Over 300 runners and walkers set off from Brantingham village to compete in the annual Rudolph’s Romp 24-mile challenge event on Saturday 5 March. The event had been postponed from December last year due to heavy snow.
Although it was a dismal damp day conditions underfoot were surprisingly good and the lack of mud allowed faster progress over the challenging hilly course.
Sixteen members of Beverley Athletic Club rose to the challenge. Whilst some of them treated the event as a race, others enjoyed a more leisurely day out walking in the countryside.
Darren Rodmell was the first Beverley runner to finish. He was fifth overall in an excellent time of 3.22. Pam Atkins was the first Beverley lady to finish. She completed the course in 4.48 just 13 minutes behind her husband Mike.
Roger Tomlin and his dad Roy walked the route together in celebration of milestone birthdays. Roy had celebrated his 60th birthday in December and Roger turned 30 last week. They really enjoyed the walk and the refreshments provided en route.
Jacqui Dickinson teamed up with Kay Farrow last year when both did the Romp for the first time. This year she ran with David Williams and they finished together in 5 hours 53, 65 minutes faster than last year.
It was good to see Margaret Richardson competing again. She walked the route comfortably in 8 hours 18 minutes while her husband Brian was in a greater hurry and stormed round the course in 4 hours 44 finishing 40 minutes faster than last year.
The event was organised by members of the East Yorkshire branch of the Long Distance Walkers’ Association, who also provided marshals and refreshments en route. Proceeds from the race will be donated to Dove House Hospice.
There were 295 finishers. Stuart Buchan was the first home, finishing in 3 hours 11 minutes. The first lady to finish was Frances Harrison in 3 hours 32 minutes.
Beverley Athletic Club finishing times:
Darren Rodmell 03:22; Mark Dalton 03:38; Tony Beck 04:26; Mike Atkins 04:35; Wayne Wilde 04:42; Brian Richardson 04:44; Pam Atkins 04:48; Lindsey Brittain 05:17; Jacqui Dickinson 05:53; David Williams 05:53; Pete McNally 06:12; Ivor Roberts 06:15; Roy Tomlin 07:27; Roger Tomlin 07:27; Fraser Gregory 08:04; Margaret Richardson 08:18.
NB The next LDWA event is the 50-mile Woldsman on 17 April. For further information and entry forms email eyldwa_entires@btinternet.com
Rudolph’s Romp 2011 is scheduled for Saturday 3 December.
Reported by Kay Farrow