KILBURN FEAST Runners dilemmas’ – report by Maureen Medlar
Ok – so Sunday 13th July free – time to find a race!
Spoilt for choice – perhaps a 17,26 or even 33 mile run at Osmotherley? No – not enough training – 10 mile at Eccup? – again not enough training. 7.3 miles at Kilburn including afternoon tea? No contest – done plenty of cake training lately!
With a start time of 2pm the second dilemma – when and what to eat. Decided on light brunch and set off to the race in torrential rain with the thermometer reading at 15 degrees. Great – I hate running in the heat. Unfortunately for me by the time we set off the temperature had climbed to a very humid 25 degrees.
The 7.3 mile course gets off to a flying start slightly downhill for about a mile and then the promised ‘undulations’ begin. After climbing up into Coxwold village the route flattens out slightly continuing onto Bylands Abbey. The water stop was a very welcome sight even if the sponges offered were water filled and not the jam and cream variety! I was beginning to regret the light brunch and gave serious consideration to stopping for the cream tea advertised at the Abbey. The remaining 4 and half miles continues the undulating theme though the picturesque hamlet of Oldstead culminating with a welcome ¾ mile downhill stretch to the finish.
Very pleased to report that the entire YKH contingent (all two of us) completed the race both securing prizes.
Sarah Attwood finished in a very impressive time of 51.02 mins to finish as 4th lady overall. Regrettably my time was not so impressive but I managed to secure Ist place in my age category.
This is a really enjoyable event with the Feast providing family entertainment with the added bonus of a WI type afternoon tea including cake not to be missed! Good one to put in the diary for next year!