University Challenge
On Saturday 20 July, a scorcher of a day, the University Challenge took place at the York University campus. This is one of the 6 hour timed events organised by See York Run York who are a really friendly bunch. It was evident that many runners are repeat customers.
When driving to York, the temperature was warm and by the time the race started at 10am it was approximately 23 degrees and still rising in the sunshine. This had a massive impact on most runners out on course with even the most seasoned runners walking elements of the uphill sections of the route after a few laps.
The course is a 1.1 mile out and back which, according to the organiser, ‘incorporates an ascent that in York terms is challenging, but in reality is just a pimple’. In reality, the ‘pimple’ might be better described as a nasty boil or cyst as the total ascent for each lap was approximately 40 metres (131ft).
To complete a marathon 12 out and backs are required and for Matlock Athletic Club, Dan Ashcroft completed the course in 4 hours 24 minutes, his times are getting slower. All finishers receive a medal, distance badge, bar of chocolate, tube of smarties, bag of nuts and plenty of cake. Thankfully Paxman hadn’t come out of retirement to urge us all to “come on”.
