Seventeen members of Beverley Athletic Club travelled to Robin Hoods Bay last Saturday to take part in the Smugglers Trod challenge event on the North Yorkshire Moors.
It was an eventful day with some excellent performances, a spectacular stumble and several cases of getting lost.
Steve Jackson was the first Beverley runner to finish. He completed the 26 mile route in 3 hours and 54 minutes and in second place overall – an excellent performance on such a tough course.
Competing for the first time at Smugglers Trod, Andy Johnson can be excused for getting lost. He added over a mile to the route but that is all part of the fun of these events.
Sarah Tock had a spectacular stumble over a tree root and sustained cuts, bruises and a black eye. Although she fell at about 7 miles she carried on to complete the full 26 mile route with lots of support and encouragement from Ivor Roberts.
Taking part for the second time, Tony Beck ran with Smugglers veteran Tim Simpson and finished 23 minutes faster than last year.
Jacqui Dickinson who suffered badly with blisters last year, finished almost 25 minutes faster despite getting lost twice. She completed the short route with Dianne Coleman who thoroughly enjoyed her first off-road challenge in spite of a fall. Both found it difficult to follow the path which was covered with heather in some places.
Organised by the Yorkshire Coast branch of the Long Distance Walkers Association, the popular event attracts several hundred people each year. Competitors navigate their way over challenging terrain and can choose either a 16 or 26 mile route across the moors. The course provides an excellent alternative to road running and competitors can choose to run or walk. The route starts and finishes in Robin Hoods Bay following footpaths with spectacular rural scenery and wonderful views of the coast.
Beverley Athletic Club finishers
Long route
Steve Jackson 3.54; Darren Rodmell 4.35; Tim Simpson 4.52; Tony Beck 4.53; Andy Johnson and Lucy Stamford 4.53; Brian Richardson 5.24; Frank Harrison and John Boardley 6.25; David Williams 6.50; Ivor Roberts and Sarah Tock 7.10.
Short route
Andy Tate 4 hours; Dianne Coleman and Jacqui Dickinson 4.30; Anne Nequest 5.11; Mark Oglesby 5.55.
Photos by Lucy Stamford of Beverley AC
