Thirsk Hosts Successful Northern 10 Mile Championship

30 NOV2009

The Thirsk 10 mile race this year doubled up as the Northern 10 Mile Championships 2009. The weather that greeted the many runners on Sunday morning was far from ideal, but 1010 runners still braved the conditions. Cold, wet and windy was the general consensus, but that didn't stop the runners from taking on the 10 mile course around Thirsk for the 28th year.

With it being the Northern Championships, there were many big names running, with David Webb of Leeds City leading the field home in first place in a fast time of 48.32minutes, beating the previous course record by 9 seconds! Second was Andrew Pearson of Longwood AC 24 seconds behind in 48.54minutes. Gary Dunn was the first Vet home in 10th place in 52.55minutes from the host club Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers. Sharon O'Grady of New Marske Harriers was first female finisher in a fast 54.51minutes, followed by Sarah Jarvis of Bingley Harriers in 58.27minutes. The first Over 50 finisher was Phillip Teece of Billingham Marsh House Harriers in 58.41minutes, a great time. Full results can be found along with photos from the day from the Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers Website.

With 70 athletes still managing to make the finish in under the hour, the course again proved to be a good course for fast times despite the weather. Warm refreshments and food were gratefully received at the finish by the many runners and spectators. The mini fun run also took place with many runners completing the 2 mile route with hats and t-shirts given out to all the finishers. So despite the poor conditions a successful day was had and congratulations go out to all the marshals and organisers for a well run day.

For information on next years race, visit the Thirsk and Sowerby Harriers website for entry forms and information.