Two adventurous teachers from Harrogate are just back from their latest running challenge – a half-marathon in historic Croatia.
Mrs Nicola Shillam and Mrs Anita Oldham, who are Pre-Prep teachers at co-educational Belmont Grosvenor School in Birstwith, have just returned from taking part in The Dubrovnik Half Marathon.
And while their previous running challenges, in Norway and North Yorkshire, were tricky due to extreme cold, ice and darkness, their Dubrovnik run brought its own challenge – the heat!
The Belmont Grosvenor School teachers, both members of Ripon Runners, have been friends and running partners for the past 15 years and have completed dozens of marathons and half marathons together.
Their Dubrovnik adventure was one of their most scenic – and hottest – races so far.
Year 1 teacher Mrs Shillam said:
“After the cold of Tromso last year, we wanted a new challenge so decided to head for warmer climes.
"Dubrovnik is considered a scenic course, with coastal views, and a historic experience finishing through the Old Town walls."
She added:
“We both prefer trail running so being on roads was always going to be challenging for us mentally but the heat was the real problem – it was intense and constant.
"However, the views were spectacular, and the bands playing music along the route, kept us going."
The pair, who teach Year 1 and Year 2 pupils at Belmont Grosvenor School, are already eyeing up their latest adventure – one of the northernmost half marathons in the world, with polar bear guards, in Svalbard, northern Norway.
Peter Baird, Director of Sport at Belmont Grosvenor School, said Mrs Shillam and Mrs Oldham’s running adventures were inspiring to all pupils at BGS and were the embodiment of two of the school’s core values - ambition and resilience:
“We are extremely proud of their latest running achievements in Croatia. They are a real inspiration to our pupils."
Belmont Grosvenor School, based at Swarcliffe Hall, is an independent prep school and nursery that welcomes children from three months to 11 years.
Children enjoy a wide range of sports on their 20-acre site and compete in weekly sporting fixtures with other schools across the region, as well as enjoying opportunities to take part in regional and national sporting events.
BGS hosts an annual cross-country inter-schools race every March.
The next whole school and nursery Open Days are taking place on Friday 15th May and Friday 19th June 2026 – to book a tour please follow the link on the BGS website.
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