BEVERLEY AC FEELS THE LOVE FOR RUNNING IN FEBRUARY

Beverley AC members took part in the fifth race of the East Yorkshire Cross Country League which took place at Drewton.

In damp, muddy conditions just short of 300 runners which involved members of the nine local athletic clubs registered for the League took on the ascents and descents of this popular local course.

A fantastic performance by Robert Sparkes ensured another win, Rob the Beverley’s Men’s Captain, who was first to finish in 00:39:15, followed by David Whiting (00:44:11); David Morrison (00:46:150; The race saw Beverley men’s team remain in 2nd place in the League overall ahead of the final race, which takes place at Sewerby in March.

Beverley AC enjoyed other racing successes which included the Commondale Clart, an 8.3kms fell race with 304m of ascent where Richard Parkin completed in 01:01:21 and the Hardmoors Saltburn Half Marathon with 5 runners taking on this challenging course. William Pike was the first runner home in 02:22:22, followed by Simon Sheils (02:58:46); Peter Garrett (02:58:49); Laura Emms (03:07:52) and Richard Parkin (03:07:53).

A somewhat flatter event was the Dark Track 6-hour track challenge in York, where Peter Watkinson completed 23 miles in 5:42:20. Meanwhile, Paul Greene completed the Dewsbury 10k in 48:03.

What’s not to love about running when the weather is perfectly bright but fresh as was the case in the recent Ferriby 10k race. This popular local race is one of the Club’s handicap Series races and so had a great turnout from Club members. First Beverley runner to finish was James Johnson in 00:52:14, 2nd finisher overall and 1st AG35-39. Other Beverley results were David Whiting (00:57:55, 1st AG50-54); Luke Davison (00:58:41); Darren Edge (01:01:20 and 3rd AG55-59);

Representatives at a the Northern XC Championships Sedgefield, Durham, Rachel Hill ran in the Senior Women 5 miles race finishing in 00:49:01 while in the Senior Men 7.5 miles event, Paul Furness completed in 01:02:41. Beverley’s Juniors section were also very well represented at this event. Two under 13s competed in the Boys 1.8 miles - Finlay Hill (00:12:21) and Aaron Bourne (00:15:05) and four under 15s Girls ran in the 2.4 miles race - Roxie Twidale (00:16:54), Milla Baker (00:17:36), Harriet Fletcher (00:18:19), Ameerah Rumford (00:18:41), one Under 17s women 2.8 miles - Ella Harris-Smith (00:24:15).

Well done to everyone with them all running against the best runners in the North of England. The juniors were also represented at the Event Splits York 5k where Caleb Proudlove finished in 18:12 and Indie Proudlove in 19:43.

What about those members who want those sunnier warmer climes for running? They head for Alicante, Spain for the Vll Trail Monte Ponoig 16k trail race with 2847 feet of elevation, where Suzie Hulse finished 1st in the master - 60F category in a time of 2:38:21 and Mathias Hulse completed in 2:38:20 and to Barcelona, where Stella Evins completed the half marathon in a PB time of 2:03:56. Or maybe Madeira for the Funchal mini-marathon (8.3k) where Catriona Williamson crossed the finish line in 58:47.

We now look forward to a good season ahead we have an exciting Club calendar? 

To help everyone with their health and fitness-related New Year’s resolutions, the Club has started its Couch25k programme. This popular running programme takes people from being non-runners to completing their first 5kms event in 13 weeks of training and will culminate in a graduation run at Beverley Westwood Parkrun in May.

Important 2024 dates for your diaries. Beverley’s iconic 10kms race takes place on Sunday 12th May 2024.

Walkington 10kms will take place on Friday 12th July 2024, further details can be found on the Club’s website.

New members, whatever your age and fitness level, are always welcome and further details about the membership and what the Club has to offer to its members can be found on the Club’s website: www.beverleyathleticclub.co.uk. 

Photos Credit to Beverley AC

Rob Sparkes at Drewton cross country

Runners at Ferriby 10

Catriona Williamson in Funchal

Runners at the finish of the Hardmoors Saltburn half marathon