Grand Prix Race 11 – Brampton-Carlisle 10M (10k to 10M Category)
It was an early start for race 11 of this year’s Grand Prix, the annual trip to Brampton for the Brampton to Carlisle 10 mile road race, the oldest 10 mile road race in the UK having first been ran in 1952. 2025 saw the 73rd edition of this race and Blyth Running Club was well presented with 22 runners wearing the green and white of our club.
05:00 was the alarm call for my good self (not ideal as the wee doggy (Maisie) had been up most of the night poorly) so off one hour sleep, breakfast consumed, pre-race stretches done, final bag check and out the door to walk the mile down to the sports centre for coach depart at 07:15. Not quite as cold as I thought it was gonna be on the way down, hat was worn but gloves weren’t required (bonus) and the walk nicely stretched the legs and got the head properly woken up.
A few missing from the bus booking due to several reasons but all present aboard and off we set at 07:20. Relatively quiet on the way over, not too much banter (although I did make a point of trying to get into Simon’s heed for my own benefit (wasn’t biting though)), and it was good not to see snow on the ground on the way over as we have in previous years.
Upon arrival, we expected to be dropped off half a mile away from the start (it said so in the race briefing notes) but we were directed into the school car park and offloaded just out the front. 08:30 was arrival time and plenty time to kill before the race at 10:00. Bit of a change this year, access to front of the school was not allowed so we were directed towards the rear, through by the playing fields and into the sports halls at the back and that was it, not in the normal ‘reception’ area as previous years but ushered into either of the sports halls to prepare for the race. Felt a bit weird but at least our sports hall had some soft matting on the floor (some of our members took full advantage and curled up for a few more minutes kip), the other one was just hard wood floor.
Chats ensued, reminiscing about school days and siting on those long wooden benches, and a few ‘groups’ started to form within our ranks which was quite interesting to witness but seriously though, there was plenty mingling to be fair, little bits of banter, lots of good wishes and camaraderie and the chance to catch up with others from different clubs. Time was getting so change into ‘race trim’ and off for a warmup down the back lane (as is the norm) before regrouping in front of the school awaiting being ‘allowed’ to take to the road and line up at the start.
We (and I mean the collective we) failed miserably to get a team photo prior to the race. To be fair, it was getting a bit chilly, hands were in armpits to keep warm, some had gloves on, then off, then on, then off and I think we all just got closer and closer to each other (and other runners) to benefit from the bodyheat transfers. Eventually we were allowed onto the road and gathered at the start line.
Race was off on time but to be fair, I missed the gun going off (if indeed one actually did). Slowly moved forward, looked up and those a few metres in front were running already, wow, we’ve started, quick check of the watch to make sure it was ready, across the line, press top right button to start and off we go. As is always the case for this race, first 400m downhill to the right turn are very nervy. People moving left and right, left arm raised out front keeping others off my line, down to the right hander, round it (avoiding tripping on the kerb) and onto the closed road section, through the cones and mint, safe, didn’t fall let’s see how the day goes now…..
Started well and had the pleasure of young Tommy Richardson’s company for the first half of the race. Offered as much advice as I could through the first 5 miles (his first time running it so just explaining the route. coming miles, water stop placings and what to expect latter stages). While we are competitive people, there is always room and opportunity to help, in small but meaningful ways, those around us and to make their experiences as good as they possibly can be. Past halfway, 33:08 to the half distance, and things weren’t going too bad. Not a PB pace but none too shabby. We were passed by a couple of runners in the next half mile and Tommy stated ‘maybe they can pace us now’ (they had been sat on our tail for about 3-4 miles) but as I tried to raise the pace a little, nothing happened, fairly stuck in the stride pattern I had and with just over 4 miles to go, trying too hard now may end in disaster. Quick chat to Tommy to let him know how I was feeling and to follow them if he could then he was off on their tails, great to see.
Through 6 miles, second water stop, still half the first bottle left so no need to take another, (Tommy did and nearly tripped while doing so but fortunately stayed on his feet) and into the ‘hilly’ section, the section of the race which I always find tough but hey, it’s a 10 mile race and you just gotta get through it any way you can. Had a little tussle with a Blaydon lad up and down the hills, passing him on the ups, getting passed on the downs but ahead by the final downhill and with encouraging shouts from John Younger from behind (closing all the time having ran a fantastic negative splits PB) the final run along the bridge to the finish line and it was done.
When I eventually stopped coughing, an impromptu photo op for a few of us, t-shirt and bag collection then changed and off to the pub for food and beers. The pub is always good craic after this race and fortunately the Turf has put our 3 booked tables together in a little nook just down the stairs so plenty room for everyone to chill, have a laugh and a bit craic over food and drinks. Some discussions over the race, some more over Grand Prix races and what 2026 might entail and it was soon 14:00 and the bus was due to bring us home.
Bit of strava stalking shows PB’s for Alex Lewis, Stuart Smith, Richard Bickerton, Tommy Richardson, John Younger, Simon Clough, Karl Ogilvie (sorry if I have missed any other PB’ers) and 2nd fastest 10 milers for Nikki Courtney, Alison French and myself showing just how good the conditions were and we are pleased to hear that following the DNF, Rob Kelly is OK and ready to rebuild and fight another day.
A cracking day out with some tremendous performances throughout our contingent, the Grand Prix, although in essence a competition, is not necessarily about being the fastest, maybe more about being with your clubmates, being a part of the experience on the day and sharing that experience and other’s achievements as if they were your own.
One race left in this year’s competition, the big 10 miler on 30/11, then we set ourselves up to go again for the 2026 competition. Are you in??? C’mon, it will be mint, there’s nothing better than being one of the sea of green and white on an away day…..