An extremely windy Sunday saw the running of the annual Snake Lane 10 mile race based in Pocklington. This very popular, over subscribed event snakes its way along the foothills of the Wolds. This year as the 1575 runners headed back along the final 2 miles into Pocklington they felt the full impact of the gale force wind making it a tough slog to the finish line but at least the rain held off. The race attracts fast club competitors as well as the more leisurely runners with the first runner speeding across the line in an amazing 52 minutes and the last in a steady 2 hours 34 minutes. First back for Pickering was Chris Croft in an excellent 1 hour 6 mins, placing him 117th overall. Hot on his heels were Ryan Gaughan in 1 hour 7 minutes and Ben Myers also clocking 1 hour 7 minutes. Richard Robinson wasn’t far behind them in 1 hour 9 minutes followed by Paul Simpson in 1 hour 12 minutes who found it tough after a week of skiing. Kirsty Brown sprinted across the line in 1 hour 14 minutes knocking an incredible 6 minutes off her course personal best. Karen Farmer-Scott’s amazing time of 1 hour 18 minutes placed her 2nd F60 out of 55. Lucy Saggers came in next in 1 hour 23 minutes, followed by Chris Adams in 1 hour 26 minutes, Julie Ventress in 1 hour 28 minutes, David Stephenson in 1 hour 29 minutes and Suzy Hodgson was spurred on to cross the finish line in 1 hour 30 minutes by the enthusiastic support near the end. Nicola Wise finished in 1 hour 45 minutes closely followed by Dean Wise in 1 hour 46 minutes and Lisa Adams in 1 hour 48 minutes.

Julia Ellis took part in the Leicestershire Half Marathon based at Charnwood College in Loughborough. The event, in support of Rainbows Hospice, followed a scenic route around the town and country lanes. Julia had a good run finishing in 2 hours 38 minutes.

26th February is Marathon Day. To celebrate 26/2 SeeYorkRunYork held a Social Marathon based on The Knavesmire. The 4 lap course was a tough mix of hard pavement and very soft, slippery mud taking runners around Knavesmire and through Bishopthorpe before heading back along the river. Dean and Nicola Wise chatted their way round with daughter Lizzy. Lizzy managed to complete a satisfying 22.6 miles before a torrential and painful hail storm made her too cold to continue. Still an impressive feat as her longest training run was 3 miles! Dean and Nicola completed the full 26.2 miles. All thoroughly enjoyed this very friendly event and the excellent cakes on offer at the end of each lap.