4th Annual White Swan Road Races 2011

Sunday 2nd October 2011 saw the 4th running of the White Swan Road Races, 1k, 6k and 10k distances around the local lanes. Firstly and most importantly, I’d like to thank the local residents. To those that provided valuable and super-supportive and friendly help and to everyone else for their understanding. An influx of well over 150 people to the village will inevitably cause concern to some and I’m please to say I have had no reports of any incidents!

Races kicked off at 10:30 with the 1K race around the grounds of the Rectory behind the school. Many thanks to Sarah Walsh and family for once again providing their grounds for parking and the 1K route. I took on the role of ‘Hare’ just managing to stay ahead of the fastest young runners around the undulating course. Megan Woollons showed a final burst of speed along the back straight to pip Ruth Mensa to the line. Ruth had led from the start but perhaps exhausted any reserves of energy earlier in the race. Matthew Coe showed great form coming in First for the boys. You will see from the results some amazing times considering the ages of some of the competitors. Some real budding young athletes in our midst I think.

Thankfully for us the heat wave from Saturday subsided slightly to provide perfect running conditions – dull, cool and some gentle rain to cool runners down (not so great for the marshals and spectators). However, after last year’s drenching, this year was positively tropical.
The main events started at 11:30 when 134 runners (a slightly smaller field from last year) set off from the school field gate, up high street on the first leg of the 6k and 10k distances. By the time they returned to Thornton Le Clay a fair gap had opened between the lead runners. They continued to Foston around Blue Coates farm and returned to finish in the school field. No record breaking times this year though.

We are now seeing many runners return year on year, I’d like to assume it is because of the fabulous fast running route, but perhaps it might have something to do with the fantastic spread of teas, cakes and sandwiches provided by PAFFS (Parents and Friends of Foston School) in the village hall. I’m not sure I have seen such an array of goodies at a running race before.

So there you have it, another year completed. Sadly putting on these events does not come cheap and unsurprisingly race fees and clock hire rose a little too this year. However, despite the cost we made a profit and thanks to further sponsorship from Barclays Bank and our local travel company Inntravel Ltd, just up the road at Whitwell Grange, near Castle Howard we will boost the much needed village hall funds again this year.

Once again thanks to all involved, I hope I can rely on your help and support next year - Sunday 14th October 2012.
Regards
Richard Harrison