Story
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Reflections from the Yorkshire Marathon & 10 mile race
By God's grace, I finished the Yorkshire 10 mile race on 17thOctober 2021, but in many ways my heart was, and still is, in another race….
Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus... Hebrews 12:1b, 2a
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
Having packed my bag I cycled as far as Lawrence Street and then walked up, in gentle rain, to the university campus to find the baggage drop off and race start/finish area.
The marathon runners were just setting off so as I walked along I was able to enjoy watching the spectacle of hundreds of runners striding out along Lawrence Street towards the city. I spotted my friend Adam among some of the front runners.
Once I’d made some final adjustments with my running outfit and my bag handed in I was ready to head for the start area. By now the rain had stopped and the warm up was already in progress so I missed that part, but was pleased to get into position in good time, unlike in 2018 when I was the last runner to set off!
Having moved through the mass of runners to a position among the 1h 30 section it was time for the countdown to the start. As we set off the pace seemed gentle as the road bulged with runners, but I was glad of the easy pace and started listening to Godfrey Birtill's album 'Very God' on my headphones! Many of the songs encouraged me to focus on the greatness and power of God as they proclaimed the glory and majesty of God, so I was greatly encouraged to sing along in my heart and with His strength at work in my legs!
As we reached the bottom of the hill and turned into Lawrence Street I started to ease past some of the runners as the pace was not picking up and I still felt very comfortable with a slight increase of speed. This continued for the first few miles.
It was good to run through the city centre with faith-filled praise songs to listen to that kept my focus on the Lord, thankful in the knowledge that it was He who was giving me the grace and strength to run this race.
Along Parliament Street crowds gathered behind the barriers to clap and cheer and further pockets of spectators watched as we pounded along. We turned the corner and headed up to the minster and I could see a big crowd with many cheering gathered outside the Belfrey. I briefly spotted Charles who I'd seen at parkrun recently.
We ran on up to Monk Bar, through the arch and out onto Heworth Green. It was good to see two from the Ark Church cheering us on! At the second roundabout we turned off onto Stockton Lane and headed out, eventually running over the outer ring road where we turned right and waved goodbye to the marathon runners who had to do an extra 16 mile loop out towards Stamford Bridge - an added challenge, or maybe a battle! Remember 1066 is not just about Hastings!
Once past the 5 mile marker we were well into the country lanes and thankfully the weather remained calm and dry. Furthermore, I was glad to have settled into a steady pace and was really enjoying it. A little further on the sun came out, albeit partly hazy, but it reflected off the wet road directly into my eyes with a brief dazzling brilliance. This unexpected powerful light reminded me of Saul on the road to Damascus. However, I didn’t see anyone being struck down and we soon turned a corner and started heading back towards the city.
The road went in under the A64 and we could then see little pockets of spectators, many outside their homes in Murton and some generous folk offering little cup cakes and cheering us as we came along.
Finally we reached Tang Hall Lane and then turned into Hull Road for the final mile. More crowds were visible along the route especially at the traffic lights where we turned left and up the hill for the final stretch leading into University Road and the much longed for finish line!
On reaching the top (at a somewhat slower pace!) we passed the double decker bus used for the running commentary by radio York at the start area. Excitement was building as we entered the final few hundred metres where a growing crowd of spectators lined the barriers to cheer us towards the finish line. Thankfully this was all downhill which helped to enhance the sprint finishes that some of us put on as we could see the digital clock ticking ahead of us. I put on one final push to rejoice in the God-given strength that I still found in my legs, crossing the line in 1h 16m 52s according to the text I found waiting for me on my phone once I'd received my finisher's goodie bag and medal.
After a few brief warming down stretches I walked slowly back to the event village on the other side of the campus and reclaimed my baggage. After a brief rest and putting on some extra clothes to avoid getting cold, I walked across to the finish area and enjoyed watching other runners coming into the home straight and enjoying the moment as they too completed their challenge for the day.
I thank the Lord for sustaining me throughout the race. My t-shirt has Ps 34:3 on the front, but you could only read, "Glorify the LORD". The rest of the verse was covered by my race number - 12040 - and with SPURRIERGATE in the space for a name! On the back of my t-shirt it read:
Let us run with endurance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on JESUS the pioneer and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross. Hebrews 12:1,2
And so ended a very memorable morning with so much to thank God for. And thank you for reading this through. I hope you enjoyed sharing the journey with me!
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