A week after the Leeds Grand Prix, number 7 also enjoyed warm, dry weather for 205 runners to chase around the mainly flat cycle paths and unsurfaced paths near York racecourse. There is a long, slightly uphill riverside path to the finish. Parts of the route can be very muddy, but it was bone-dry this year. Race winner was the consistent David Watson, M40 from Holmfirth in 31m-48s.
Again there were no Bingley ladies and only 2 Bingley men, numbers being down due to holidays and probably because it was the day after Bingley’s 5K no.5
It was quality replacing quantity, with Les Haynes making a rare appearance to finish 36th male placing in 39m-23, comfortably taking first M70 award and also beating the first M60 and first M65. A very impressive run.
Peter Ellerton finished 67th, 4th M65 in 43m-23
There will be 8 Grand Prix races this year, with the last based at Spenborough track on Sunday 10 November. Runners must complete a minimum of 6 races, with the best 6 results counting for the final ranking in each age group. For each race, the winning man is awarded 200 points (first lady 150 points), second man 199 points , (second lady 149 points) and so on down to 1 point for 200th man, 150th lady.
Bingley runners feature well up in some age rankings:
M50 Paul Mitchell placed 5th for 5 races. Others above him have completed 6. If he can compete at Spenborough, he should move up the rankings.
M60 Bryan Parkinson placed top dog with 6 races. If Jim Weldon (Pudsey Pacers) 3rd with 5 races done, competes at Spenborough, he could oust Bryan from the top spot.
M65 Peter Ellerton , also ranked 1st with 6 races. If William Allen of Tadcaster, currently 2nd with 5 races, does Spenborough, William will move up to 1st.
Watch this space for final results in November!
Report by Peter Ellerton