The OP team with 12 OPs and three staff members joined a record breaking 1,571 participants to tackle the sell-out course. 

After a proclamation from the town crier, the race started at 9.00am sending the competitors on their way up The Mile towards Bishop Wilton, weaving through Snake Lane, and navigating three ‘undulations’ on Yapham Road before a final sprint into Pocklington’s Market Place. Despite heavy rainfall overnight, the day offered ideal weather conditions without the typically challenging headwind in the last three miles. Runners were cautioned about significant ‘puddles’ on the course however, notably one spanning the entire road width around the 7-mile mark, leading many to sidestep onto the grass or brave through with drenched feet!

Though the course records remained unchallenged both the leading male and female runners impressively finished their race in under an hour to the welcome cheers of hundreds of enthusiastic race supporters who had gathered to watch the event.

Members of the OP team were not too far behind the leading pack. The first male OP runner home was Harry Isenstein ((06-17) with a chip time of 1:06:53, whilst the first female OP runner to finish was Angela Curtis (10-17) with a chip time of 1:13:43. Some of the team participated as part of their preparation for upcoming events, whilst others saw it as the perfect chance to reconnect with peers and enjoy the vibrant race atmosphere in the town.

After completing the race, the OP team were each awarded their coveted Snake Lane medal and goodie bag, which this year included Snake Lane branded sunglasses. Team members, their families and supporters reconvened at The Feathers Hotel and were warmly welcomed by the OP Support Team. OP President, Charlie Lambert (01-08), Joan Gough (Ex-Officio 75-77) and Honorary OP, Doc Dyson (Former Staff 88-18) did a marvellous job of hosting, looking after kit and capturing the day on camera. There was lots of chatter and recounting of race day experiences whilst well-deserved drinks and bacon butties were consumed.

Harry Isenstein reflected on his run saying: “Snake Lane is Pock at its best. It’s always amazing to see hundreds of supporters lining the route we are so used to running alone in training. It makes it so worth it! The course was as challenging as ever, made even more gruelling by the overnight rainstorms. But it is always a fun one, and a great way to get involved with the OP community. It’s a race I always love to be a part of”

Angela Curtis said: "This marked my second year participating in Snake Lane, and after thoroughly enjoying my first experience, I was looking forward to Sunday. It was lovely to see OPs and teachers post-race and I wholeheartedly recommend Snake Lane to anyone seeking a supportive and uplifting event to be a part of. Until next year!"

Stewart Mumby (63-71) commented: "I always look forward to participating in the Snake Lane race as part of the OP team. To complete the run gives me a great sense of achievement and pride. I gather with my other team runners before, and then after finishing the run we meet in the 'Feathers'. I always find this, which is ran so well by the OPA, to be very friendly and welcoming. I left School a long time ago and it is interesting to hear the affection everyone has for the School and the positive way it has impacted on their lives. The OPA organise many events throughout the year. If you like running, sign up for the OP team for the Snake 10-mile run. It’s not as far as you think and it's a lot of fun !"

The date for next year’s Snake Lane is Sunday 23 February 2025.

If any OPs would be interested in signing up for next year, please let the OP office know – this is a fun, friendly, and supportive event catering for all ages and running abilities from beginner to pro!

For more general information about the Snake Lane race, visit the Pocklington Runners website [https://www.pockrunners.uk] or join the Snake Lane 10 Mile Road Race group [https://www.facebook.com/groups/snakelane] on Facebook.

OP team members for 2024 were:

Stewart Mumby (63-71) 

Richard Briggs (81-88) 

David Grigsby (81-88) 

Robert Lewis (83-88) 

Chris Clegg (82-89) 

Colin Mason (88-93) 

Ian Cooke (93-00) 

Bethanie Goodliff (née Binks, 93-00)

Matt Tremayne (01-04) 

Katie James (96-07) 

Angela Curtis (10-17) 

Harry Isenstein (06-17) 

Plus:

Emily Kendra (Current Staff) 

Leanne Maycock (OP Office) – 95-minute pacer 

Bonnie Steel (Current Staff)