OP SPORT
OPS AT POCKLINGTON RUNNERS SNAKE LANE 10 MILE RACE
A squad of 11 OP runners took part in the 29th running of the Snake Lane 10-mile race organised by Pocklington Runners on Sunday 23 February 2020 . This was the first time an OP team had entered the race and based on the positive feedback so far it is likely to become a regular date in the OP events calendar ( subject to Covid restrictions !).
The race starts and finishes in Pocklington and is a fairly flat course with a winding stretch that ‘ snakes ’ its way through the beautiful East Yorkshire countryside via Bishop Wilton at the foot of the Wolds and finishes in Market Street in the centre of Pocklington .
Trevor Loten ( 70-80 ), OP President , said : “ There was a fantastic atmosphere in the town for the race and afterwards in Judson ’ s when I popped in . It was great to see the OP runners and their families . I hope more OPs will sign up for the next one whenever that might be – I think I ’ ve just agreed to do it myself !”
Trevor ’ s Snake Lane debut will be in 2022 at the earliest following the recent announcement by Pocklington Runners to cancel next year ’ s race due to the pandemic .
The OP runners on the day were : Dan Peel ( 83- 93 ), Juliet May ( 05-12 ), Lucy May ( 04-08 ), Neil May ( 72-79 ), David Grigsby ( 81-88 ), Bethanie Goodliff ( née Binks , 93-00 ), Harry Isenstein ( 06-17 ), Ellie Stephenson ( 06-14 ) and Stewart Mumby ( 63-71 ).
Martin Davies ( Current staff ) and Phil Hurst ran in place of John Skinner ( 75-82 ) and Lewis Papa ( 96-03 ) who transferred their places before the deadline due to injury . Oliver Cockerill ( 14-16 ) and Georgina Booth ( née Chapman , 96-06 ) were unable to run on the day due to last minute injuries .
The OP team ran in the OP colours of dark blue , sky blue and maroon and were joined by other OPs and members of the Pocklington School community who were running for their clubs . They were : Zoe Hughes ( née Backhouse , 01-03 ), Jodie Hodgson ( 94-01 ), Patrick Dare ( Current staff ), Rachel Dare ( OP office ), Leanne Maycock ( OP office ) and Tim Maycock ( Current parent ) of Pocklington Runners and John Cooper ( 06-12 ) of Vegan Runners .
The race started at 9.00am on Garths End in Pocklington and after two consecutive weekends of storms Ciara and Dennis , the conditions were remarkably dry , mild and calm ! Following the customary start-line selfie , the race was soon underway and with the help of the fantastic Pocklington Runners pacers and course marshals , the OPs made their way around the course finishing to the cheers of encouragement from the crowd of spectators who had gathered in the town centre .
As well as race goodie bags and medals , OP runners along with their families and supporters enjoyed drinks and bacon butties in Judson ’ s after the race courtesy of the OP Association . Thanks go to the OP support crew of Doc Dyson ( Former staff , 88-18 ) and Rob Peel ( Former staff , 72-11 ) who did an excellent job of hosting on the day and looking after kit !
Beth Goodliff commented : “ It was a great race and I really enjoyed it . It was a pleasure to run as part of the OP team . The staff and supporters who helped out and kept us going were fantastic . Count me in for the next one !” keep in touch
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