Race reports by Jean Turner
Although I have walked Humbleton and the Cheviots on many occasions, and even attempted a few runs, I thought it was about time to pluck up courage and enter the “double” – ‘Tour de Humbleton’ to finish 2025, and the ‘Vertical Challenge’ on New Year’s Day to start 2026.
Both events were really friendly and well organised, and surprisingly on the day, dry, although the New Year’s Day run was accompanied by biting cold weather and extremely strong winds, which never quite seemed to be blowing in the right direction to be an advantage!
Very well done to Janet on the ‘Tour de Humbleton’ and to Peter on the ‘Vertical’ New Year’s Day event – great to see you both.
In my naivety (or lack of preparation 🤦♀️), I thought the ‘Vertical Challenge’ would be to the top of Humbleton and back down again……imagine my “delight” when I discovered the truth🤣😱…. and equally when the front runner (Liam from Alnwick I believe), came hurtling past me on the way down, having been to the summit, down the other side to the turn around point, back to the summit then on his way to finish as I was still plodding up to summit for the first time!
Great events though and well done all.
Wooler Running Club 