The latest edition of Mike’s 2016 rambles took me to Kirkbymoorside for their 10k race, this one wasn’t in my original plan but as the Tour de Yorkshire was passing through therefore I signed up last minute, due to the cycling the race was put back to a 3pm start. A question was posted on the Hull runners Facebook page about race start times, to me it doesn’t make a difference as long as you prepare in the same way you should be race ready whatever the time. Another question asked about motivation, whilst it’s good to run with others, motivation comes from within yourself & the willingness & strength to succeed.

On my arrival I was greeted by a load of tractors taking part in the tractor run. How anyone can get excited by this is beyond me it must be a Kirkbymoorside fetish. I collected my number from the race HQ & watched the various kids fun runs keeping an eye on the big screen to make sure I didn’t miss the cyclist passing through, they were due around 1.30pm the crowds started gathering around 1pm so I made my way to the main street, it was all a bit of an anti climax in the end as they were traveling that quickly we literally saw them for 5 seconds. I was more impressed with the police escort they got it was a well drilled operation.

Race time:

City of Hull’s flying circus fired off Pete Baker I was half tempted to keep up but common sense prevailed…having seen the course profile I knew it was going to a negative split race. I was not to be disappointed. In my mind I wanted a sub 40 so knew I had to dig in for the first half to get this. Up to my mile 4 I was averaging around 6.42 miles so it was foot down time for the last 2 & a bit miles. The downhill section was gratefully received, by mile 6 I was going 5.45 miles I was slightly disappointed I couldn’t get to 5.09 like my hero Tim Simpson (champ). As I approached the finish line I could see the race clock heading towards 40 minutes so unusual for me I found a sprint finish. I was really pleased with my chip time of 39.51 & 26th place & having got a PB at Parkrun on Saturday it was a great weekend of running.

This race was very well organised and with the cycling plus various other events going on I’m sure the locals had a great day.

Mike Petersen