Author: Andy Johnston

For those not on FB News that the Tees Barrage Parkrun is no more is really sad news. For a town the size of Stockton to not have it’s own Parkrun is a terrible shame - let’s hope a new venue can be found in the future. As our clubs home Parkrun and by way of a thank you to all those involved behind the scenes over the years Jennie and me are going to run the Tees Barrage Parkrun route this Saturday at 9 o’clock. We then intend to go in The Talpore for a brew, just like we did in the good old days. Yes, we won’t get out bar codes scanned but sometimes it’s the gesture that matters. Feel free to join us on the start line…

From Sam Johnston Gail asked me if I would do the report for this weekends XC event at Richmond as i made a special appearance to take part. I can tell you that my experience lasted the whole of 7 minutes but more on that later. When I arrived, everything was set up perfectly and our brilliant ladies team were warming up ready for their run. The wind was slowly starting to pick up but nothing to worry about as it was sunny overhead. The women set off and you could see right from the off that the wind was getting stronger and they were having to work hard running into it . However, you should know by now that our women’s XC team are made from strong stuff and…

Sportsshoes.com The February code - VKJRC1 will be valid until 2nd March 2022. The code will give you 10% off and free standard shipping on all orders. As always the code is for Striders members use only so please do not circulate outside the club. Thanks Andy J

February Club Updates Hi all During January we had 402 attendees at the 8 available club sessions. A great turn out so thank you. Heads up….January subs emails showing amounts owed will be circulated this week. Please remember, those only owing £1 totals will be carried over until the end of February. Deadline for January subs payment is Friday 25th February please. January also saw us welcome 7 new members to the club pushing membership totals to just shy of 190. The door rota is looking healthy so thanks to all those who’ve volunteered. Those that missed out don’t worry. The door rota for March onwards will be available to populate in the coming weeks. This Tuesday (1st Feb) it’s a free tea/coffee night after club sessions. Please stay behind…

Message from Sam Johnston Day of the milestones! An early heads up that next week 4 of us are celebrating Parkrun milestones which total 1000 parkruns! Liz Simpson will be running her 350th, I’ll be running my 300th, Ben Robinson is doing his 250th and Nigel Radcliffe is doing his 100th! It would be great if you could join us, I’m sure there will be plenty of cake to choose from 🍰 We’ll be doing our milestone runs at Hartlepool parkrun. Thanks

Message from Sam Johnston Sunday Social - Hi all, for this weeks Sunday social we’re going to include the Ropner Park 5km in as it’s their first official event, it would be good to see people in striders colours for this too! So we will be starting at 9am prompt to run 3 miles down to the park beforehand. After the event, people can have the choice of running 3 mile back to make it 9 miles at the club or continue on for a further 6 miles to make 15 in total. If you’re looking for something between 9-15 miles then there will be other cut off points during these 6 miles. The pace will be 9-9.10 min mile. Please make sure you turn up on time as we…

Hi all Don’t forget…….its tea night tonight after sessions. Cakes/biscuits donations are always welcome. Thanks Andy J

Morning all, We’ve already received some great prizes for our raffle taking place on our birthday party next Friday. If anyone has anything else they could donate towards this it would be appreciated! I’ll be at the club tonight to collect any prizes people wish to donate . Thank you! Sam Johnston

For those not on Facebook please see menu for the birthday party on 28th January. Attached is a photograph of the birthday party menu. This includes a vegetarian/vegan option and a GF option too. The caterers have asked for numbers by lunchtime Thursday 20th. Therefore we need attendees orders by 12 noon Thursday 20th please. Whilst we can probably add one or two additions after the 20th we can not make wholesale amendments. Those attending please comment below with your menu choice. Or alternatively if easier let me know at the club tomorrow night (18th). The caterers have asked us to advise them if any attendees have any food allergies (not intolerances). If so please email us at stocktonstriders@gmail.com and we will update the caterer as necessary. Could those attending…

Brass Monkey - Race Report The first big race of the year is done and out the way! And what perfect conditions we had. I’m sure all those who took part will agree with me when I say that. A lightening quick course coupled with supershoes which were seen left right and centre (more on that later) made for some spectacular times across the board. I can now see why this race sells out as quick as it does! Leading the striders home was Abby Barker. What else is there to say about Abby? Today she ran a provisional time of 1.22.56. Placing her 10th overall in the female category. For a race of that standard it is an outstanding achievement. She ran the time with a smile on her…