Date: 6th November 2016

Race Report from Emma (…thanks Emma and Ashleigh)

“We had heard Guy Fawkes 10 mile was a tough and hilly race, not a great start on a cold rainy Sunday morning! Once parting with our warm clothing (David’s gloves still intact), we made our way to the start line and were pleasantly surprised.

The start is in the shadow of Ripley Castle, the finish in the courtyard of the castle, there were three main climbs quirkily named – Birstwith Brute, Swincliffe Swine and For Fawkes Sake (aptly named at 8 miles) and great scenery along the way.

The first mile and a half was slow as the route is narrow and mix of tarmac and trail. Once this part has been safely negotiated, the race opens out on country roads to take you through the pretty villages of Birstwith and Hampsthwaite. As if the undulating course wasn’t enough, with just 200m to go, one last challenge awaits – a sharp 100m climb to the finish line.

Guy Fawkes 10, organised by Nidd Valley Road Runners, for a reasonable entry fee, you get a well organised event from start to finish – ample parking, efficient race number collection, an enthusiastically marshalled course, two drinks stations and every runner’s real reason for racing, a well-stocked goodie bag of chocolate bars (it will come as no surprise David did not want to share his) and a t-shirt!

816 runners took part and is definitely a race organised with the runner in mind, a testing but enjoyable course.”

The race was won by Jack Wood of Ilkley Harriers in 56:08. Sarah Douglas of Sale Harriers Manchester was the first female in 1:07:42.

David and Emma’s results below