york10k

One of my favourite events is the York 10k, for two reasons – one; it’s local, and two; it was the first proper race I ever entered. This year was the third time I’ve taken part and was a last minute decision – I entered only a few days before the event. I hadn’t followed any training plan for this race, I hoped my general fitness and club runs would get me round and I could manage to squeeze in a finish time of just under an hour.

Before the Race
I arrived nice and early as I needed to collect my race number – no parking issues / queues that I had encountered in previous years. As well as number collection and baggage, the Event Village housed catering vans, ice cream vans etc – ideal for spectators and post race refreshments. 

The Route
The course is fantastic. Starting from the racecourse you head into town along Bishopthorpe Road, after a short section where you drop down by the river and under the city walls you come out on Nunnery Lane and head under Micklegate Bar. You run over the bridge and and join Coney Street, weaving in and out of the sunday shoppers before you hit the highlight of the route; St Helens Square and the Minster. This part of the course is crammed full of support, it’s a great atmosphere running passed the Minster with the bells ringing. You then head onto goodramgate and parliament street before heading past Cliffords Tower, the route then drops down onto the river. A nice shadier section by the river before you run over the Millennium Bridge and rejoin Bishy Road. Once again there were plenty of people out on this section cheering right the way up to the finish line back at the racecourse.

During the Race
The course has 2 water stations – which were greatly received as it was a warm day.
Plenty of crowd support, especially the start/finish area, Bishy Road, Parliament Street and the area around the Minster.
Special mention to the York Pipe Band who were playing at Nunnery Lane – they were really good.

The Result
I came in at 57.24 which isn’t a PB but I was happy with this time as it was a warm day.

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Race Breakdown:
Entry Cost: Just short of £30
Waterstations: 2 (sports top bottles)
Parking: Plenty, nearby
Baggage Facilities: Yes, but didn’t use as onsite parking
Post Race Goodies: T-shirt, Medal, Goody-bag

Highlights: Atmosphere, support from the crowd, fantastic route
Lowpoints: Long toilet queues, took forever to get out of the carpark