Les Allcorn 10k & 3k, 5th May 2026
Mark Anderson reports from a bucolic Northumberland:
“The lengthening spring/summer evenings not only herald club relay season, but also opportunities for weekday evening races. The Les Allcorn trail run is one of those and has been a fixture in the North East running calendar for some time. While the name might invoke thoughts of a French Alpine resort (!), the race is dedicated to the memory of Les Allcorn, an Alnwick Harrier, and takes place in Hulne Park in Alnwick. There is a 3km junior race followed by 10km for seniors along trails and roads through the Duke of Northumberland’s estate.
First off, on a bright but chilly evening, was Charlotte Kerr. As has become her norm, she had a storming run, finishing third fastest female, and second in her age category which included girls more than a year her senior. As she settled down under two dry robes to enjoy the chocolate provided to all finishers, three sky blues set off in the senior race – Sarah Kerr, Nina Jensen and me.
Following the river out west we turned abruptly away to tackle about 200 feet of climb over the next mile or so – certainly something to set the legs alight. The reward was a beautiful 2-3 miles along roads with panoramic views of the estate before dropping back down to the river for a flat 2 mile finish, weaving along the flood plain and the various accompanying picturesque bridges to a finish and a bar of the aforementioned chocolate.
Great performances from all Claremonters – Sarah was third lady (clearly determined not to be outdone by her daughter) and first in her age category; I was 6th overall. Nina’s reflection “…at the risk of sounding like Lynne Cornell, this is now one of my favourite races”!”
| 3k | ||
|---|---|---|
| Position | Runner | Time |
| 12 | Charlotte Kerr (3rd Female, 2nd U14) | 14:46 |
| 10k | ||
|---|---|---|
| Position | Runner | Time |
| 6 | Mark Anderson (2nd MV50) | 38:28 |
| 20 | Sarah Kerr (3rd Female, 1st FV40) | 44:58 |
| 41 | Nina Jensen | 50:51 |
