After a two-year absence, the annual Snake Lane 10-mile road race returned on Sunday 27 February with around 1,300 runners (including a sprinting panda, a fluffy dog and a giant sunflower!), descending on Pocklington for the event. Although a number of OP runners had to pull out due to injuries picked up in training, this year’s OP team had an enjoyable day with everyone completing the 10-mile course despite a brutal headwind in the last three miles testing their resolve.

The support along the route and atmosphere at the finish gave the runners a welcome boost of encouragement. Whilst most of the OP team had taken part in the last running of the race two years ago just before lockdown, it was a pleasure to welcome Chris Clegg (82-89) and James Sweeting (81-88) onto the team for the first time.

Several other OPs and members of the wider Pocklington School community also took part for their clubs and charities including teacher and housemaster Patrick Dare, who ran all 10 miles dressed in a dog outfit for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and current parent, Tim Maycock, who ran dressed as a sunflower for Hospice UK. OP office staff, Rachel Dare and Leanne Maycock joined ‘Team Petals and Paws’ with dog and sunflower themed outfits.

Once over the finish line, runners were rewarded with an exclusive Snake Lane finisher hoodie and medal to mark the 30^th running of the race. OP runners along with their families and supporters then headed to The Feathers for drinks and bacon butties hosted by the OP President, Joan Gough (75-77) and Honorary OP, Doc Dyson (Former Staff 88-18). Everyone reflected on an excellent morning and most are already planning to run for the OP team again in next year’s Snake Lane event.

If any other OPs would be interested in signing up for next year, please let the OP office know.

OP team members were:

Christopher Clegg (82-89)

Bethanie Goodliff (93-00)

David Grigsby (81-88)

Harry Isenstein (06-17)

Neil May (72-79)

Stewart Mumby (63-71)

James Sweeting (81-88)

Other OPs (or those with Pocklington School connections) running for Pocklington Runners or other clubs were:

Jane Barham (93-95) – Pocklington Runners

Bryan Drew (83-85) – York Knavesmire Harriers

Karen Clegg (Current Parent) – Pocklington Runners

Patrick Dare (Current Staff) – Pocklington Runners, aka Mr Paws running for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

Rachel Dare (OP Office) – Pocklington Runners, aka Mrs Paws running for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

Leanne Maycock (OP Office) – Pocklington Runners, aka Mrs Petals running for Hospice UK

Tim Maycock (Current Parent) – Pocklington Runners, aka Mr Petals running for Hospice UK

Bonnie Steel (Current Staff) – Honorary member of the OP team

Photo: OP team and Team Petals and Paws gather at The Feathers for post-run refreshments