Strictly speaking Flat Caps wasn’t a champs race so points weren’t up for grabs and runners weren’t feeling their most competitive. However, Flat Caps was a race particularly close to the hearts of the Snails for many reasons.

1. It was organised and set up by Snails founder and Chairwoman Jodie Smith

2. It was a run around our local area and even set off from the club

3. It raised money for a fantastic cause, The Christie in Manchester

Before we get into the ins and outs of the race itself I want to tell you a bit more about why the race was set up in the first place.

The Christie, is a leader in cancer care, research and education. The work they do will help to save lives by finding pioneering treatment and preventions for cancer in the future. Jodie also wanted to raise money for The Christie due to the work they’re doing for one of her close friends. So, combining the two things Jodie knows best, running clubs and her friends…the Flat Caps 10k was born.

2018 was the first year for the Flat Caps 10k and whilst I might be biased I would say that it was one of the most organised local races I’ve taken part in for a long while. There were marshalls stationed all along the route to give support and directions. A place to store bags, stalls selling snacks including homemade pre-race energy bars and a sports massage therapist on hand for when the race was over.

The race itself was a typical up and down with the first 3 miles or so taking in the majority of the elevation and then there was a lovely quick 5k back to the finish line. So quick in fact that many runners managed to get their 5k PBs. On any other day the views from the peak of the race would have been lovely, however in typical Yorkshire fashion on the morning of the race we had fog. Lots and lots of fog.

First runner over the finish line was Jamie Fradgley and first female was April Caulfield. I’m sure everyone will agree that it was a great race, especially to test yourself over the distance. Can’t wait to see it come back next year.

All photos from the event can be found here https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.932878863555951&type=3