Fran Jeffery, always one for a challenge, undertook the Sunderland 40 mile Urban Ultra at the weekend, a multi terrain race along woodland trails and tunnels as well as by the sea and taking in well known landmarks, including Penshaw Monument and the memorial statue, Tommy. Fran completed the event in under 10 hours with tired legs to add to her feeling of satisfaction – another remarkable achievement.
Fran Jeffery at the start of the Sunderland 40th Anniversary Urban Ultra
To improve navigational and orienteering skills, 14 members joined Josh Cooper and Paul Chapman in Sowerby Methodist Church hall on Saturday morning to be introduced to the use of maps and compasses with a view, perhaps, to have more confidence when tackling fell races, or even just going for a family walk in unfamiliar territory. Josh and Pau, greatly experienced in this area, were keen to pass on their knowledge and the afternoon session took on a practical element on the Drover's Road and in Boltby woods where members could test out their new found skills. A great time was had by all, and as usual on these occasions, a good feeling of camaraderie was developed.
Orienteering group with Josh Cooper
On the same morning, 8 members were among the 375 at Fountains Abbey park run with Kerry Morgan acting as park walker. Gary Wilkinson at Millfield again finished in under 20 minutes and Rob Lickley took 33.15. Other members were at Northallerton (5), Thorp Perrow (2), Stewart Park (2), Martin Loveridge at Harrogate, Martyn Coy, the eternal Peter Pan, taking 25.25 at the Peter Pan event near Hull, David Palmer 34.50 at Sedgefield, with Annie Hedger taking on perhaps the toughest of them, Conyngham Hall, where she was 74th out of 101 in 31.11.