2023 – a DVRC year in review… – Derwent Valley Running Club

Another year gone by, but so many achievements that we enjoyed along the way – let’s take a look back and celebrate what we accomplished over the last 12 months.

March

We started off the year with Paul Brunger taking home a podium finish for 3rd at the Hardmoors 55 event. Tackling the 55 miler with a fast final 6 miles, to pick off the person in front to secure a top three finish. Paul’s account of the day was published here: Weekend Roundup – 26/03/23

April

April took us to the Greener Miles Running Cowshed where our Natasha Powell was the last female standing, finally tapping out on 54 miles at 1am! Have a look back over the day, here: Weekend Roundup – 30/04/23

*Last woman standing… but still gets a wooden spoon!*

Also in April we saw the Pennine Journey 52 event happen – where our Claire Knox finished as the 2nd overall female and our relay team of John Kirby, Matthew Scott and Francesca Best finish 2nd. Go back and read Fran’s account of the weekend: Weekend Roundup – 10/04/23

*Colour coordination wasn’t the aim of this trio…*

June

The biggest news of the year was kept for slap bang in the middle of 2023, as our Jenny Yeo took part in the annual Montane Spine Race… and not only did Jenny take part, but she finished 1st female and 6th overall. It’s something that will live long in the memory of Jenny, and us as a club – still such a monumental effort, right in the middle of the summer. Incredible. Read all about it: Weekend Roundup – 25/06/23

While Natasha headed to North West Wales to compete for Team England at the Lionsgate Backyard Ultra Wales – contributing 50 miles to the team total, on the way to a 3rd place finish! An international roundup: Weekend Roundup – 04/06/23

August

Another Greener Miles Running event and another DVRC winner – this time it was Glen Cooper who took home the trophy for Isaac’s Tea Trail, with Glen winning the marathon, over some very challenging terrain and heat. Quite the triumphant return as he returned from injury.

*No excuses for not sticking the kettle on, now…*

September

Quite the busy month was kicked off with Claire bagging herself the 2nd overall female prize at the Prudhoe Miners Race… a theme of things to come from Knoxy for the month. News of which was carried here: Weekend Roundup – 03/09/23

Over in Chopwell Woods, we had load of DVRC’ers taking on the Greener Miles Running Chopper, 6 and 12 hour events. Matthew Scott took home the win in the 12 hour event – finishing long after dark, despite being one of the hottest days of the year. Amazing!

*Said it before, we’ll say it again -a right motley crew*

Over in the 6 hour event – Marc Runkee finished 3rd overall to secure himself a podium finish, only just missing out on the win by a couple of minutes!

Back to Knoxy, she only went and bagged another podium finish – over at the Pilgrims Ultra! Fighting off her own mental images of someone chasing her in the dark to finish on GNR morning. A lot happened that weekend – read more: Weekend Roundup – 10/09/23

*Say we are top of the league, say we are top of the league…*

We concluded the month with our ladies topping the division after the first round of Cross Country fixtures – very proud! Weekend Roundup – 24/09/23

October

Our final month of achievements started with that name yet again – as Jenny Yeo followed up her triumph in the Spine with another 1st placed female at the Pathfinder 25 event! The first day of the month – Weekend Roundup – 01/10/23

*We’re aiming for improved victory photos in 2024…*

Over in the Lake District, we took all kinds of wins in the 12pm sailing of the Lakeland Trails Ullswater 14k, with Chris Hewitson finishing 1st overall, John Kirby 3rd overall, Bex Hewitson 1st female and Claire Knox 2nd female. We might not be invited back, this year, after such a strong showing like that! Go back to that full blow-by-blow account, here: Weekend Roundup – 15/10/23

Over the course of the year we had members hitting all of the parkrun courses – and waaaaaay too many PBs to mention – but the constant desire to lace them up and get yourselves out there, rain or shine is such a joy for us all to see. We all inspire each other – whether it be 5k or 268 miles.

As a club we go from strength to strength and it’s our members who push us all to be the best versions of ourselves that we can be… 2024 will be no different, in that regard. But we know the achievements will be sailing in thick and fast.

Probably the best running club in the world.