Social & Information

...A Grand Day Out would generally remind one of a Wallace and Gromit movie, but to us, it was travelling to the Brass Monkey Half Marathon in York.

Now, I wasn't going to write this report as I didn't perform just as I'd wanted to but Carole asked if Geoff would maybe write a report instead and I just knew that I should step back in and just go for it. (he's not really into that sort of thing you see!)

So, it all started with 6 of us bundling into Gerry's automobile...Dene, Gerry, Mike Spence, Martin Haigh, Geoffrey and I. The boys seemed to enjoy their crazy banter from the word go. Geoff particularly was in an amusing mood...not sure if it was anything to do with him enjoying yet another birthday the day before!

This year we arrived at York Race Course - probably one of the most beautiful race headquarters there are and went to go and collect our race chips, which was a source of amusement as for some it was more like a cryptic puzzle! (no names mentioned Mike!)

The race started at 10am in the drizzly rain and even though it felt very cold, there was no wind, so no excuses today. Gerry very kindly looked after all our kit and was like a mother to us all.

The race start was quite chaotic, in fact Geoff and I were packed that close together it really is a good job we are married! (I suppose it would have been a good excuse to get up close and personal with someone you may admire!)

The course is very flat and winding, going out towards a village on the outskirts of York called Bishopsthorpe and then through some open country side, on the edge of lovely woodland and back again to where we started...a Frying Pan style flat personal best course you could call it.

The best thing about the event for yours truly was the Yorkie and Chunky Kit Kat we received at the end....being a chocolate junkie!

Now for the serious stuff...Matthew Pierson of Holmfirth impressively ran a course record of 1.05.35, some 8 minutes ahead of the 2nd man. Amazing. I like Matthew a lot because he is just so modest. We really hope to see him in the 2012 Olympic Marathon. For those of you who aren't aware, he is currently training in Kenya. (I wish I was too!)

A number of Harriers also ran...Ryan Barker was first back in a great time of 1.17.26 and there were some great pbs..those that I know...Adrian Royston 83.27 and Elizabeth Sanderson 1.37.04.

I'm not sure of who else may have done, but you can check out the times on the UK results web site.

To round up the day nicely, Gerry had very generously brought sandwiches, coffee, tea and biscuits....now how's that for hospitality!