Work is well in hand now for the popular Thirsk 10, and entries are invited at bookitzone.com. The 10 mile race over roads, and mostly level – unless you count a couple of railway bridges – is ideal for a personal best time if you are a regular runner, but also for more recent starters who can test themselves out. The race, based at Thirsk Race course where there is plenty of parking, starts at 10am with a Wheelchair Race which begins 10 minutes earlier, at 9.50. The start is traffic free on Newsham Road before going towards Sandhutton, Sandhutton airfield, round Busby Stoop and back through Carlton Miniott and heading along Station Road to finish in the racecourse precinct. It is not traffic free and each runner is responsible for his or her safety, though marshals will be around to help and encourage along the way. The winning time last year was 52.05 with the first lady taking 60.06 so you can tell fast times are possible!
An off-road Fun Run of about 2 miles starts at 9am and is suitable for children and adults who don't want to go as far as 10 miles, but it really is a fun run, with a memento at the finish. Refreshments will be available and also indoor seating if the weather is inclement, for supporters, who will also be able to see the runners come in to the finish. It's not possible for spectators to be at the start, but runners can be seen coming along Station Road towards the finish.
NO DOGS are allowed at any of the races.
The race these days takes the form of a loop, but in the early days, going back to the late 70s, early 80s, when there was less traffic and plenty of police support, it was called Northallerton to Thirsk 10. Keen runner and founder of the club, the late Norman Smith, sorted out the course, which began opposite Sam Turners in Northallerton and finished in Thirsk Market Place, runners being bussed to the start. One year, inevitably, the race had just begun when the level crossing gates came down! The first 100 or so runners got across gaining a good advantage, but the rest had to wait! Since then, the race has been based solely on Thirsk with various formats over the years. It was run in the early days in June, but with holiday traffic being held up on some very hot days, it was moved first to November and now to March.
Get your entries in!
The start of last year's Thirsk 10