If you were to ask me what my favorite race is, I’d probably say the York 10K. The course takes in the stunning sights of York, including York Minster, the city walls, and the River Ouse. Although the entry fee is a bit steep for a 10K—especially for locals who could run the route for free—the incredible atmosphere makes it worthwhile.
This year was especially memorable as I had the honor of pacing the race. Knowing this course like the back of my hand, I was thrilled to be part of such a fantastic event!
Before the Race
The organisers implemented a one-way system for getting into the racecourse, which is a smart move given the notorious traffic on race day. Arriving early was essential to avoid the chaos. The event village was alive with energy, filled with thousands of runners. I met with the other volunteer pacers to collect our flags and take a team photo in the sponsors’ t-shirts before the race.
Shortly after 9 am, we headed to the pens for the mass warm-up to calm any last-minute nerves. I was pacing for 80 minutes and had many first-time runners in my group. Several participants were raising money for charity, which motivated me even more to ensure they enjoyed the day.
Note: The pre-race toilet queues were exceptionally long this year, so plan accordingly!
During the Race
At 9:30 am, the gun went off, and we crossed the starting line shortly after. The start area and Bishy Road were lined with enthusiastic spectators cheering us on. Normally, I like to start races a bit quicker to find my own space, but pacing required a different strategy. I needed to maintain a consistent pace throughout the race.
It was a warm day, and I spent the race chatting with the runners around me. One of the highlights is passing by York Minster at the halfway point, where we were treated to the beautiful sound of the bells ringing. As we approached the 8K mark, my group started to grow as people who had been following finally joined me. At this point, my focus shifted to helping them hang on until the finish.
Top Tip: Don’t sprint too early as you approach the Racecourse on the return leg—there’s still about a mile to go, and two out-and-back sections before you cross the finish line!
The Result
I crossed the finish line in 1:19:40 and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was a pleasure to support everyone on the course, and I commend all the participants for their efforts!
If you’re looking to step up your distance, keep in mind that there are pacers available for the Yorkshire 10 Mile as well.
Note: One downside to the York 10K is the traffic and parking issues. It took me almost as long to exit the racecourse as it did to pace the race!
If you fancy stepping up the distance there are still paces for the Yorkshire 10 mile.
