Brass Monkey, 21st January 2024

Six Claremont Road Runners travelled down to York for the ever popular Brass Monkey half-marathon. It is a fast, flat course where PBs can be obtained – as long as the winter weather behaves. Thanks to Nina Jensen for sending this race summary:

“After a week of tracking Storm Isha and looking at every weather app on my phone, it was with trepidation that I left my warm house at 6.30am to get my lift down to York for the start of the 2024 Brass Monkey.

However as we parked near the racecourse 2 and a bit hours later I need not have worried as there was only a slight breeze and even a glimpse of sunshine.

The race starts and finishes at York racecourse and there were plenty of signs and marshals to point us in the right direction for toilets, bag drop etc as well as a large indoor space to accommodate the 1700 runners who would toe the line, and even a cafe if you needed a second breakfast or coffee.

After using the facilities I wandered upstairs for the bag drop and spotted some of the other sky blues who were running.

Race started a bit earlier than previous years and it wasn’t long before the announcements told us to head to the start line where there were signs to try and get runners in the correct order.

There were also pacers running this year (I’ve only done the race once before but can’t remember seeing them last time).

The course heads out and back in a figure of 8 through countryside and small villages with plenty of support on route particularly at the half way point and start/finish and is flat (ish) so is a good pb course for those who like to run fast.

The goody bag this year included a long sleeve top and a wrist band as well as chocolate and water.  

Well done to all and congratulations to Sarah Kerr on winning her age category.”

Position	Runner	Time
304	Sarah Kerr (1st VF45)	1:24:28
569	Izzy Neatrour	1:33:00
770	Kimberley Metson	1:38:11
981	Aaron Mansell	1:45:03
1253	Nina Jensen	1:55:38
1357	Aoífe Monaghan	1:58:28