It was an early start last Sunday for runners from Beverley Athletic club who travelled to Sheffield for the 20th Percy Pud 10k road race.
The event began at 9.30 on the north-west outskirts of Sheffield and the out and back course followed an undulating route along the Loxley Valley to Damflask Reservoir. It was a very cold but bright and sunny morning and runners had to dodge patches of ice in several places along the route.
Darren Rodmell was the first Beverley runner to complete the course. He finished in 37th place overall in a new personal best time of 36:24. He said “It was quite an undulating course and I wasn’t expecting a good time so couldn’t quite believe the time as I crossed the finishing line.”
The scenic course suited Cat Williamson who ran her second fastest 10k this year to finish in 63:08. She thoroughly enjoyed the race and was delighted with the race mementos – a t-shirt and a Christmas pudding. Angela Collins also ran close to her best and finished in 48:58.
The race provided another opportunity for Andy Johnson to test himself as he makes a comeback after injury. He finished in a commendable 40:03, almost two minutes faster than his last 10k at the beginning of November. He said “There were some great early morning views across the reservoir and it was well worth getting up at 6.30 a.m.”
There were 1707 finishers and the race was won for the fourth consecutive year by Andy Ward of Clown RR in 30:45. The first lady was Steph Burns of Rotherham Harriers & AC in 36:07.
Beverley AC finishing times:
Darren Rodmell 36:24; Andy Johnson 40:03; Angela Collins 48:58; Cat Williamson 63:08.
