The 10k (which was actually 11k) certainly proved a test for our runners but they rose up to the challenge no doubt.
The flat course consisted of “fields after fields” as Will Hine described it, and was still being marked up and set out as the runners arrived. Nevertheless, despite the 20 minute delay at the start line, things were soon underway. At the beginning, York’s men runners took the pace upon themselves and were incredibly fast.
After the first segment of the race Lancaster were lying just outside the points position in 5th and 8th (it was top four of each gender to score). However, Nicola Aylett was showing a gutsy performance and was in a prime 2nd position if the women’s race, not far off 1st place. Lea Taylor was also sitting just outside the top four in 5th
The first man to cross the finish line was from York who managed it in an impressive 39.42 minutes, who was soon followed by a fellow team mate. It then got very interesting down the final straight. Lancaster runner, Tom Nichols, and a York runner were near enough level and the sprint finish started. Both runners were giving it their absolute all, but it was Lancaster who had the extra inner strength to cross the line in 41.54.
The first female to cross the finish line was, again, another runner from York, who managed a very quick 50.09 minutes, but only a minute later the colours of the red and black vest tops could be seen as Nicola Taylor made her way to the finish line to complete the race in 51.01 minutes, gaining second position.
Despite the seeming lack of organisation to begin with, the race went well and all of the Lancaster runners had a solid team presence in the race.
Men’s Team: Tom Nicholson (41:54, 3rd), Craig Farrow (43:53, 6th), David Schmitz (44.53, 9th), Will Hine (46:56, 11th), Matt Hamer (49:50, 12th), Jordan Schandley (57:57, 14th) and Calum Cogan ()
Women’s Team: Nicola Aylett (51:01, 2nd), Lea Taylor (57:20, 5th) and Alice Fitton (59:18, 7th)
