Beverley Athletic Club’s Rob Snaith is celebrating after winning his first race. He was the first runner across the line in the Ryedale 10 last Sunday, finishing in 57.12.
The 10-mile race started at Eden Camp and the route took runners through hamlets and villages in North Yorkshire to the finish in the centre of Malton.
Conditions were fine in the first half of the race but the breeze became stronger as the route became hillier and running into a headwind on the uphill sections tested everyone’s stamina.
Snaith led from the start and after the first half-mile was joined by Antony Bradford of Spenborough AC. The two ran together until just past the 9-mile marker when Snaith took advantage of the downhill section leading into Malton and pushed ahead. He beat his rival to the line by 12 seconds. “It was a great feeling!” commented a delighted Snaith afterwards.
Clubmate Andy Johnson finished in thirteenth place and was thrilled to record another personal best time at this distance (1.03.16), especially as the later part of the course was such a challenge.
Both men were using the race as a sharpener for the Mablethorpe Marathon at the beginning of October. Their performances at Ryedale will have given a big boost to their confidence.
Not to be outdone by the men, Pam Atkins, the sole Beverley Athletic Club lady in the race, took first prize in her age category, finishing in 1.36.14.
Photos by Beverley AC