RUNNERS came from the Isle of Skye and Wales to join hundreds running in York and the surrounding countryside today.

They were taking part in the 41st Brass Monkeys Half-Marathon, hosted by Knavesmire Harriers.

The annual race happened during a brief lull in the extreme weather and concluded shortly before the arrival of Storm Isha.

“I’ve been praying night after night and I’ve been a weather addict, checking it hour after hour,” said race director Richard Yeomans.

He was very relieved when a final check revealed that Storm Isha was not forecast to arrive until at least an hour after the final runners had finished.

York Press: Ready for the off in the 41st Brass Monkeys Half-MarathonReady for the off in the 41st Brass Monkeys Half-Marathon (Image: Steve Proctor)

Conditions were reasonable at 10am when the starting gun went on Bishopthorpe Road near York Racecourse and sent the 1,800 competitors on their way. They included teenage adults and senior citizens.

Although some came from far afield, local clubs were well represented, with runners from York, Pocklington, Selby, Scarborough, the North York Moors and Ryedale as well as Leeds, Tyneside clubs, Hull, and Wakefield.

Some were using it as part of their general training and others were hoping to do a personal best.

Mr Yeomans said it was a popular race because there were few half-marathons in January, it was a long-established race and the course was mostly flat.

“And we have the best marshals, who give the best encouragement and cheers. It’s an absolutely fantastic turnout,” he said.

The sun was trying to shine through the clouds and there was a breeze as the runners set off.

York Press: Runners go through BishopthorpeRunners go through Bishopthorpe (Image: Newsquest)

The race took them down Bishopthorpe Road, over the A64 Outer Ring Road, past the Archbishop of York’s home at Bishopthorpe Palace, through Bishopthorpe and south to Appleton Roebuck before turning back north and retracing most of its route to the finish line in York Racecourse.

Conditions remained acceptable throughout the race.

Roadside marshals organised rolling road closures that enabled people living in and visiting the two villages and the part of York on the race route to go about their business with minimal disruption.

Although men were in the majority there were many women taking part.

York Press: Tommy Power wins the 41st Brass Monkeys Half-MarathonTommy Power wins the 41st Brass Monkeys Half-Marathon (Image: Steve Proctor)

Tommy Power of Hallamshire Harriers was first home with a time of 1 hour 6 mins 58 secs. He was followed three seconds later by Mark Bostock of Leeds City AC. Chris Coulson, of Houghton Harriers & AC was third, six seconds behind Mark.

York Press: The first three men home in the 41st Brass Monkeys Half-Marathon: (left to right) Mark Bostock, Tommy Power and Chris Coulson. The first three men home in the 41st Brass Monkeys Half-Marathon: (left to right) Mark Bostock, Tommy Power and Chris Coulson. (Image: Steve Proctor)

The first woman home was Sarah Potter of Leeds City AC in 1 hour 12 mins 33 secs, followed by Becky Briggs of City of Hull AC at 1 hour 13 mins 38 secs and Eilidh Bell, also of Leeds City AC, at 1 hour 16 mins 35 secs.

York Press: The first three women home in the 41st Brass Monkeys Half-Marathon: (left to right) Eilidh Bell, Sarah Potter and Becky Briggs. The first three women home in the 41st Brass Monkeys Half-Marathon: (left to right) Eilidh Bell, Sarah Potter and Becky Briggs. (Image: Steve Proctor)

Among the oldest competitors, Alan Flint of Beverley AC with a time of 1 hr 42 mins 27 secs and Carolyn Gale of North York Moors AC, 2 hrs 8 mins 5 secs were respectively the first man and woman home in the 70-year-old plus category.