Beverley Athletic Club Junior Nicole Dawson took part in her first 10k race last weekend and hit the jackpot. She was the first lady to complete the course in Burton Pidsea, finishing in 43:26 – more than a minute ahead of her nearest rival, Beverley’s Lucy Stamford.
The fifteen year-old has been a member of the junior squad for 7 years and has represented her club in numerous fun runs and cross country events. In her first attempt at 10k she took the course in her stride and beat much more experienced athletes.
“I felt good during the race and really enjoyed it,” she commented afterwards “and the other Beverley Athletic Club seniors in the race were very supportive.” Junior club coaches Neil and Rona Sergeant are very proud of Nicole. They described her as “a fantastic member of our junior squad who has much potential for the future.”
It was a very successful day for the whole Dawson family as dad Mark and mum Sandra also competed in the race. Mark finished just ahead of his daughter in 23rd place in 40:08 and Sandra crossed the line in 58:16. Nicole’s younger sister Kelly also ran at Burton Pidsea. She was the second girl in the fun run and completed the two mile course in 13:30.
At the other end of the age scale Alan Flint won first prize in the V60 category in the 10k. He put in a very strong performance to finish in a new personal best time of 41:58, almost two minutes faster than his previous best at this distance.
The course in Burton Pidsea is fairly flat and a number of Beverley athletes recorded times close to their personal best. The first Beverley runner to finish the race was James Pearson in 34:18 and in fourth place overall. He was followed three seconds later in fifth place by Jonathan Leskiewicz.
New members Jonathan Raw and Brian Lazenby made a big impression. They both finished in less than forty minutes and will be a great addition to the men’s squad.
Beverley ladies also performed well at Burton Pidsea. After Nicole Dawson and Lucy Stamford in first and second place respectively, Jayne Dale, Justine Anderson, Angela Collins and Amanda Ritchie all finished in the top twelve.
There were 119 finishers and the race was won by Steve Bateson of East Hull Harriers in 32:45.
Beverley Athletic Club finishing times:
James Pearson 34:18; Jonathan Leskiewicz 34:21; Mark Dalton 36:05; Roger Tomlin 37:39; Andy Johnson 37:45; Darren Rodmell 38:36; Jonathan Raw 38:52; Brian Lazenby 38:59; Mark Dawson 40:08; Alan Flint 41:58; Andy Arnold 42:03; Nicole Dawson 43:26; Andy Tate 43:26; Lucy Stamford 44:37; Neil Sergeant 46:20; Jayne Dale 47:49; Justine Anderson 48:01; Angela Collins 49:53; Amanda Ritchie 50:11; Rachel Woolner 53:24; Chris Woolner 56:49; Lindsay Brittain 57:30; Sandra Dawson 58:16; Victoria Evins 58:16.
