It was all happening in ‘darn sarf’ last weekend with the Westminster mile and the Vitality 10K in London. You were guaranteed a bad case of FOMO by looking at everyone’s social media posts. It did, however, it get me thinking about how many great events we have up here in Yorkshire. London may have the Royals and Parliament – but we have the beauty of the Dales and erm… Yorkshire Puddings!
I’ve taken parts in a lot of local events so it was hard to pick my favourites – but here they are; my top events in ‘God’s own Country’…
The endurance event: Endure24 Leeds
I took part in this last year and LOVED it – this got my attention as it was billed as ‘Glastonbury for runners’. It’s a 24-hour running party in the woods, on the same site that Leeds Festival is held. The idea is you complete as many 5 mile laps as you can in 24 hours as part of a relay team or solo if you fancy a challenge. There is free camping for runners, friends and family. The race village is full of entertainment with 24-hour catering, showers and massage available. I was really pleased when this race picked up an award at this years Running Awards – it was well deserved.
You can read my review here
The Half Marathon: The Humber Half
Ok so it’s not Tower Bridge, but we do have a 2,220 metres single-span suspension bridge which is pretty impressive. The Humber half is an undulating run over the bridge with a one-mile climb dubbed ‘cardiac hill’ at mile 9. Don’t worry, St John’s Ambulance is stationed at the top just in case. I’m really selling it to you, aren’t I? Whilst it may not be a PB course, there are stunning views when crossing the bridge and it’s a great run to improve your fitness.
The ten miler: Yorkshire 10 mile
The Yorkshire Marathon will always be special to me, it was the first running event I entered, the atmosphere was incredible and I really enjoyed it. For the past few years, they have also offered a 10-mile race on the same day. I’ve run both, twice. I’ll be honest, I prefer the ten-mile race, it’s the best bits of the marathon in a much shorter distance! Best part: running past York Minster around mile 2!
The 10K: Walkington 10K
This race is a little different as it is a Friday evening race and as it’s in July it’s usually a hot one! It’s hosted by Beverley Athletics club and is cheap as chips to enter. It’s a scenic run showcasing the Yorkshire Wolds, so yes, there are a few hills! Sadly, there is no race bling, but and there is always a cake stall and there are a couple of nice pubs for a post-run pint.
The fun run: The Wineathlon
I took part in this race a few years ago. That day I had double booked myself and ran the Vale of York half marathon in the morning then went over to Huddersfield to run this in the afternoon. It is a 6-mile mixed terrain run in Huddersfield with wine stations every 2 miles. Yep – white and red! There are prizes for 1, 2 & 3rd place and the best fancy dress, that’s reminded me – I need to order my outfit for this year!
If wine isn’t your thing there is a GinAthlon, ChocAthlon and a PieAthlon to name but a few.
The trail races: Hardmoors Race series
If trail running is your thing check out the Hardmoors series. There are races of varying lengths set in the beautiful North York Moors and the Cleveland Hills. It really is a trail running paradise.
I’ve taken part in the Princess Ultra, the Hardmoors15 New Years Day race. Taking in the sights of Robin Hoods Bay, Whitby (including running up the Abbey steps) and Ravenscar – they’re tough. Every time I’ve said never again, but I keep going back for more!
