If you’re on the hunt for a well-organised, friendly, 10-mile race, then Snake Lane 10 in Pocklington should be on your list. As a local and someone who’s run this race multiple times, I can confidently say it’s one of the best 10-milers in the UK. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just love a scenic road race, Snake Lane 10 ticks all the boxes.
Set in the charming East Yorkshire town of Pocklington, just east of York, this race attracts runners from all over the UK (and sometimes beyond!). With a fantastic atmosphere, a picturesque course, and plenty of local support, it’s no wonder places sell out fast.
Why Snake Lane 10 is perfect for spring marathon training
One of the biggest draws of Snake Lane 10 is its timing. Held in late February, it’s an ideal race to test your fitness ahead of a spring marathon. It’s long enough to challenge you but short enough that you can still push yourself without completely draining your legs.
I’ve used this race in the past as a marathon pace practice run, and it’s been a game-changer. You get the benefit of race-day adrenaline, a well-measured course, and the chance to test your kit and fuelling strategy in a race setting. Plus, knowing you’ve got a 10-mile race in the diary helps keep training motivation high through those grim winter months!
A stunning course (Hockney painted it!)
The race starts and finishes in Pocklington, looping through quiet country lanes at the foot of the Yorkshire Wolds. It’s not completely flat, but the hills are gentle enough to keep things interesting without destroying your legs. Expect a mix of open fields, winding roads, and quaint little villages along the way.
If you’re a fan of art, you might be interested to know that this part of Yorkshire inspired none other than David Hockney! Some of his most famous landscape paintings are of the rolling Wolds countryside that you’ll run through on race day.
What to expect on race day
Snake Lane 10 is known for its friendly atmosphere. Here’s a rough breakdown of the course:
- Miles 1-3: A fairly fast and flat start as you settle into your pace.
- Miles 4-6: A few undulations to keep you on your toes, but nothing too taxing.
- Miles 7-9: This is where you might start to feel it! A mix of gentle inclines and open countryside.
- Mile 10: The final stretch back into Pocklington, where the crowd support starts to build again.
There are two water stations along the way, and plenty of marshals keeping everything running smoothly.
Post-race celebrations: Where to eat & drink in Pocklington
Once you’ve crossed the finish line and collected your well-earned medal, it’s time to refuel. Luckily, Pocklington has some great spots for food and drink:
- Whisk Café – Ideal for a post-run brunch. Their coffee is fantastic, and they do a mean stack of pancakes!
- The Market Tap – If you fancy something stronger, this cosy pub has a great selection of craft beers and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Sonali – If you’re in the mood for a celebratory curry, this Indian restaurant is one of the best in town.
If you’re up for stretching your legs, Pocklington also has some lovely walking routes. The canal is a great place for a gentle stroll (or a victory lap if you’re feeling energetic!).
Why this race is so special
For me, one of the standout things about Snake Lane 10 is the community support. Pocklington isn’t a huge town, but the locals really get behind this event. Expect to see families out cheering, volunteers giving their all, and a warm welcome from start to finish.
There’s a real buzz near the finish line, with supporters lining the streets and clapping everyone home. It doesn’t matter if you’re first, middle of the pack, or bringing up the rear – the encouragement is brilliant.
How to enter next year’s race
Snake Lane 10 is incredibly popular, and entries tend to sell out fast. The best way to stay in the loop is to follow Pocklington Runners on Facebook or keep an eye on their website. Entries usually open in late autumn, and places go quickly, so don’t hang around!
PB Potential
Many runners return to Snake Lane 10 year after year, chasing that elusive PB. The course is quick, and if you get good weather (which, let’s be honest, is always a gamble in February), it’s definitely a race where you can aim for a fast time.
The winning times are often sub-60 minutes, which tells you everything you need to know about the calibre of runners who turn up. But don’t worry if you’re not at the sharp end – this race is for everyone, and the atmosphere is always supportive.
Get race-ready with Runna
I’ve been using Runna to help me get race-ready for events like Snake Lane 10. The app offers personalised training plans, tailored to your goals, whether you’re aiming for a PB or just getting race-ready. If you want to give it a try, you can get a 2-week free trial with the code RWR2.
Final Thoughts: Should You Run Snake Lane 10?
Absolutely! Whether you’re a local like me or coming from further afield, this race is a gem. It’s well-organised, scenic, and full of community spirit. Plus, it’s a great excuse to visit Pocklington and explore a part of Yorkshire that’s often overlooked.
So, will I be signing up again next year? You bet. And if you’re looking for a race with PB potential, great vibes, and plenty of post-run cake options, I highly recommend you do too!
