27 Beverley Athletic Club athletes were among hundreds of runners who braved the blistering heat on Sunday in the 11th Humber Bridge half marathon. With temperatures of around 28 degrees and no shade or breeze on much of the course, runners could not escape the heat. Some were slowed down by the conditions while others seemed to run on solar power and took the race in their stride.
There were some excellent performances from Beverley’s men who took first prize in the team competition as well as three veteran’s prizes. James Pearson, Jonathan Leskiewicz, Rob Snaith and Aubrey Morrell made up the team and all finished in the top 10.
Pearson was the first Beverley runner to cross the line. He finished in fourth place overall, two minutes ahead of club rivals Leskiewicz (6th) and Snaith (7th) and recorded a new personal best time of 1.18.32. It was Pearson’s debut in this race and despite suffering from a cold he had no problems. “I just ran it as a fairly comfortably paced training run, although it was a bit hot,” he commented afterwards.
Aubrey Morrell put in a very strong performance and finished in ninth position. He was two minutes faster than last year and won first prize in the V40 category. First prize in the V45 category was awarded to Steve Jackson who finished in 20th position. Tony Hunter also ran faster than last year. The V55 athlete finished in an impressive 27th place and won second prize in his age group.
Beverley’s ladies were led home by Julie Donald who won first prize in the LV40 category despite being slowed down by the heat.
After battling with a back problem for several years, Jane Peck is delighted to be running competitively once again. In her first half marathon for over five years she finished in a commendable 1.51.32.
Beverley Athletic Club junior Corey Arnott completed his first half marathon supported by junior coach Neil Sergeant. The teenager finished admirably in 2.11.53.
Organised by the Rotary Club of Hull the route took runners through Hessle, across the Humber Bridge, round Barton-upon-Humber and back across the bridge. It is always a very hot day for this race and the excellent organisation included the provision of 6 water stations to keep runners hydrated.
The support from spectators in Barton is always fantastic and this year was no exception. Their words of encouragement and applause were much appreciated but runners were especially grateful to the residents who got out their garden hoses and sprinklers to shower them with cold water. It was the only way to cool down.
There were 1564 finishers and the race was won by Darran Bilton of Leeds City AC in 1.10.46. The first lady to finish was Jennie Guard, also from Leeds City, in a time of 1.29.07 and in 29th position overall.
Beverley Athletic Club finishing times:
James Pearson 1.18.32; Jonathan Leskiewicz 1.20.39; Rob Snaith 1.20.56; Aubrey Morrell 1.22.08; Steve Jackson 1.26.49; Tony Hunter 1.28.58; Andy Johnson 1.34.05; Rob Singh 1.35.54; Pete Watkinson 1.36.25; Julie Donald 1.44.06; Tina Wardropper 1.49.55; Chris Dunn 1.50.24; Jane Peck 1.51.32; Philip Buckley 1.53.30; Rob Reid 1.57.05; Miranda Hunt 1.58.38; Lucas Meagor 2.01.10; Dianne Coleman 2.03.42; Amanda Ritchie 2.03.45; Tim Simpson 2.05.08; John Fewings 2.08.19; Chris Curry 2.09.22; Andy Grainger 2.09.40; Corey Arnott 2.11.53; Gemma Bellett 2.11.52; Steve Hadley 2.15.07; Kay Farrow 2.17.05.
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Photos courtesy of Dave Gowans of East Hull Harriers – Reported by Kay Farrow
