Author: Liz Simpson

Blustery conditions for the 46 Striders at the barrage on Saturday. No new pb's to report but we did see Helen Mcilvenny come in as third female finisher. Jonathon A, Andrew L, Adam P and Nigel R volunteered. Dave Fender failed his fitness test and didn't run. Elsewhere Julia Ansbro got a new pb at Albert where Emily Palmer was third female home. Two more pb's - and they went to Suzanne Brodie at Stewart and Fiona Shaw at Fountains Abbey. Gavin Morley completed his 100th parkrun at Silksworth. Runners too at Woodhouse Moor, Catterick, Sedgefield, Darlington South and Flatts Lane. Paul J

467 runners at the barrage made it a record attendance - and a figure which included 52 Striders. Sarah Winter completed her 100th parkrun and there were new pb's for Chris Newton and Tristan Keates. Helen Mcilvenny and Kay Stokes were second and third ladies home. Kay also recorded a new pb and an impressive age grading of 84.96 - moving her up to 7th on the barrage all-time age graded league. Great stuff. Aaron A, Suzanne B, Beth D, Sarah G, Beverley H, Gareth M, Gail R and Claire T helped with volunteering. Dave Fender failed his fitness test and didn't run. Elsewhere John Corvesor got a pb at Albert Park where Emily Palmer was third female finisher. Fiona Shaw at Durham, James Heslop at Sedgefield and Mike Cleasby…

41 Striders at the barrage last Saturday. Darren Mitchell recorded a new pb and Helen Mcilvenny was first lady finisher. Lee B, Angela C, David M, Viv M and Sue R volunteered. Dave Fender was banished to the Felixstowe parkrun as part of his rehabilitation. Matron was present to ensure he dressed appropriately. Elsewhere Emily Palmer and Beth Dang were second and third finishers for the ladies at Albert Park. Beth also getting a new pb. Simon Russell was first home at The Grange. Jamie Bentley got a new pb at Albert on Christmas Day. A feat he repeated at Sedgefield on New Year's Day. There was another second place for Emily at Albert on New Year's Day - with Tom Day notching a pb at Sedgefield. Michelle Ince and…

Parkrunners at the barrage were treated to the most extraordinary spectacle on Saturday. My dear friend Dave Fender turned up completely naked - except that is for his running shoes, a Santa hat and a Striders scarf around his neck. I know what you're thinking - do Striders actually sell a club scarf? On spotting the under-dressed Strider, Harley, normally so excitable and full of life, became very quiet. He's hardly touched his food since. Anyway, I digress - back to the run. A quick glance at the results may have hinted at a tussle between Dave and Tom Day at the front of the field. However, I'm reliably informed that it was a young lad called Hassan who was setting the early pace. Unfortunately Hassan took a wrong turning…