04.06.2011 Bridlington

Bridlington part 1 - 10k

A hot, sunny, still day in the morning turned into a cold, very windy afternoon on the east coast just in time for the start of the inaugural Bridlington 10k.  The conditions however didn’t stop Ellie Dooley from recording a PB 45:37 (her negative splits aided by the backwind coming home). Paul Sanderson finished in 69^th place, just 24 seconds and 7 places behind Ellie.

Anna Holligsworth came in next in 57:04, and was followed by Geoff Render, Liz Green and Becky Hayne who finished in close proximity to each other. For Becky, this was her first ever 10km.

At the awards, Ellie learned that she was 5^th lady overall, and earned herself a £20 voucher for being 4^th lady under 35 - an age category that she still has many years to compete in.

On Friday Paul sanderson and Ellie received letters in the post. Paul's contained a £10 voucher for first place in the 50+ age group in the beach race.... although 2nd, the first place runner won the overall race so claimed that prize instead. Ellie got another voucher for £10 (Taking her winnings to £30) for 2nd open lady in the beach race.

 

So total prize money of £40 for HPH.

Place	Time	Name	Team	Category	Chip
62	00:45:38	Ellie Dooley	Hyde Park Harriers	Junior Ladies	00:45:37
69	00:46:06	Paul Sanderson	Hyde Park Harriers	Vet Men 50-54	00:46:01
190	00:57:17	Anna Hollingsworth		Senior Ladies	00:57:04
221	01:02:09	Geoff Render	Hyde Park Harriers	Senior Men	01:02:02
227	01:04:02	Elizabeth Green	Hyde Park Harriers	Vet Ladies 45-49	01:03:45
235	01:06:05	Rebekah Hayne	Hyde Park Harriers	Junior Ladies	01:05:58

Bridlington part 2 - the night

4 June 2011

The Bridlington Festival included an evening do at the Spa. Disco and live entertainment from the Southmartins (A Housemartins/Beautiful South tribute band) who were excellent - as was the talks given by Tracy Morris (International Marathon runner); Alison Rose (former international marathon runner and currently physio to GB athletics); and a guy called Tom Williams, who had just returned from the Comrades marathon in South Africa.

Bridlington part 3 - 4 mile Beach run

5 June 2011

An interesting concept. The clock started at 48 mins and you had to choose what time you set off. So long as you got back before the clock read zero, then you were ok. Miss the time and you are counted out. Last one to start and get in on time wins - regardless of how much you beat the clock by.

It all got a bit tactical. There was a very strong wind whipping up the sand, and the out and back course meant that the second half would be tough. Becky set off when the clock started - determined to make sure she didn’t get counted out. She didn’t. As the clock stated running down the ladies started weighing up who they might be quicker than, and what time they might run. Ellie found herself with just two other ladies - both quicker than her, so she set off knowing that 3^rd place would be hers if she beat the clock. Just a handful of men left. Paul Sanderson starts weighing up those around him. Who is there in his age group? With just 4 others left he sets off.

As the runners started coming back in, Ellie had nearly clawed back the 12 minute lead that she had given Becky. An exciting sprint for line was left too late by Ellie, and Becky crossed the line 0.23 of a second ahead.

This was not the only exciting sprint for the line. John Ward of Abbey Runners had left it till 30:25 before setting off - the last runner to do so. If he beat the clock - he won. As the clock approached the last 30 seconds he came into sight, and a sprint from him meant he crossed the line with 1 second to spare….. a result that snatched the Male 50+ prize from his grasp.

Overall a great weekend, and definitely a candidate for a team outing next year - combining running, fun and a night out with the opportunity to mingle and learn, and enjoy a bit of music…..and the whole package is no more expensive than the Jane Tomlinson 10k.


Report and results courtesy of Sam Dooley