Last night, Wooler was invaded by runners! Local clubs Alnwick Harriers, Blyth Running Club and Tweed Striders joined us for a 3 or 5 mile run around Humbleton Hill. The weather didn’t dampen our spirits and about 35 of us continued the chat in The Angel afterwards. Hopefully we have social runs hosted by these clubs to look forward to in the future.
On Sunday, Janet, Pam and Tim travelled to the borders to take part in the Kelso 10k, held as part of the town’s civic week. The course was set in the picturesque and idyllic grounds of Floors castle, home to the Duke of Roxburgh.
We set off promptly, which was just as well as the parking signage was highly ambiguous to say the least and it gave time for the obligatory pre-race photo bomb. Luckily, the forecast inclement weather didn’t materialise so there was no need for the ponchos this time out. The undulating course was a mix of tarmac, farm tracks, pavement and grass. The blustery conditions gave us a tail wind along the banks of The river Tweed but it became a sole destroying head wind for the last mile back up the drive to the chateau.
At this point there’d usually be a laconic summary of times but none have been released, which isn’t surprising as the event seemed to be organised chaos.
Congratulations to Janet, who was first female home in her respective age category adding to her haul of prizes from the Borders X Country Series and Les Allcorn 10k. Gala Harriers took the spoils in the team event narrowly pipping WRC to the post.
Once we finished, we received a goody bag, which set the world record for the amount of flyers handed out in one go. The extensive array of post-race insalubrious cakes, buns and tray bakes was something to behold, put on by the local WI in aid of Macmillan Cancer Suport.
We all had a pleasant day out putting the world to rights and hearing about Janet’s obelisk building, which are used to prop up Morning Glory. Lovely stuff.
Thanks to Janet for driving, Pam for treating us to coffees and Pam’s family, who kindly came out and supported us.
by Peter Coultard
Well done Josie getting 3rd female home!
Bussed up to the Anglo-Saxon site of Ad Gefrin for the start, setting off at about 9:15am. Warm-up along the field, cross the road then the climb up Yeavering Bell began in earnest.
The start was a bit chilly but that climb soon warmed us up in the sun from a clear blue sky.
Onwards, through the boggy bits and onto St Cuthbert’s Way, back to more familiar trails towards the duck ponds car park in Wooler.
Climbing wasn’t finished yet, of course we had to go up heart-break hill then a fast route all downhill to the distillery.
Lovely morning run and Josie really showing off her elevation skills at the start.
Well I made it to the start of the 2026 Lakeland trail race series … just a few hills and the appealing “coffin ⚰️ trail” to go …
Survived 🤣🤣- pretty much all 4 seasons in one day though…
Wooler Running Club race report by Nick Baxter
‘A day out of Hawick is a day wasted’. Tim reminded me of the famous Bill McLaren quote as we arrived in Hawick, with the rain pouring, to undertake the final event in the Borders XC series. Fortunately, the rain eased for the run itself which was twice round some muddy fields, alongside a classic 1960s pebble-dashed housing scheme. The views were good though and the organisation was, as usual, first class.
Luckily, Janet wasn’t collecting a prize this year so we were rapidly in and out of the presentation ceremony and heading back to Jedburgh for refreshments at the Simply Scottish cafe. We’ve been there before and it is excellent. Only one scone left so Tim had to manage with a massive slab of carrot cake. That’s it for another season – Tim’s fifth (and he hadn’t missed a single race) and my 20th less the two Covid years and one year when I didn’t enter. Looking forward to next season when, hopefully, we will have a few more participants from WRC.
By Peter Coulthard
What a lovely impromptu trot around some trails last night. Oh, and how warm it was without rain or wind too!
Even more amazing, the flood waters and bogs are receding. Is this the start of spring?
Those that attended decided to eschew the planned pyramid session in favour of a little run out through Earle, out onto the Common, past the ponds, up “heartbreak hill” and down into Wooler. No rush so we could even hear and relish the calming effect of the gushing and gurgling of the water down the beck
No real need for trail shoes, although a headtorch may have been more illuminating than someone running by watch torchlight.
No slips trips or falls. Roll on the light nights so we can experience the views and wide-open trails again.
Wooler Running Club race report by Nick Baxter
No rain in Galashiels today so perfect for a cross-country run. Plenty of mud and slippery under foot with four river crossings – wet feet therefore from almost the start of the race.
Great fun though but both of us failed to get into the medal positions! We have voted the Cream Chimneys Cafe in Kelso as being the best on the XC circuit. Super-hot drinks and the best cheese scones or carrot cake depending on your snack of choice.
Final run of the series in Hawick in three weeks’ time.
Wooler Running Club race report by Nick Baxter
These are the before and after photos from today’s run at Paxton. A great day out but a very tricky course given the layout and weather. Plenty of steep sections with ice and slippery mud thrown into the mix.
I’ve no idea on times but it was really just a challenge to get round in one piece. Good fun though and we enjoyed a hot drink and scones at Northern Edge, Berwick afterwards. For those who follow the cheese scone ratings: 7 out of 10! Tim is off to Vogrie in 2 weeks’ time but I’ll not manage another one until Hawick in March.
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 race report by Nick Baxter
Just back from a great day out at the Dunbar XC. As you will see from the photos, we doubled our attendance from Wooler RC with Saul and Emma joining Tim and myself. As usual at Dunbar we arrived way too early but it was dry and sunny so the wait wasn’t a problem. The start was delayed by 15 minutes because of road works and the course was a two-lap affair due a land slip. Good running conditions though with a combination of grass, sand and hard surfaces under foot. There were fabulous coastal views and the normal happy crowd of runners. Saul and Tim led the way home but for the keen followers of my performances, I’m happy to report that I managed to improve my finishing position from a lowly 181st male to a slightly more creditable 151st. On the way home we gave ourselves a taste of the 70s by calling in at the Cedar Cafe. Once again – no cheese scones! Thanks to Tim and Saul for driving. Next stop is Peebles in December but I’ll not make that one.
Wooler Running Club race report by Nick Baxter
Only Tim and Nick were competing this week in Race 1 of the Borders Cross-Country Series, but the weather was perfect and they enjoyed a proper XC route of mud, hills and a very wet river crossing.
Nick managed to come in as the 181st male – not quite in the Josie class! The main disappointment though was reserved for the return journey – no cheese scones left at the Hirsel Cafe!
Here are the before and after photos. Next up is Dunbar in two weeks’ time.
Wooler Running Club race report by Joise Knowles
Trail outlaws hosted a fantastic half marathon on Sunday – the ‘beauty’ following Saturday’s marathon ‘beast’. The hostel was buzzing with energy as we were briefed and guided to the start line. Setting off up to the Pin Well, the legs became quickly accustomed to the steep slopes to come.
The course was challenging, gruelling at points, with boggy wet sections. The long descent down the St Cuthbert’s Way towards West Newton brought sheer joy, but making a 360-degree turn at the bottom to climb back up was a test of the legs and lungs, to say the least.
The wind was on our backs for the familiar return section to Wooler, along the St Cuthbert’s Way. After a short climb out of the Common, we descended back down through the Pin Well and returned via the footpath at the back of the hostel.
A medal, cheers and very smiley faces welcomed us at the finish line. The hostel provided amazing hospitality and it did not take long to get in the cake queue and replenish energy levels with a variety of treats!
Wooler Running Club 