The Striders York takeover

For around four months lots of Striders have been getting up extra early on Sundays and pounding the streets to get the miles in. There was only one difference this Sunday, albeit a rather big one. This was race day – the day we had been excited and nervous about for so long.

Porridge eaten and some last minute checks… number yes… kit yes…. fuel yes… shoes yes…. and it was time to leave. For a moment, it looked like Ste B tactic for coming first was to try and run over everyone he was picking up, but he did inform us this was just his normal way of driving – be warned!!

Over 50 of us left club HQ ‪at 7am‬ for the journey to the Yorkshire Marathon and 10 mile, on another bus superbly organised by Helen J (Thanks Helen!). Threats to leave without anyone who arrived late worked and nobody forgot their number – hooray!! Although, Julia made a good attempt to being late with her first alarm not going off.

After arriving, we headed to the race village for the traditional Striders team photo.

It was then time for the marathoners to head to the start, with excitement building as we entered our stating zones. Everyone was giving hugs of encouragement and wishing each other luck. Very quickly, we were off, the months of training were over and it was all down to what happened over the next few hours.

The buzz as we headed over the line was incredible, so many people shouting encouragement including the Striders 10 mile gang who started their race 45 minutes later. A nice downhill start loosened the legs up, but in the back of our minds, we knew we had to come back up there right at the end. We would worry about that later, for now it was time to enjoy.

Running through York city centre is amazing. Personally, I spotted family and friends on the way through the city. Time for a quick high five and a word of encouragement from my 23 month old niece… ‘Run’. Just a few seconds later, we passed the minster with the bells ringing and huge crowds. Apart from the end, this has to be the best part of the race.

It was then time to find the right pace and settle into the race. Having other Striders to keep each other company along the route was fantastic and very much appreciated. Even just to tell each other to slow down as we kept accidentally speeding up. We were encouraged by the vicar as we ran through Stockon-on-the-Forest, and so we should be too being from the other Stockton.

We were beginning to think there was some serious false advertisement going on around mile 9. The race advertised as flat had some horrible drags, including a long one around this point. Still we pushed on with the promise of drums and a choir from the marshals. Did anyone actually see the choir?

The spectators having a BBQ around half way weren’t offering the runners any sausage buns as we passed – maybe we were too early and they weren’t cooked. Still, half way there – Yay!

As we headed into Stamford Bridge we began the first of two out and back sections. Time to spot other Striders coming in the opposite direction. This is one of the spectator points that people are bussed to, so had huge support. It was great to see Dave F among the crowds giving each Strider massive encouragement – thanks Dave! Heading out of Stamford Bridge we started the very long drag to Dunnington and the second and much longer out and back section. Mentally this is one of the hardest sections of the race. Spotting and encouraging other Striders helped massively.

Turning the corner away from the runners poring towards us we reached 20 miles. An important point in any marathon and time to really dig in and push to the end. It’s in the last 6.2 miles that the bitesize chunks come in very handy – unless you suddenly lose the ability to remember what mile you’re at and think there are only 4 miles left instead of 5. Discovering that mistake wasn’t the best moment! The last 4 miles were a hard slog, the sun came out and our legs got much more tired. We pushed on… 4 miles left… 3 miles (just a parkrun to go)… 2miles… 1 mile… About half a mile from the finish we turned a corner to be met with Mount Everest. David H running up the hill alongside and giving encouragement as we went was great – just what was needed at that stage. The hill seemed to go on forever. Who puts a hill in the last half mile of a marathon anyway?? But, when we reached the top we knew we had done it. Only the glory bit left. A few hundred meters downhill with the biggest crowds of the day. The Striders 10 milers were dotted all along the final run in and hearing their encouragement was fantastic.

Five Striders finished within about five minutes of each other. The hugs as each one crossed the line showed what a strong team spirit Striders have.

The party bus home turned very quiet with some very sore and weary runners. Once home there was time for a quick shower and change before big group of us headed to Borges for some well earned re-fuelling. A nice way to end a great day for Striders. We even made it up and down the stairs!

Some people smashed their target while others were disappointed, but everyone should feel incredibly proud of themselves. Whether things went right or wrong on the day the desire, commitment and spirit from everyone was massive. As the race pack said, remember the journey not the miles, and what a brilliant journey it has been.

So which is the club marathon next year then??