Withernsea Harriers are gearing up for the return of the Withernsea 10K and Fun Run on Sunday, June 29.
The Harriers’ annual open race was first held in 2007 as a five-mile event. With fresh sea air and a friendly, laid-back feel, the race quickly became a popular fixture on the running calendar.
After a two-year break because of Covid-19, entry numbers never fully recovered, so the organising committee has refreshed the event by increasing the main race distance to 10km and reducing the fun run to around 2.2km to avoid the use of any roads.
Event management is being handled by the club race committee, assisted by members, family and friends of Withernsea Harriers.
The 10km route is mainly flat with mild undulations. It starts at the Pier Towers and heads along South Promenade, through Oak and Turner Avenues, and then down Holmpton Road before turning right on to North Leys Road towards Hollym. There, the route loops around the village with a new section via Manor Lane and South Leys Road, adding distance and introducing two turnaround points – giving runners the chance to keep an eye on the competition or encourage others.
The route then returns to Withernsea via Hollym Road, Holmpton Road, Turner and Oak Avenues, and back along the promenade with a quick detour around the Italian Gardens before finishing on the Central Promenade by the Pier Towers.
Prize money will be awarded to the first three male and female finishers, with trophies also presented to overall and age category winners. All finishers will receive a commemorative technical T-shirt.
The 2.2km fun run, now fully off-road, uses the same start and finish as the main race. It remains on Withernsea Promenade, heading south before turning back along the same route. All fun run finishers will receive a medal.
There will be no entries on the day for the 10K, as online entries will have closed, but entries will be accepted on the day for the fun run – early arrival is advised.
On behalf of Withernsea Harriers, organisers have extended thanks to all sponsors for their generous support in helping to bring the event to life and supporting the local community: Redhall Engineering, Airco Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, the Holderness & Hornsea Gazette, C Fewsters & Son, ERD – Edmundson Electrical, Harkins Care, Cunicon Limited, George Lodge & Sons, East Yorkshire, Hybrid Data Cables, Aerocom UK, Withernsea Karate Club, Blip Active, County Joinery Yorkshire, JB Services Plumbing & Heating, O & E Services, Peacock & Binnington, Gem Automated Doors, Great Newsome Brewery and Howdens.
A spokesman said: “Please come along and cheer on the runners to keep them motivated and show your support. The fun run starts at 9.15am, followed by the 10K at 10am.”