The final race of the 2009 / 2010 East Yorkshire Cross-Country League took place in brilliant sunshine at Sewerby last Sunday.
104 men and women from eight local running clubs ran the testing 6-mile course. The route took them across the cliff top, down and up the steep sides of Danes Dyke, round muddy fields and through a wood and then all the way back again.
Beverley’s James Pearson rounded off an excellent first season in the league by finishing in fourth position and as usual was first Beverley runner to cross the line. He was followed in ninth position by Aubrey Morell who has been a reliable and consistent member of the men’s team this season. Paul Clark had an excellent run and was the third Beverley man to finish. He completed all 6 races in the league and gradually crept up the finishing order from 51st in the second race to 21st in the final race.
Although the men’s team finished in third position at Sewerby it was not enough to move up the league and their final position was fourth.
Helen Storr, Sam Allen and Jayne Dale led the Beverley ladies home followed closely by Helen Briggs. It was a welcome return to racing for Briggs after ill health forced her to take a break from running last year.
The Beverley ladies’ team also finished fourth in the league but what they lacked in speed they made up for in numbers averaging 10 female runners per race whilst their nearest rival could only manage 6. If there had been a prize for the most representative team they would certainly have won it.
An award ceremony was held after the race in the Ship Inn at Sewerby. Local rivals City of Hull won both the men’s and ladies’ team prizes. Phill Taylor of Bridlington was first in the men’s individual competition and Scarborough’s Hestor Butterworth won the ladies’ trophy.
Beverley athletes took home four prizes: James Pearson was fourth in the men’s individual competition and Kay Farrow, Pam Atkins and Pete Watkinson all won first prize in their respective age category.
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Beverley Athletic Club finishing times:
Men: James Pearson 34.28; Aubrey Morell 35.46; Paul Clark 38.04; Neil Bant 38.23; Steve Jackson 38.29; Andy Johnson 39.18; Pete Watkinson 40.00; Andy Tate 41.11; Rob Reid 43.43; Graeme Pittaway 44.16; Brian Richardson 45.54; Jed Holden 49.14; John Boardley 59.54;
Women: Helen Storr 45.43; Sam Allen 46.03; Jayne Dale 46.05; Helen Briggs 47.58; Angela Collins 48.08; Tanwen Gray 48.09; Dianne Coleman 49.46; Amanda Ritchie 51.16; Pam Atkins 53.25; Kay Farrow 57.20; Jacqui Dickinson 59.44; Elaine Julian 59.45.
