Thirsk 10-mile road race

Race Report by Mike Robbins

It was a chilly and breezy morning In Thirsk, but the sun shone brightly. We arrived early to collect our race numbers and have a brief warmup. It is a couple of minutes walk across the racecourse to the start line and after a short briefing, the gun went and then we were off.

A cold but gentle head wind greeted us for first few miles, so it took a while to really warmup. The start is usually quite crowded, but it quickly thinned out and we managed to get into our stride.

Anybody that has not ran Thirsk 10 before, the race is one big loop mainly on rural roads, with an approximate 2mile out and back section towards the end. Most of the roads are open to traffic, so you must keep your wits about you, especially with all the cyclists on the road! But it is a very scenic race route all the way round.

Coming to the out and back section we passed the race leaders going the other way and is a great opportunity to see who is in front and behind you!

As always, the final mile seemed never ending, with a final push at Thirsk railway station and the last few ‘furlongs’ ran alongside the racecourse. With a last sharp left turn into the racecourse and a dash towards the finish line.

Great performances again from Stephen and Sarah Roe, coming in as 1st and 2nd Marsh House Harriers and another great turnout from the club, with strong running from everyone. Well done.