Let’s do it again

It comes as something of a shock to realise that organising a 10K is actually harder than running in one, even one with a sharp little climb just when you think the end is in sight. But early in 2023, a dedicated little band of Kingston Upon Hull AC members (KUHACs) got back together to set up the third South Cave 10K. And believe me it doesn’t get any easier, as the course still needs to be measured and certificated, discussions with local councils sometimes feel as though working for the UN would be easier and all those warning notices don’t put themselves up! Then the entries start to come in and it all begins to feel worth it again: 300, 400….surely we’re not going to sell out? And then with days to go we passed the 700 figure that we had set for the event. So, given the problems that local runs have faced this year – with a number of cancellations because of road closure problems – this was a real triumph for Race Director David Rivers and his organising team.

Not least of the problems that they overcame was the discovery a week before the race that the course needed a “slight” adjustment because the path up past the school which we used in 2021 and 2022 now ended in a wild garden. Which is why the runners found themselves running up Wadley Plump, the hill up to South Cave sports centre, rather than turning up by the school. It all seemed to work well after some anxious last-minute measuring and consulting so that will be the finish again next year.

On David’s gang, special thanks go to Tom Aitchison for sorting out the medals and trophies, Brian Long for making sure we didn’t spend more than we earned and Paul Scott who brings a designer’s touch to everything from the race numbers and website to the t-shirts to make sure we are one of the smartest 10Ks around! Laura Aitchison and Lisa Webb were always there when help was needed as, of course was club chairman, Andy Dickerson. As well as producing a marshalling plan that made the preparations for D Day look like a walk in the park, he also used his contacts in the local business community to bring together a varied team of sponsors who provided us with the essential ingredient of any successful event – money!

So, deep breath, it’s our grateful thanks to MKM, Simply Shredding, Rix, Lloyd Dowson, Hull Self Store, Eyeweb, John Tomlinson Opticians, Blink Video, Ancora Law, Travel Counsellors, Peacock Finance, Beverley Motor Works, Jadan Press and, via club member Rosie, the Coop in Cottingham for supplying fruit and snacks for the race participants.

Of course it was inevitable that the weather would play a part in proceedings and, given the summer we have had, it is perhaps no surprise that this was the year when it rained. Fortunately this did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of everyone taking part, especially after James Starkey (of James Starkey Fitness fame) did a fantastic crowd warm up, along with DJ Roger Sandwich, all in the superb setting of Cave Castle’s front garden. We are always grateful to the Castle (thanks Kate and Emma) for hosting the start, as the sight of hundreds of runners streaming through their gatehouse archway and onto the road is a real highlight of the event.

I don’t want to make this sound like an Oscars acceptance speech and in fact it is literally impossible to mention everyone who helped on the day as there were more than 50 KUHACs out parking cars, marshalling the course, looking after the drinks station, taking some superb photos (well done Steve and Andy for getting the Box Brownies out again) and getting ready to hand out medals and t-shirts to the finishers. Several said that they were proud to help their club put on such an important event: well Kingston is really proud of all of you.

We also had help from the local community with Helen Watson from Pass the Parcel gift shop providing an arch of balloons in KUHAC’s blue and gold colours (then running with daughter Katie); Lee Murphy and his committee letting us use the Pavilion, our superb race HQ; local farmer Rob Nicholls giving permission to use that little off-road stretch before entering Ellerker; and Dave and Hannah Sedman (and their lovely daughters) and Tom Watson who marshalled for us. Barry (Tom’s dad and Helen’s husband to complete the set!)  had the important job of tail biker. He said what a total privilege it was to spend the race in the company of the legendary Bob Thomson who strolled round in 96 minutes at the age of 80+ (which apparently left four gentlemen in Ellerker gobsmacked as they had just been telling our photographer that they were far too old for running 10Ks, then realised Bob could give them 20 years 😊).

And of course we can’t forget Pat Reay who helped to present the trophies including the shield to the winner that carries her late husband, Bob’s, name in recognition of his contribution to both running and the local community. Speaking of which, we decided this year that a local charity should benefit from the race and chose the Hull Dog’s Trust which, despite the name, has its base in South Cave (just off Pinfold, at the beginning of the 10K). As well as some welcome food and treats provided by the generous runners, the dogs will see the benefit of just over £1000 which we raised from this year’s event.

So how was it received? One thing that struck me was how much the marshals appreciated the thanks they got from the runners (with one picking out one of leaders for the nod and smile given in passing when usually those guys at the front are focused exclusively on the road ahead and their watches!). I’ve also noticed some of the attractive yellow shirts appearing at local parkruns and have had the chance to ask people if they enjoyed the race. Without exception, they said yes: praising the organisation, the friendly marshals and the stylish medal (as well as the shirts) and agreeing that they were keen to do it again. Several mentioned the warm reception as they ran through South Cave and Ellerker which brings me to my final thank you: to the residents. I have spoken to several since race day and without doubt this is now seen as not just a KUHAC day but as an excellent addition to the calendar of village events. See you all in 2024?