(from left) David Kennedy, Abi Suter, James Palmer, Chris Bryson and Kerri Turner

North East Vegan Runners have swapped road racing and trails for quagmires and grassbanks after joining a top cross-country league.

Vegan Runners Newcastle pulled off a coup when branch contact Kerri Turner managed to gain the club entry into the North East Harriers League.

The cross-country tournament began on Saturday, and fixtures will take place throughout the autumn and winter months.

Kerri Turner in action at Wrekenton

The series of six-mile cross-country events take place at notable venues around the North East, including the famous Alnwick Castle in Northumberland.

A total of 18 Vegan Runners are signed up to the league, split between men’s and women’s teams.

The first fixture took place at Wrekenton in rural Gateshead, which organisers claim is the easiest venue of the series – and some tough, muddy races await the runners as the winter weather arrives.

The next fixture takes place on Sunday at Druridge Bay in Northumberland.

The teams are currently sitting in the middle ranks of the league, but are hoping to climb higher as the season continues.

James Palmer on the run

The team members in full:

Kerri Turner

Holly White

Rosie Frater

Colleen Walker

Ross Robertson

Kevin Dempsey

Elaine Banks

Ray Flanagan

Neil Ford

David Kennedy

Abigail Elizabeth Suter

Chris Bryson

Jade Forester

Ian Minto

Sharon Westgarth

Shirley Mallen

Philip Irwin

Chris Dempsey

By Ross Robertson