Race Reports 07thJuly 2008

The Burn Valley Run, a hilly half marathon, took place under new management this year, and for the first time in 18 years it rained! Usually that race has taken place in blazing sunshine so it was a treat to have it cooler, and in fact the rain eased off after a short while and many runners were able to do personal bests for the course because of the cooler conditions. Gary Dunn is well back in winning form, finishing in 1.14.33, a comfortable three minutes ahead of the second placed runner. Brett Edgeworth came 59th in 1.38.19 and would have doubtless finished higher up the list had he not missed the start of the race, owing to its starting a couple of minutes early! Hester Cox continues her brilliant form, coming 68th, and 3rd O35 lady, in 1.40.05, Ken Evitt 110th in 1.46.38, Jill Knight 151st in 1.54.00, Angela Eilbeck - another runner who just can't stop improving - 173rd in 1.57.41, Ernie Huck 178th in 1.58.18, Jonathan Severs 222nd in 2.09.53, Ian Codling 243rd in 2.18.05, Jo Fambely 255th in 2.22.06, just ahead of Nicola Thorpe, 256th in 2.22.08 and Eileen Howell 257th in 2.22.43, Les Sutton Haigh, accompanying his wife Nik on her 40th birthday - though not letting her win! - 265th in 2.30.29, with Nik 266th in 2.30.30, Yvonne Wood 268th in 2.30.32 along with Cheryl Kirby 269th in the same time, Marian Codling 272nd, and 1st O65 lady, in 2.38.33 and Phillip Craig, in his first half marathon, 274th in 2.41.01. All runners enjoyed a delicious and well earned tea in Masham Town Hall afterwards!