From Colm McCann…
The Tilbury Douglas Yorkshire Run for WaterAid isn’t exactly a catchy name for race. It is essentially an annual 5/10k race to raise money for WaterAid which is a charity that aims to provide water and sanitation services in developing countries. The race is organised by Yorkshire Water, their partners and local supporters. Tilbury Douglas is the current organising partner hence referred to in the name of the race.
Back in 2017, when I worked for Yorkshire Water, the WaterAid 10k was the first organised race I took part in making a long trek over to Scammonden reservoir just off the M62. The following year the race moved to the much prettier surroundings of Swinsty reservoir, which was also much handier for me. I’ve done the race most years since then but it is still a relatively unknown race, which this year may have worked in my favour-more on that later. This year the race has been run under a UK athletics licence which means the results will also be published on the Powerof10 website.
On Sunday morning as I made the short trip to Swinsty I was pleased to see the torrential rain of Saturday evening had cleared to become a very nice morning. On arrival I was greeted by a car parking marshal doubling up as a WaterAid mascot, hence dressed as a giant tap.
After registration and a short warmup we made our way down to the start position for a mass start with the 10k runners going first and the smaller field of 5K runners behind. The 10k route is twice round the shores of Swinsty reservoir mostly on good gravel paths, although there are some killer puddles in the first few hundred metres, with short sections of road running and two short climbs at the end of each lap.
Wendy Lockwood and I were the only representatives from Ilkley Harriers with similarly low numbers from other local clubs. The field of 92 runners had a large contingent from Rothwell Harriers and Vegan Runners as one of the organisers is associated with both these clubs. A bit of luck and the make-up of competitors worked in my favour as I was placed 13th overall and third in the M50 category coming in at 47 minutes 24 seconds, a whole 4 seconds faster than my 2019 time in this race. Wendy did a fabulous time in 55 minutes 25 seconds which was also third in her category.
After the race Wendy spotted my red vest and came over for a chat, reflecting on the beautiful location for race, low numbers from local clubs and how we were lucky with the weather. We both really enjoyed this well-organised race raising money for a good cause. While enjoying a cup of a tea and some of the fine selection of cakes available I had a chat with runners from Skipton and Nidderdale who also reflected on low numbers of runners from local clubs which they attributed to a gap in the race marketing strategy. I said I would provide their feedback to the organisers but I am also aware I don’t want too much promotion as this may jeopardise my chances of repeating my lucky 13th place!
If you felt like you have missed out the race is usually held on the 3rd Sunday in September so put in your race planner for next year.