Knavesmire Harrier's Brass Monkey Half Marathon: 24th January 2010

With the best intentions and well thought out plans, things inevitably don’t work out exactly as you planned. So while I’m doped up on Ibuprofen and having consumed a swimming pool full of Lucozade I thought I’d type up a race review of the Brass Monkey.

The informal chatter around the Brass Monkey in the weeks leading up to the event promised a flat course which would be ideal for half marathon personal bests; the weather would be ideal; the long nature of the race would kick of marathon training perfectly and there was the potential to be some good goodies at the end.

Having hitched a lift from Mark and Wendy (thanks to them for the lift and the running tunes on the stereo!) I avoided the coach, which was going to be visiting York for post race food and drinks, to avoid the inevitable drinking. I have no doubt that on route to the race, the coach probably broke down and may or may not have been sent through a black hole – as is the tradition on Quaker Club trips. The parking at the event was plentiful and there was loads of room for cars. The early start and convenient location meant that it was easy to navigate through with ease, avoiding all the traffic and students which York normally offers.

There were loads of people milling around at the start, tea and coffee was reasonably priced and there was ample seating and toileting for all involved. Putting your bag into storage was quick and easy, as was getting your chip. It seems bizarre to me how so many races make a mess of chips and bags when the Knavesmire Harriers made it look so simple. Tees Pride, I’m looking at you!

There were two young ladies from Lucozade peddling “free sports science advice”, which basically meant freebies. They were surrounded by Quakers grabbing “free sports science advice”, although Brian and Dave didn’t look too pleased with the taste.

The race itself didn’t disappoint. Everyone went to the right pens quickly and easily, although I think there wasn’t enough room in the sub 1:30 pen as it was consistently passing people up until my little accident. The race was as flat as promised, with very little surface water. The light drizzle helped to keep things cool, whilst there was no wind in any direction. The race was extremely well marshalled, who shouted us all on through shouting our club names, whilst warning us to “keep to the left!!!”. I didn’t understand why I couldn’t have my iPod on me, there’s certainly been other races with more road time where we’ve been allowed MP3 players. I personally missed my music!

The mile markers were accurate and my Garmin satisfyingly bleeped within seconds of approaching a marker and the water stations were well staffed and maintained.

The finish was quick and breezey, with my gun time matching my Garmin and the chip time down to about ten seconds. The prize was a decent sweat shirt, which joins the rest of the cotton tops I wear when gardening and a goodie bag with some chocolate and energy gel.

From informal chat, Dave Todd, Mark Robinson and Brian Martin all had tremendous runs. Smashing their previous personal bests! Dave Todd being first “mortal” Quaker home behind Alister Tatham in a cracking time of 1:26 and Mark taking 8 minutes from his previous half marathon PB! I’m sure that more Quakers broke their own records and congratulations are deserved to all who took part and finished!

Overall, a superb well organised race which is well worth running! Definitely going to do this one again!

Photos thanks to Flaming Photography

Results for the Race are available on UKresults

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