Once upon a time, Friday nights were about putting on a pair of heels and going to the latest club with friends. Nowadays, my Friday nights seem to be spent wearing trainers and the only club I’ve been to recently is a running club. This Friday, though? I’ll be at the Walkington 10K—because who needs a dance floor when you have a road race and the promise of cake?
What is the Walkington 10K?
The Walkington 10K is an annual race organised by Beverley Athletic Club, set in the picturesque village of Walkington, East Yorkshire. It’s a challenging event with rolling hills and countryside views – definitely one to add to your race calendar.
Key Details About the Walkington 10K:
- Location: Walkington, near Beverley, East Yorkshire
- Race Day: Held in July (usually on a Friday evening)
- Distance: 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)
- Entry Limit: Approximately 800 participants
- Family Fun Run: A 1.75-mile fun run precedes the main event, making it great for families.
- Cost: Affordable entry fee, making it accessible to many runners.
The Walkington 10K Route:
The Walkington 10K is a one-lap circular route that begins in Walkington village, loops through Little Weighton, and finishes on the local playing field.
- Scenery: You’ll run through scenic rural roads surrounded by fields and rolling hills. It’s a peaceful, traffic-free route.
- Elevation: Expect an undulating course with hills peaking around the 4KM, 6KM, and 8KM marks.
Surface: The route primarily consists of tarmac roads, but remember, headphones are banned for safety on rural paths.
Training Tips for the Walkington 10K:
If you’re preparing for the Walkington 10K, here are some training tips to help you tackle the hills and ensure you have an enjoyable race:
- Hill Training: Incorporate hill repeats into your routine to prepare for the undulating course. Focus on short but intense uphill efforts to build strength and endurance.
- Endurance Runs: Ensure you can comfortably run 10 kilometers before race day. This will help with your stamina on race day, especially on the uphill sections.
- Pacing Strategy: Given the elevation changes, pace yourself at the beginning of the race. Save energy for the tougher climbs after 4KM and again towards the end at 6KM and 8KM.
- Stay Hydrated: Although the race is held in the evening, July evenings can still be warm. Hydrate well throughout the day and plan your water intake for the race.
What to Expect on Race Day:
Race Numbers and Timing: Collect your race numbers on the day, so plan to arrive early!
- Fun Run Start Time: 7:15 PM
- 10K Start Time: 7:30 PM
The event has a cake stall, and refreshments available before and after the race.
Parking and Race Finish: The event starts and finishes at the Walkington playing fields, where you’ll also find the race HQ, toilets, and parking facilities. However, the one downside to this race is that leaving the car park after the event can take time. Be prepared for a short wait to exit (although, it’s a good excuse to visit the cake stall again).
Why You Should Run the Walkington 10K:
- Great Hill Training: If you’re looking to build strength and tackle hills, this race offers excellent training in a scenic setting.
- Community Atmosphere: The Walkington 10K is known for its friendly and supportive vibe. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply enjoying the countryside, you’ll feel welcomed by other runners and the local community.
- Affordable Entry: With a low entry fee and a t-shirt for all finishers, it’s a race that offers great value for money.
- Post-Race Treats: Indulge in some well-earned cake or grab an ice cream after you finish – there are plenty of refreshments on offer.
How to Enter the Walkington 10K:
Entry to the Walkington 10K opens several months before the event. Make sure to sign up early, as the race fills up fast! Keep an eye on the Beverley Athletic Club’s website or social media channels for announcements regarding registration dates.
Walkington 10K – Final Thoughts:
The Walkington 10K is a fantastic race with a community feel that should be on every runner’s race calendar. With a well-organised event and plenty of post-race treats, the Walkington 10K is worth lacing up your trainers for. For more information, visit the Beverley Athletic Club’s website here.
