Grand Prix Fixtures 2015-2016

The Grand Prix fixtures for the new (2015-16) season are as follows. The basic format is unchanged, with 4 categories, these being cross-country, fell, long (7m or over) and sprint (<7m), plus overall ‘Yellow Jersey’ winners. As per last year, the race selections have been made with a view to having races that are:

  • easier to enter without having to plan months in advance;
  • cheaper overall;
  • where possible, supportive of races run by other clubs, MRTs etc as opposed to more ‘corporate’ races;
  • enjoyable and varied, with a long list of races which can be rotated in and out of the programme over the years;
  • testing, yet achievable (no ultras or any of the more extreme fell races are included).

Dates for fixtures in the New Year are a bit tentative at the moment, particularly those highlighted in red but will be firmed up as details are confirmed …

Cross-country race

Tanfield Harrier League, Saturday 26th September

  • The beginning of the XC season, with weather hopefully favourable and firm ground likely to lead to fast times and an advantage to the gazelles over the shirehorses.
  • Details

Long 'Endurance' race

Brampton to Carlisle, Sunday 15th November

  • An old favourite and a good day out with Sunday roast on the way back if you take the coach. Fast and net downhill, so PB opportunity.
  • Details

Cross-country race

Druridge Bay Harrier League, Saturday 28th November

Cross-country race

North-Eastern Cross-country Championships, Sedgefield, Saturday 12th December

  • In the GP in place of the Durham fixture, not included so as to avoid penalising those who volunteer to marshall.
  • Likely to be a foul, bleak December mud-fest – not far to travel, though.
  • Details

Fell and trail race

Captain Cook’s, Friday 1st January

  • Up the hill from Great Ayton and then down again. So very simple when looked at like that. The descent can, if icy, be a little on the fast side. A lot of punch for a little race.
  • Details
  • Previous Years: 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2007

Long road race

Brass Monkey Half Marathon, Sunday 17th January

  • Limit about 2,000 runners … entries close within hours of opening. Number transfers possible.
  • Back this season, fast if the weather’s ok, off if it is not.
  • Details
  • Previous Years: 2015 2014 2012 2011 2010 2009 2007

Cross-country race

Town Moor Harrier League, Saturday 13th February

  • Rearranged from January, but then cancelled. The GP Committee have decided that at this stage of the season it would be unfair to substitute results from another XC race, so this year the Mud King and Queen titles will be decided over five races only. In future years, however, should this situation again arise, then the Sherman Cup/Davison Shield results will count in place of a missing fixture.
  • As per Sedgefield, but in January and on a hill.
  • Details
  • Previous Years: Dec 2014 Jan 2010

Cross-country race

Alnwick Harrier League, Saturday 5th March

Long road race

Dentdale Run, Saturday 12th March

  • Always second Saturday in March.
  • Scenic 14-miler around the valley. Hard, fast race timed for the spring marathons.
  • Details
  • Previous Years: 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007

Cross-country race

Wrekenton Harrier League, Saturday 19th March

Short 'Sprint' race

Hartlepool Marina 5M, Sunday 3rd April

Short road race

Durham parkrun, Saturday April 30th

Short road race

Pier to Pier, Sunday 22nd May

  • “This race takes place on a Sunday in the middle of May. The exact date depends on, among other things, the tides.”
  • Details
  • Previous Years: 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007

Short road race

Blaydon Race, Thursday 9th June

  • Aw went to Blaydon Races, ’twas on the ninth of Joon, Eiteen hundred an’ sixty-two, on a summer’s efternoon;
  • Details
  • Get your entry in early! By first week in March at the latest.
  • Previous Years: 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007

Fell and trail race

Alwinton Fell Race, Saturday 11th June

  • New to the GP, a 14-miler in rural Northumberland.
  • Details
  • Previous Years: 2015

Fell and trail race

Cronkley Fell Race, Sunday 26th June

  • 10.5 miles of out-and-back Pennine glory, finishing at the Strathmore Arms, venue of the club’s Pennine relay this year.
  • Details
  • Previous Years: 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010

Fell and trail race

Saltwell Harriers Fell Race, Tuesday 5th July

  • As per Capt Cook’s – a little brute of a race. However, this Co Durham fell race has a river dip and a killer of an uphill finish, with prizegiving in the pub worth staying around for.
  • Details here. Possibly. If useless, try FRA website.
  • Previous Years: 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007

Short 'Sprint' race

Sunderland 5K, Wednesday 13th July

Long 'Endurance' race

Coastal Run, Sunday July 24th

Short 'Sprint' race

Tees Pride 10K, Sunday 6th September

  • Introduced in place of Blyth Valley 10K, due to date clash with Hartlepool Marina 5M
  • Another flat PB ‘Sprint’ race.
  • Details

Fell and trail race

Sedbergh Hills Fell Race, Sunday August 14th

  • Grassy, in a savage way. 14 miles, though it is a year away to permit training.
  • Details on FRA website
  • Previous Years: 2010

Short road race

Durham parkrun, Saturday August 27th

Long 'Endurance' race

Haltwhistle Half Marathon, Sunday September 25th

  • No walking section this time, so a first GP running.
  • Details
  • Previous Years: 2014

Long road race

Kielder Marathon, Sunday October 2nd

  • Early October.
  • Details
  • Last GP race of the season – so, yes, the AGM and associated club run will be on the Weds after this race.
  • Previous Years: 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010
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