From Sally Armitage ...
This marked round two after the excitement of round one, last October, was somewhat dampened by the PB-destroying gale force winds on race day. Sunshine and a slight breeze today made for a more enjoyable experience. Distance choices again consisted of 5k, 10k, 10 miles, half marathon & full marathon. Races were staggered and athletes were set off in groups of eight at 15 second intervals. Another expertly organised, COVID safe, event by Racebest.
From Colin Williams ...
For me this is the first time I have run the Big Flat Airfield Races, the races were well organised with a friendly team and social distancing was well observed. The marathon was 10 laps of the airfield, the weather was ok with a little breeze on the return leg. I came 28th in a PB of 3hr 21min 25 sec. Second in my class.
Results - Here
Marathon
(1 Joseph Baker, Stadium Runners, 2:33:59)
28 Colin Williams 3:21:25
47 finished
Half marathon
(1 Joe Sagar, Spenborough & District AC, 1:06:48)
35 Harry Stead 1:31:41
84 finished
10 miles
(1 Robert Cassy, Sheffield RC, 57:50)
4 Jaysson Sawyer 1:00:20
22 Sally Armitage 1:06:26 (2nd lady)
78 finished
10k
(1 Matthew Pierson, Stainland Lions Running Club, 31:35)
118 Philip Hirst 48:16
273 finished
5k
(1 Thomas Hodgson, N/A, 15:41)
15 Mike Abrams-Cohen 18:40
70 finished
From Michael Abrams-Cohen ...
Just wanted to flag a big run by Mark Iley (first sub-20 since 2017 according to Power of 10) and Brit Tate (PB) at April's York EvenSplits event.
Results: Here
(1 Callum Elson, Roundhay Runners, 14:43)
75 Michael Abrams-Cohen 18:07
95 Brit Tate 18:39
113 Archie Budding (junior) 19:05
121 Mark Iley 19 :34
142 Fay Walsh 20:54
195 finished
From Hilda Coulsey ...
It felt wonderful to be wearing my Ilkley vest again out running with other Harriers in such an amazing location. The weather was very kind too. Start times were spread out within an hour which added to the relaxed atmosphere. This meant you really didn't know where you were in race order hence for me making it simply a challenge with the terrain. And it was a challenging 21.3k of trails and fields with a few short road sections plus 504m of elevation with three main hills, the last of which at 16k was a killer! First Harrier was Steven Bysouth, looking very fresh at the end, as did all the Harriers I saw - so many smiles, it was great to see. I must admit I was feeling somewhat wiped out but then as was pointed out, thank you Jacqui, I was dressed for mid winter and not a pleasant sunny Spring day. The option of cooling off in the river afterwards was popular!
This is one of three Due North series trail half marathons, I'm looking forward to the others at Kettlewell and Skipton.
Results - Here
(1 Owen Beilby, Wharfedale Harriers, 1:24:35)
16 Steven Bysouth 1:37:27
39 Rob Cunningham 1:47:13
87 Justin Pierce 1:59:11
156 Alison Weston 2:12:04
169 Mike Williams 2:15:29
170 Jayne Norman 2:15:49
181 Keith Wood 2:18:29
182 John Pickering 2:18:30
185 Anna Nolan 2:18:58
237 Hilda Coulsey 2:28:52
256 Rebecca White 2:32:42
290 Jacqui Weston 2:45:08
325 finished
From Christine Reilly ...
Cameron Reilly ran 14:30, a new club 5k record, beating his previous mark of 14:46. He came 12th in the race and was the second U20.
Results - Here
(1 Sam Hart, Newbury AC, 14:12)
12 Cameron Reilly 14:30 (2nd U20)
274 finished
From Mark Judkowski ...
The Swainby Sweep is either 7 or 16 miles run on trails on the edge of the North Yorks Moors. Ironically, after wondering if it would go ahead at all, the 16-mile distance was cancelled due to adverse conditions on the moor caused by snowfall. Those entrants therefore did two laps of the 7-mile circuit. Though disappointing that this only skirted the edge of the moor it still offered very runnable trails with stunning views. Probably one to come back to next year when the weather might be better. Anyone missing airport immigration control would have appreciated the queuing system the organisers put in place to maintain social distancing. Indeed a sign of the times.
Results - Here
(1 Kris Axon, 1:28:08)
40 Mark Judkowski 2:03:40 (1st MV60)