and it certainly was beautiful and brutal! Wild horses and the chance of adders on the route made it extra special and threw in a few challenges when the horses decided to fight amongst themselves on the path stopping anyone from passing them. Not ideal when you need to finish your lap in time or you’re out! The heat was another challenge altogether and even though I started the afternoon loops in a wet top it was almost bone dry less than an hour later thank you to Mark Marchant and Hazel Marchant at Greener Miles Running for the opportunity to run in this event as part of the team. I’m lucky to meet such amazing people doing these events. Thanks to my mam Julie Wheatley for crewing not only myself but my other team mates too, your bowl of water for soaking hats and buffs in was a godsend! 12 loops and 50 miles later (my second longest ever running distance) with nearly 7000ft of elevation is something I’m very proud of achieving. Until next time…”

Whilst at ParkRun this week, Duncan Marshall ran his fastest ever ParkRun at Whitley Bay; with other members hitting the courses of Blackhill, Blyth Links, Chopwell Wood, Riverside, Prudhoe Riverside and Gateshead.

Another Chevy recce occurred today… Sadly no hilarity ensued… or if it did, the gang are remaining tight-lipped about it all… Something we can’t imagine being easy for Mr Morris!

This upcoming week sees another date on the Grand Prix calendar – with the Blaydon Race, obviously on the ninth of joon… We’ll all be heading back to our favourite watering hole, Pedalling Squares, afterwards, for appropriate levels of rehydration on a Friday night in the sunshine…