Well my streak of doing comfortable and enjoyable races came crashing down this weekend. After being spoilt over the winter by doing some lovely trail and fell runs, respendent with stunning views, interesting terrains and challenging conditions, I returned to road race with a bump. Road racing is all about the speed, endurance, times and boring views. The Brass Monkey is a no brains needed Half Marathon which is set up as being a flat and fast course. It offers little else to runners but a chance to smash a personal best (which I did! 1:26:29 wooo!). I know several were achieved and massive congratulations go out to those that did. I can't list them as I didn't get a chance to speak to everyone. But from those I know, special mentions need to go to Steve Padgett, Mike Robinson and Mark Robinson for smashing theirs!

Of course, sans undulating terrain and mud this means that proper runners come out of their little hobit holes looking all athletic with their under armour, compression tops and shiny trainers. The bevy of fifty plus Quakers heartily lined up in all our glory in vests and shorts (and maybe the odd t shirt) to brave the balmy six degree dampness.

The course and race itself is quite uneventful, everyone stands at the start and then the buzzer goes. We all then run for 13.1 miles and then stop. There’s a couple of inclines, but nothing to raise an eyebrow.  The course is well laid out and dotted with lots of enthusiastic marshals. The green belt of York offers little of interest to the eye. At the end of the race, you run through the finish and that’s it.

Of course, it would be a really poor race report if I just mentioned this. So I’ll mention the other fun little things from the race.

Firstly the organisation for the collection of numbers and chips was very poorly laid out. It was easier to push through and get your number than it was to line up. It wasn’t obvious which point  people were lining up for. The must advertised need for photo ID wasn’t actually applicable as no one checked anything – I wonder how many people brought passports and lost them in the chaos?

The cafe and refreshments  were reasonably priced.

The toilets were clean and tidy and access flowed pretty well.

Michelle didn't get lost.

Seeing the "prize" left for Mark and Wendy was a real treat - no other running club has members as nuts as that!

The technical top memento is nice, much better than last year’s sweat top.

The banter around the race from people I’ve met at the Albert Park Run was brilliant. It was really great being cheered on by other North Eastern clubs and seeing lots of friendly races running another distance other than 5km.

The coach trip with all the other Quakers was good fun, lots of beer was drank and although it wasn’t as drunken as the post Ripon session, it was still a good giggle. But please Wayne, can we have a toilet on the bus next time?

So overall, the Brass Monkey is a decent race for a personal best and starting off the year with a fast 13.1 miles. Recommend you enter it next year!

Photos from Flaming Photography!