On Sunday 1,711 runners shivered on the start line of the Brass Monkey Half Marathon. This annual race, organised by the Knavesmire Harriers, is very popular with club runners due to its fast, flat course along quiet country lanes offering half marathon personal best possibilities. The cutoff time of 2 hours 45 minutes means this is not a race for fun runners in fancy dress! With temperatures hovering just above freezing and a very gentle breeze conditions were perfect although a little gloomy under the heavy, grey skies. First back for Pickering Running Club was Simon Jones in a very impressive 1 hour 26 minutes placing him 8th M55. Then came a flurry of very happy runners with half marathon personal bests starting with Richard Robinson in 1 hour 31 minutes, Kirsty Brown in 1 hour 36 minutes, Lucy Saggers and Julie Ventress in 1 hour 52 minutes then Jessica Chadwick in 1 hour 52 minutes. Shawn Imeson was next crossing the finish line in 1 hour 54 minutes followed by Suzy Hodgson in 2 hours 1 minute. Nicola Wise stayed with the 2:20 pacers and was so pleased with her time of 2 hours 19 minutes, which placed her 9th F65, that she burst into tears on the finish line! Sally Brown was close behind. Sally was also pleased with her time of 2 hours 21 minutes which placed her 10th F65 and was a half marathon personal best. Pam Garnett was hot on their heels finishing strongly in 2 hours 22 minutes.

Charlotte Dennison tackled Hell on the Humber! As the name suggests, this race is designed to challenge both mentally and physically with the fun bit being when you finally cross the finish line! Basically, runners had to run back and forth across the Humber Bridge in freezing temperatures until they couldn’t take it any more. Charlotte dug deep to achieve a whopping 16 miles in 3 hours 42 minutes.

Mike Hetherton, veteran of PRC, and winner of innumerable trophies recently had a serious bike accident. He is now recovering in hospital with the good wishes of all who know him. On Sunday, Graham Robinson, Lynn Humpleby and Mike’s daughter Jemima Edwards ran the Hardmoors Roseberry Topping 10k for Mike as he was unable to take part. They collected his T-shirt and medal for him. We all look forward to seeing Mike up and running soon.