Ray Harrison Memorial 10k

Billingham, Sunday, August 17, 2014

Alister Robson

I’ve often wondered why this race isn’t more popular with Striders and can only conclude that it’s the timing, coming as it does immediately after the hugely popular Darlington 10k and before the not quite as, but almost as popular Middlesbrough Tees Pride 10k. This year it was also the day before the DCH Summer Relays.

That’s the only thing I can think of as otherwise it ticks a lot of boxes. Fast, flat, cheap, chip timed and with a tech tee and goodie bag. This year if you’d entered in a advance your name was also printed on the number, giving spectators a chance to shout your name which is always nice.

Working hard early on ...
© Barry Cornelius

Katy described the route well in her report from last year – one small 3k loop and a larger 7k route. The wind was strongly in your face for the last bit of both, though it’s strange how it doesn’t feel as strong when it’s behind you!

I bumped into Ari and Innes Hodgson beforehand and Ari was ahead of me for nearly all of the first lap. I tried to encourage him to tuck in behind me into the wind but perhaps he paid the price for slightly too fast a start. I had a good strong run, only a few seconds slower than my time at Darlington a week earlier on a much less windy, if perhaps slightly hillier course. I was also pleased to track down and overtake the three orange DCH shirts that were ahead of me for most of the first 9K. Ari finished just behind me as I got my breath back with a very strong and competitive kick at the very end coming into the stadium. Innes was just after him and looked pretty comfortable considering.

Unfortunately I didn’t see Laura Jackson at the start and hence didn’t know to wait for her. It was her second race of the weekend following from Saturday’s Gateshead trail 10k – looks like someone has got the bug 🙂

A potential Sprint Grand Prix race for future years?

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