The penultimate counter in the York and District Road Race League, Bugthorpe 10k, took place on a beautiful but rather hot and sweaty Tuesday evening. Bugthorpe lived up to its name with plenty of flying insects to avoid inhaling! The race started with a long, steep uphill slog followed by more gently undulating country lanes with lovely views over the Vale of York and spectacular cloud formations. As with all the races in the league the support from marshals and camaraderie among runners was excellent.
First back for Pickering Running Club was Richard Robinson in a super speedy 41 minutes 22 seconds, placing him 43rd out of 348. Peter Kelham was next in 44 minutes 25 seconds followed by Paul Hickman in 47 minutes 44 seconds, Colin Garnett in 48 minutes 22 seconds, David Owuor in 48 minutes 58 seconds, Ben Paviour in 50 minutes 4 seconds, Mike Wilson in 50 minutes 29 seconds, Emily Marner in 54 minutes 7 seconds, Chris Adams in 55 minutes 35 seconds, Julie Ventress in 55 minutes 40 seconds and Serena Partridge in 56 minutes 10 seconds. There was an exciting finish between Karen Harper and Carol Wilson with Karen just winning out in 61 minutes 33 seconds and Carol just 2 seconds behind in 61 minutes 35 seconds. Dean Wise finished in 63 minutes 36 seconds followed by another exciting battle. Pam Garnett and Sally Brown sprinted across the finish line both clocking 64 minutes 36 seconds. Nicola Wise finished in 66 minutes 49 seconds and Shirley Tyrrell in 68 minutes 9 seconds. The last runner finished in 81 minutes.

The previous Thursday evening PRC had fun running their annual reverse handicap race around the streets of Norton. Runners complete a timed 2.4 mile circuit. They are then set off with the slowest runner starting first. All things being equal everyone should complete the second lap at the same time. But this is running and anything can happen! The trophy was won by Mike Wilson who managed to stay ahead during the final and exciting stampede down the home straight. This friendly event was followed by an excellent social.