Beverley Athletic Club took a squad of 30 runners to Thirsk last Sunday for the penultimate club handicap race of the year. The 10 mile road race also incorporated the North of England 10 mile Championships and attracted a record entry.
Competing on a fast flat course against the best middle distance runners in the North, Beverley athletes recorded some notable achievements.
James Pearson and Rob Snaith running in the rain at Thirsk in the North of England 10 Mile Championships
James Pearson, in his first race at this distance, was yet again the first Beverley runner to cross the line and finished in 32nd place overall. He was followed closely by Rob Snaith who recorded a new personal best time, beating his previous best by over 2 minutes. Pearson, Snaith and Roger Tomlin formed the Beverley men’s team which claimed sixth place in the team competition – an excellent achievement against such a strong field.
Steve Peacock, Tony Hunter and Julie Donald all finished in the top 10 for their age category.
New personal best times were recorded by Andy Johnson, Helen Storr, Lucas Meagor, Steve Hadley, Dianne Coleman and Andy Grainger.
Andy Johnson, competing at Thirsk for the second time, was 10 minutes faster than last year in a new personal best time of 67.15. Asked to explain his amazing improvement, Andy commented: “Joining Beverley AC has made a huge difference to my running – race times have improved significantly.”
Andy Grainger who has led the handicap league for several months beat his previous best by almost 3 minutes. However it was Kay Farrow who won the handicap with her fastest time for 10 miles in over 5 years, beating her predicted time by 4½ minutes.
The race was won in record time by David Webb of Leeds City in 48.32 and the first lady to finish was Sarah Jarvis of Bingley Harriers in 58.25.
Beverley Athletic Club finishing times:
James Pearson 57.23; Rob Snaith 57.35; Roger Tomlin 59.23; Jonathan Leskiewicz 59.31; Steve Peacock 60.34; Tony Hunter 65.00; Mark Dalton 65.34; Andy Johnson 67.15; Mark Dawson 68.52; Pete Watkinson 69.50; Jordan Arnott 72.47; Julie Donald 73.45; Lucy Stamford 74.03; Helen Storr 76.47; Lucas Meagor 77.04; Mike Abbotts 78.53; Corey Arnott 77.17; Steve Hadley 78.38; Sam Allen 79.59; Angela Collins 80.35; Neil Sergeant 80.50; Eddy Moore 82.43; Jed Holden 84.09; Dianne Coleman 84.25; Amanda Ritchie 85.30; Andy Grainger 85.49; Kay Farrow 89.53; Frank Harrison 94.07; Ivor Roberts 99.14; Pete McNally 101.25.
