Lots going on at Sedgefield Harriers

8th March
Launch of our Chequered Flag Challenge.
Following the F1 Grand Prix season as it moves to race tracks around the world, members are recording the number of laps they complete as they run, jog or walk on the day. Just a bit of fun, but members have got involved wherever they are in the country, or indeed the world.
22 March XC
The last race of the XC season has seen our men’s team win the Third Division of the Harrier League and gain promotion to Division 2 for next year. Congratulations to all the men that have participated this year. And a great season for the women and juniors too, getting more teams out, with some outstanding individual performances. Congratulations to Emma Lee who won the Sedgefield Harriers XC trophy for 2025.
22 March
Annual Presentation evening.
A wonderful event celebrating everything positive about our club – recognising performance across the Time Trial, Grand Prix, Track and Field and Cross Country, but also the contribution that members make in terms of volunteering in all sorts of ways. Congratulations to all our winners.
Coaches – congratulations to Vicky Fawcett and Harriet Morris on successfully completing your level one coaching courses. Harriet is continuing to lead the Core Stability session on a Monday and has joined the Juniors coaching team on a Wednesday; and Vicky has joined the rota for the Tuesday evening senior session. And a welcome return by Helen Letts, who having stepped down from coaching juniors, couldn’t keep away and is not only helping at junior sessions when required but is now also providing support to Enya, Claire and Tracy at the Monday Beginners and Improvers session. The Club is reliant on people giving their time to coaching others so thanks to all our coaches and volunteers.
Ibiza half marathon – if you are going to run a half marathon, why not travel somewhere special? Congratulations to Georgina Letts, Anna Haycock and Sadie Abel who all ran great times in Ibiza. Unusually this was an evening event and the ladies were glad of a paddle in the sea at the end, though it was only marginally warmer than the North Sea!
Hawkshead Lakeland coffin run – congratulations to the three members of the Walker family who participated in this 16km trail race. An outstanding result for Abbie, finishing 3rd woman, and David secured 2nd place in the MV50.
Pie and Peas Muddy Roads 5k – great support for this local race with members running and marshalling on a lovely Spring evening. Apparently the pie and peas are quite an incentive!
Training sessions – April brings a welcome return to Hardwick Park for our training sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays – a chance to enjoy mother nature as we train.

Latest Grand Prix Standings

Grand Prix 2026 ELTRINGHAM XC

Seventeen senior Harriers helped to bring the curtain down on one of the most memorable seasons of Cross Country the club has had in a number of years.

Well done to all who took part at the new Harrier League venue of Eltringham Farm. The route featured all the classics namely grassy bits, woody bits, hilly bits and muddy bits.

Overall Leaders so far:

Rosie Warnett (34points)
Emma Lee & Samantha Foreman Foreman (33 points each)

David Wase (48 points)
Andrew Swinbank (34 points)
David Walker (25 points)

Next up is the Darlington Trail Locomotion 5k on Wednesday 27th March. Link in the comments. There does not seem to be any information around about May’s Marina 5 miler so an alternative race may be needed – details to follow asap.

Curtain Comes Down On The XC Season

Twenty-two Harriers took on the final fixture of the North East Harrier League at Eltringham Farm.

What a fantastic way to bring down the curtain on what has been a season of cross-country that will live long in the memory. Well done to all who took part in any of the XC events this season, you’re all superstars!

p.s. an extra special Well Done to Emma who was awarded the Cross Country Runner of the year at the club’s annual awards evening last night!

Cross Country, Naff Sunrises & Flat Tyres!

Grand Prix 2025 RISING SUN

 

Another busy weekend for the club means loads of Grand Prix points to update.
First up was the North East XC Championships in Stewart Park, Middlesbrough yesterday. Seven men and seven women turned out for the club and both teams recorded 12th place finishes overall! Well done to all who took part.
Today brought an early start, a flat tyre for Rosie’s fun bus before it had even made it to Bolams, back to swap vehicles and a dash to make the 7.30am start of the Run To The Rising Sun 10k. Thanks to Sue, Trina and Graham for sorting the numbers. A winding trail that started in the dark and give only a hint of rising sun was tackled by nine intrepid Harriers. Well done everyone!
The 2025 GP is drawing to a close with one event left – the Jolly Holly Jog 10k on Sunday 28th December at 11am. A link will be in the comments.
The 2026 GP starts almost straightaway with the Captain Cooks Fell Race on New Years Day – entries are available and there will be a link in the comments. The event after that is the North Tyneside Trail 2026 and is unfortunately sold out.
There will be a small change to the 2026 GP as one of the events in February has been moved to September by the organisers. More details to follow once the replacement February race has been selected.

Another benefit of being a Harrier!

To All Members
Sedgefield Harriers has agreed an affiliation for the next 12 months with Ben Palmer, who offers sports and deep tissue massage.
Ben is a runner himself and understands the issues runners face, from training and race preparation to injury treatment and recovery.
You can find him on Facebook – search Ben Palmer Massage Therapy
He has provided a reduced rate for Sedgefield Harriers members as follows:-
30 minutes = £10
45 minutes = £15
60 minutes = £20
Members MUST be over the age of 12 and members under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult. There is a sofa in the room so parents can watch and chill!
You should provide your England Athletics (URN) number to Ben upon arrival so that he can check you are a member of the Club.
Any questions please email sedgefieldharrierscommittee@gmail.com
Your Committee