I decided to enter the Sandy 10 this year after learning that it was the 40th anniversary of this race and realising that I had run the 30th anniversary race, which I think was my very first race as a member of North Herts Road Runners (NHRR). I also still have the souvenir t-shirt (as well as a bottle of beer) from that race, so wore that too for a bit of well-earned nostalgia.
Team NHRR (nearly) shortly before the off
Clare was pleased to find the coffee trailer set up and open at number pick up; in fact, there was already a small queue comprising the spectators waiting, probably because it was proving quite a cold morning. The owners made the error of encouraging customers back “in 10 km time” - only to have us all chorus back “miles”.
A big part of the race instructions, both times I’ve done it, is that competitors must note how this is a 10-mile race; it is true 10-km races are far more common, but what’s crucial is you know that is not the case here before you realise you still have 4 miles to go at the 6-mile point - apparently some runners have had a bit of a surprise!
There was a short walk to the start line, in a local industrial area, and then we were set off by the mayor of Sandy.
I had remembered the course as hilly, but actually I’d obviously only remembered the hills; there are some ups - but the majority of the route is actually fairly flat and fast.
Always a sprint to the line
As testament that 10 years of NHRR training outweighs being 10 years older, my time of ~67 minutes was nearly 9 minutes faster than my previous attempt. And a PB, given that these are my only 10-mile races.
There was a slight delay to the prize giving, but glad we stayed for it. Even when there was a collective gasp as one of the glass trophies was awarded to the wrong runner and had to be recalled just the same time as the previously awarded trophy slipped from the fingers of the recipient to sound of shattering. Thankfully, it turned out that wasn’t the trophy in question!
Congratulations to NHRR member Katie on achieving the female course record and getting under the hour. Have to say, I was surprised to be on the winning NHRR men’s team - the team doesn’t usually win when that happens! Fortunately the team trophies are a sturdy granite block, so no mishaps possible.
Hope to be back for the 50th anniversary!
Image galley