The Pittaway Beverley 10k road race saw a record 1,850 runners descend on the town for the 25th running of the event on Sunday 13 May, which was started by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.
Organised by Beverley Athletic Club, the run has become one of the best-loved annual events in the town’s calendar, attracting thousands of runners, spectators and Beverley residents alike.
This year’s event was the largest to date and the much-anticipated downpours of rain did not materialise, leaving warm and dry conditions for runners from the start at Beverley Minster, over the Westwood Pasture and back into the town centre, finishing at Wednesday Market.
Visiting Beverley for a mission weekend, Archbishop Sentamu had expressed an interest in attending the race and was duly present to start both the B&A Scaffolding Fun Run and Pittaway 10k races. In addition, Olympic Gold and Bronze medalist Phelan Hill competed in the 10k race, posing for photographs and giving junior athletes the opportunity to view Olympic medals from London and Rio close-up.
After the race, Phelan commented:
“I absolutely loved the race today, which was great fun and a fantastic, well organised event. Credit must be given to all the volunteers and spectators, who made it an outstanding day.”
The women’s course record was broken by two seconds, by a delighted Becky Rigby of Preston Harriers, in an incredible time of 34m 52s, with Carla Stansfield and Sophie Lee of City of Hull AC in second and third places respectively.
Kris Lecher of City of Hull crossed the line first in the men’s race, finishing in a staggering 31m 21s, less than one minute short of the overall course record. Harry Powell of Kingston upon Hull AC followed in second place, with Michael Tanner of Birchfield Harriers third.
Beverley AC runners fared well in their home race, with Luke Davison (20th), Lewis Holloway (21st) and Mark Dalton the first three home finishers, with Dalton second in his age category. Achieving a win in his age category (65 – 69) was Alan Flint, in an impressive 42m 40s.
As well as welcoming Archbishop Sentamu and Phelan Hill, the club also thanked their sponsors of the two races, Pittaway Decorators for the 10k and B&A Scaffolding for the 2km fun run.
Beverley AC’s next major race is the Walkington 10k on the evening of Friday 13 July.
