The East Hull 20 road race attracted a field of almost 400 runners last Sunday, most of them using the event to prepare for the London Marathon next month.
The flat 20-mile course is exposed in places and there was no shelter from the strong headwind which plagued runners for the second half of the race. The windy conditions sapped the stamina of the athletes and resulted in slower times.
Beverley Athletic Club’s James Pearson led the race for most of the way, just ahead of Matt Hayes of East Hull Harriers. With a mile to the finish Tom Danby of Pocklington eased past them, looking very strong. It was Danby who crossed the line first and won the race but as he had entered the event on the day he was not eligible for the prize which was awarded to James Pearson.
Pearson had never run this distance before and had decided to use the race to begin his training for his first marathon in Abingdon in October. If this excellent performance is just the start of his training he could be on course for a sub-2 hours 45 run in Abingdon and he would then qualify for an elite place in next year’s London Marathon.
With strong runs by Steve Jackson, 3 minutes faster than last year, and the ever improving Andy Johnson, the Beverley men won second prize in the men’s team competition. They were followed closely by Olly Johnston who had a great run, finishing six minutes faster than last year.
In her first race at this distance, Debs Brant completed the course in less than three hours, an excellent achievement by the former sprinter. Claire Burcham took the race in her stride and looked relaxed on the course. Her performance will have boosted her confidence as she prepares for her first marathon.
The race was won by Tom Danby of Pocklington in 1.58.42. Sarah Cumber of Halifax Harriers was the first lady to finish, crossing the line in 2.14.43.
Beverley Athletic Club finishing times:
James Pearson 1.58.18; Steve Jackson 2.11.39; Andy Johnson 2.17.33; Olly Johnston 2.18.28; Ian Husband 2.23.03; Andy Arnold 2.23.33; Pete Watkinson 2.28.53; Andy Tate 2.34.39; Andrew Foster 2.40.55; Paul Evans 2.54.09; Julie Donald 2.56.20; Tony Beck 2.56.43; John Williamson 2.56.48; Andrew Brant 2.57.10; Debs Brant 2.57.10; Jed Holden 2.58; Jayne Dale 3.01.02; Steve Hadley 3.01.02; Amanda Ritchie 3.03.45; Claire Burcham 3.09.49
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Reported by Kay Farrow – Photos courtesy of Dave Gowans of East Hull Harriers
