Springing into action

Spring is here, officially. I was happy to say hi to spring on March 1st, but I was shot down a couple of times in light of my wild optimistic inaccuracy! Turns out, we had to wait until the 20th, so now we’re all happy! The daffodils are all out and smiling, so I guess it’s official!

Easingwold Running Club has also sprung into life in recent weeks. For those of you who are unaware, we hold a club championship each year, with a selection of races on offer for all members to participate in should they wish. Some races are in-club events, while others are races that anyone based anywhere can enter. 33 of us took part in what is now the traditional curtain raiser in Myton, kindly hosted by our very own Mr. Nigel Ramsden. Anyone remember being forced into cross country at school? Muddy, wet, cold and tired. Ring any bells? Well, that was our Sunday morning on February 22nd. Loved it! To be fair though, yes, it was cold (ish), the wind was kind, but at least it was wet underfoot, and we were all pretty shattered! Let’s call that half the requirements of what cross country should be!

Muddy Boots over in Ripon was up next. Pretty much does what it says on the tin. 18 ERC-ers made the journey and by all accounts, thoroughly enjoyed it. Having seen the results, 78% of ERC representation was female… great effort!

As I write this today (Sunday 22nd March), the biggest event of the year so far has taken place. The Thirsk 10 mile. A really healthy turnout by the club and some brilliant running in the bank for everyone. We couldn’t have asked for better conditions. Blue skies, zero wind and slightly on the chilly side. A decent recipe for some good times. 27 of us took part and did battle with a field comprising 836! It’s one of those events whereby you’ve just got to go for it. Nice and flat (bar the occasional railway bridge), close to home for many, a really good atmosphere with locals out cheering us through and a great group of volunteer marshals making sure we didn’t take any wrong turns, offering water at a couple of stations along the route and keeping us safe from any passing traffic.

Up next? A double-header in April, starting in Helmsley on Easter Sunday, followed quickly by the Hooded Horse at Sutton Bank, a serious test of body and mind, where mud and steep hills collide! April also sees the start of the York & District Road Race League on Tuesday evenings. A section of 10k events hosted by various running clubs (including our own). Tadcaster – Pocklington – Easingwold – Knavesmire – Bugthorpe – Wistow – Heslington.

Interested in getting stuck in and springing into action in 2026? Come on down and find out. Check our website to see where we are and when. We train 3 times a week. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with our main training night being on a Thursday. Training runs on offer to all, no matter where you might be on your own personal fitness or running journey.

Rich Freeman, Publicity Secretary