Race conditions were perfect as the OP team joined a record 1,540 runners at the start line on Garths End. A throng of supporters lined both sides of the street as the runners set off. The undulating course took them out along The Mile towards Meltonby and Bishop Wilton before winding back into Pocklington via Eastfield Road – better known locally as Snake Lane – and down the home straight into Market Place for a sprint finish to the welcome cheers of hundreds of enthusiastic race supporters and members of the public who had come to watch the event.

The first male OP runner home was Ian Cooke (93-00) with a chip time of 01:06:39, whilst the first female OP runner to finish was Juliet May (05-12) with a chip time of 01:07:53; both impressive times. However, it wasn’t all about finish times, with many of the OP runners using the race for their own running goals, personal enjoyment, or as a reunion with old school friends!

After the race, OPs and their families and supporters gathered at The Feathers for the traditional post-run drinks and bacon butties hosted by the OP President, Joan Gough (75-77), and Honorary OP, Rob Peel (Former Staff, 72-11). All enjoyed the time to recover from the morning’s efforts, exchange race day stories, and catch up with friends and family.

John Skinner (75-82) commented: “Thank you so much for organising such a fabulous morning as part of the Snake Lane run – after five years of injury and lockdown, I was pleased to finally make the start line! Thank you for the OP hospitality and for your company during the race as a pacer. It was a lovely morning, enjoyed by all.”

Angela Curtis (10-17) said: “I really did enjoy it! I’m very keen to run again next year, now I’ve done it once and know what to expect.”

The date for next year’s Snake Lane is Sunday 18 February 2024.

If any OPs would be interested in signing up for next year, please let the OP office know – this is a fun, friendly, and supportive event catering for all ages and running abilities from beginner to pro!

For more general information about the Snake Lane race, visit the Pocklington Runners website or join the Snake Lane 10 Mile Road Race group on Facebook.

OP team members for 2023 were:

Stewart Mumby (63-71)

Neil May (72-79)

John Skinner (75-82), Ripon Runners

Nicholas Lumley (80-87)

Mark Dawson (83-88)

David Grigsby (81-88)

Robert Lewis (83-88)

James Sweeting (81-88)

James White (80-88)

Christopher Clegg (82-89)

Lydia Mawer (Barrett, 94-99)

Andrew Wilson (89-99)

Ian Cooke (93-00)

Mike Linstead (97-02)

Bethanie Goodliff (93-00)

Katie James (96-07)

Juliet May (05-12)

Angela Curtis (10-17)

Millie Goode (17-19)

Plus:

Patrick Dare (Current Staff)

Rachel Dare (OP Office) – 90-minute pacer

Bonnie Steel (Current Staff)

Photo: Some of the OP team members at The Feathers for post-run refreshments