Beverley 10k changed my life!

Let me explain.

Many years ago, before running “invaded” my life, I was walking on the Westwood one bright Sunday morning. Unexpectedly, I came upon a load of people in bright colours running down-hill into the town centre. I was intrigued and asked someone what was happening. They explained that it was the Beverley 10K and I was curiously envious. I wanted a piece of this action.

And, so, I started running. Firstly, round the block, hoping that nobody I knew saw me, and then eventually running a circuit of about 6 miles. The rest, as they say, is nostalgia. 

So fast forward to a coolish day for the 2023 Beverley 10k. We were expecting warmer weather but, having debated wearing a vest, a t-shirt seemed about right.

As usual I was outnumbered by Fit-Mums in the car, and we parked on the outskirts of Beverley. This meant about a 15-minute walk in, not really feeling the love and actually quite cold. Having spent the last 2 months out with a knee injury, this was a bit of a test. My preparation wasn’t ideal, having been in London the day before on an all-day bender.

I do prefer the College as the meeting point rather than the Leisure Centre. It’s much nicer and easier to spot people. It was good to see the blue and yellow colours, in the form of Gregan Clarkson, Paul Clarke, Joe Toker, Paul Scott, Ann-Marie Jewitt, Elliot Marling, Andy Steel, Tom Anderton, Katie Rudge, Mathew Bain, Isabelle Walby, Dallas Jopling and Dean Morris.

A nice touch this year was to have the Level Crossing barrier come down just as runners were walking towards the start. You’ve never seen people move so fast!

And so, we began. It’s always nice running through the centre, full of people cheering you on. For first timers, it’s the calm before the storm as you arrive at the Westwood and began to climb. Its grit your teeth time until you level out towards the drinks station.

Then it’s a left turn towards Walkington and the next climb. When you arrive at Walkington you turn sharp left, heading back to Beverley. This section is well supported, and you feel that, perhaps, the hardest work is behind you. Running back to the Westwood is a chance to consolidate your breathing and contemplate your strong finish (if only). Then past the cattle grid and your back on the Westwood on the downhill. Then you turn back into the centre, over the dreaded cobbles and start winding up for the last stretch, Toll Gavel.

The final run-in is why we all do this really. The cheers and shouts of encouragement are wonderful. If you’ve got your name on your KUHAC shirt, this is where the pay-off is. Just like the Cheers Bar, everybody knows your name.

And so, to the lung-busting finish, well in my case, more a puffing of the cheeks. And over the finish line, a quick check that you’re not going to die, and then on to the drinks station and multiple fruit offerings.

Overall, I would say the weather didn’t live up to the forecast but was ideal for running.  

The T shirt was as per last year but black with a nice little cuff added on the sleeves. I had ordered a Medium but soon realised that either the sizes were on the small size, or I need to have a word with myself.

So, a great event as usual, course PBs for men’s and women’s winners. A special mention for the announcer who I thought did an excellent job. Apart from a Quick and Clark sign that crashed to the ground near the finish, all went well.

And so that’s it for another year. Still the best 10k in the area (I know there is a rather good one at the end of July, but Beverley just has that “je ne sais quoi”).

Well done to all our runners, some great times. As for me, just under 57 minutes and knee intact. But it’s not really about times, it’s about friendship, camaraderie and memories.

See you lovely people on the next one!