The start of the final month of 2023, and the final Grand Prix fixture of the season… Thankfully this weekend’s activities were heavily trail and fell based, after the weather saw off pretty much every ParkRun in the North East.

These hardy souls braved the snow and headed out to Allendale for the 29th annual Hexhamshire Hobble, and the last remaining GP points to be claimed. As we saw last week, the top of those tables couldn’t be closer, so it was all to play for.

With captains Knox and Kirby fighting the Hewitson pair, along with last year’s reigning champ, Kirsty Robson looking for a podium finish.

Heading out, and immediately onto the biggest incline of the course, wasn’t the fast start we were all looking for, “bit unnecessary, this” was heard… probably with added expletives.

Has to be said, the marshals out on the course were the real heroes of the day – running in that was actually surprisingly warm… despite the sweat tending to freeze once it sat on your skin long enough. But to stand around in those sub-zero conditions – we salute you!

Claiming himself maximum points and first DVRC’er home, was skipper Kirby in 1:31 for 43rd overall. Closely followed by Chris Hewitson in 1:32 in 49th, and Sam Spratt in 52nd. For the ladies, Bex Hewitson got home in 1:35 in 62nd, for the maximum, skipper Knox was next home in 100th after 1:47. Kirsty Robson and Eleanor Shotton got back in 118th and 119th, in 2:01. Great work from all of our crazy seven!

Full results can be found here: Hexhamshire Hobble Results 2023

What does this all mean for the Grand Prix standings? As ever, the Christmas party will see year’s winners crowned – and we’ll be here to report those victories… it’s all terribly exciting!

While normal people were sleeping, Glen Cooper, Peter Storey and Stuart Reay were heading to the wilds of the Cheviot Goat Ultra 2023. Starting at 6am(!) in Ingram, our terrific trio headed out on the 100km course, taking in almost 4000m of elevation gain.

We’re very pleased to report that all three completed the full course, with Peter in first for us after 17 hours and 24 minutes, just before 11:30pm, to claim 20th overall. Glen and Stuart came in joint 64th after 20 hours and 24 minutes, at 2:24am! Mindblowing stuff from all three of them!

Our Sunday Social gang took to the trails of the Derwent Walk and Rowlands Gill once again, as the Ultra 2024 prep continued. Plenty of snow and freezing temperatures doesn’t stop DVRC… not much does.