Where Elloughton, East Riding of Yorkshire
When August 13, 2006
First Man Daniel Augustus 31:08
First Woman Melanie Hayward 35:47
Last Finisher 1:27:17
No. of finishers 415
In the weeks leading up to this year's Elloughton 10K, prospective participants were nervous. The UK had been in the grip of a heat wave throughout July, and with an 11am start, it didn't look as though Elloughton was going to provide the PBs its flat course promised. In the event, though, the weather was cooler than anyone could have hoped (or wanted) with lashings of rain.
Fans of the race turn out no matter the weather though, due partly to its well-earned reputation for being very well organised. Sadly, the man behind that reputation, Jim Dingwall from Kingston Upon Hull AC, died just before the 2005 event, so this year the race was re-named in his memory. It was a fitting tribute: there were plenty of volunteers on hand at the comprehensive facilities at race HQ (in Brantingham Park, the home of Hull Ionians RUFC) and throughout the race.
The race itself is a good, friendly, straightforward 10K, starting from the pretty village of Elloughton and running one small loop around its outside, followed by a slightly longer lap crossing the A63 twice and skirting through Brantingham.
Commentary at the finish and steadfast enthusiasm from the rain-drenched spectators in the village helped keep runners' spirits up as they battled to the line, where dry race T-shirts were handy for anyone who'd forgotten a change of clothes.
