Runners raced round the narrow streets of Beverley town centre last Friday in the annual Beverley 5k Classic which preceded the National Circuit Race Championships for cyclists.
Following the same course as the cyclists, runners completed four laps before crossing the cobbles to reach the finish in Saturday Market.
The winner was Matthew Bowser of Lincoln Wellington AC who recorded the second fastest time in the history of the race. He finished six seconds outside the course record in 14 minutes 34 seconds. He was followed by club mate Sam Atkin in 14.58. The men from Lincoln built up a good lead very early in the race and a full minute separated second and third places.
The first lady to finish was Jenny Blizard of Rotherham in 17.33, seven seconds outside the course record for ladies. She was followed in second place by 14-year old Katy Wood of City of York who finished 23 seconds faster than last year and Harriet Canter of Lincoln Wellington who beat last year’s time by 15 seconds.
Beverley Athletic Club fielded a strong team but it was Rob Snaith who led the home club across the finishing line in seventh place in 16.41, beating James Pearson for the first time. The two ran together for the first two miles before Snaith pulled ahead. It was Snaith’s debut in the 5k Classic and watching him race for the fist time were his proud parents.
Jonathan Leskiewicz finished six seconds after Snaith, in eighth position and 25 seconds faster than last year. James Pearson followed in tenth place in 16.56.
Jane Peck was the sole female runner from Beverley Athletic Club. Competing for the first time in the 5k Classic she thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the encouragement from friends and club mates in the crowd. She finished in 22.27, two minutes ahead of her younger sister Claire Cowling.
The race is aimed at faster runners and all competitors are expected to finish within 30 minutes. There were 70 finishers.
Beverley Athletic Club finishing times:
Rob Snaith 16.41; Jonathan Leskiewicz 16.47; James Pearson 16.56; Jonathan Oxley 18.26; Andy Johnson 18.41; Andy Tate 20.23; Jane Peck 22.27.
