Stadium Runners based at the Galpharm Stadium Huddersfield

Burn Valley Half Marathon Race Report – 4th July 2010

It slightly resembled ground-hog day as a hardy 15 stadium runners enjoyed pre-race banter in the market square at Masham. A number of the runners had spent the previous two nights camping, while others had been relaxing in more comfortable surroundings of local guest houses.

The Masham half marathon is a tough race with a number of ‘slight’ undulations throughout the route. The race initially developed into a tough battle between Jonathon Cartwright, Steve Croft, Simon Courtney and Martin Huddleston. However Simon was soon left struggling up the hill at about the 6 mile mark (it can only be put down to the pre-race pressure applied). With the help of a couple of magic jelly beans from Mr Croft, Martin rudely left him in the pursuit of Jonathon Cartwright. Sensing Jonathon’s legs were slightly tiring Martin took advantage and finished first in a slightly improved time from the previous year.

Andrew Ferguson also had a great run to finish in third just behind Steve Croft. However the achievement of the day must pass to Stuart McCormick completed the Half Marathon in a very respectable time of 1hr 39min after running the Jane Tomlinson 10k in the morning. Great effort and I hope the beer tasted good.

No surprises on the WAVA results as Steve completed his 8th straight victory, which confirms him as champion for 2010 season in July a truly remarkable achievement.

The ladies race was won by Laurel Gilbert with great times also run by Nicki Dawson, Jackie Brewerton and Lorraine Kiernan. Laurel and Nicki both knocked a massive 8 minutes off their times from 2009 (that’s approximately a whole mile). And given the way everyone finished in the square it looks like further reductions are to be expected in the future. Jackie leads the Grand Prix table with a 33 point lead over second place.

The ladies WAVA results produced a win for Jackie, with second and third going to Laurel and Lorraine respectively. This strengthened Jackie’s position at the top of the table over Jane Lord, However Jane has run two fewer races, it should be an interesting second half of the season.