Having been assured that the Ray Harrison Memorial 10k Road Race in Billingham was very flat, and seeing the forecast was for a cool and cloudy morning, I had high hopes of a pb after finishing the recent Darlington 10k with plenty of fuel in the tank.

Arriving early to register, there were plenty of race officials to point us in the right direction.  As with most of the Club Championship events, the Quakers were well represented with the points I hoped to gain reducing rapidly as we approached the starting line-up.

Although there were almost 400 runners, the start was relatively free moving, with the road having been closed for the event.  The first 3k of the event formed a small triangle bringing you back to the start and, whilst there were some slight inclines, I felt quite good, having breath to spare to have a bit of a chat until some girls from another club pointed out that I’d never stopped talking since the start of the race.

The last 7k of the race formed a larger triangle, with long stretches of road showing off the scenic industrial estates.  Since the start of the race, the clouds had dispersed, and the temperature was rising.  Even though there was a strong breeze, I found the heat draining, and my pace dropped as I approached the drink station at 5k.  Hopes of a pb had disappeared by now, and I was concentrating on just getting to the finish, with runners I had overtaken catching me up and passing me.

With around 2k of the race left, there were a few more spectators around cheering you on, which gave you a much needed lift, especially as what now appeared to be a steep slope appeared (where did that come from?).  This proved the final straw for some runners, and I was able to gain a few places coming into the last 500m, and still had a little bit left for a final burst into the football ground and the finishing line.

I can’t say it was one of my favourite races, but the organisation was excellent, and I’ll no doubt be there again next year trying to work out where the hill at the end came from!!

You can view photo's from the race, courtsey of Dawn Richardson's father, @ the Quaker Photo Gallery. As always he has got some fantastic shots! Many thanks!