Hosted by Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers the Thirsk 10 mile has been run for over 30 years and in the early days it was run from Northallerton to Thirsk. However, with the passage of time and the increase in road traffic the route had to be changed. For many years the route went through Sowerby and then out into the country, but some years ago the route had to be changed again because of the problems with closing the roads around town and the resulting traffic congestion. The result is now a fast flat course which lends its self to a fast time and gives all abilities a chance of achieving a PB. The race also boasts a wheelchair friendly route and such competitors are started 10 minutes ahead of the main field. In recent years the Club has hosted the North of England 10 mile Championship, Yorkshire Veterans Championships and the North Yorkshire Championships. Eccleshill’s David Goodyear this weekend travelled to the market town and civil parish in the Hambleton district of North Yorkshire (famed for it’s racecourse) for this popular 10 miler. Thankfully this was one of the few races that actually went ahead this weekend with many being cancelled due to a heavy snow fall towards the back end of the week, temperatures then dropped to a freezing -6 leading to lots of lst minute cancellations. The weather though warmed considerable allowing those that had taken the risk of not cancelling, to go ahead. Greeted by Winter sun, runners were treated to perfect conditions. The finish is at the main grandstand at Thirsk Race Course, as with a lot of races who try to keep costs down runners are given the option of pre-ordering a tee shirt for an additional fee, £5 of each entry fee does though, go towards planting a tree. David finished the race in 1:42:28. Well done David!
