Unique York race ready to take to the streets in a milestone year
The weather for is set to be chilly tomorrow (Sunday, 15 January) – so perfect for the annual Brass Monkey Road Race!
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the celebrated half marathon.
Organised by York Knavesmire Harriers at the racecourse, it has attracted 1,800 runners from all over the country – even the Isle of Skye.
Brian Hughes – the founder of York Knavesmire Harriers and the Brass Monkey – is the race starter this year, 40 years since he first shouted go!
It all began one cold winter, in 1983, when a few hardy runners from Knavesmire Harriers had places in the London Marathon and were looking for a race to enter as part of their training.
Brian decided to organise a half marathon in the absence of other runs. He then ran it and also presided over the presentation at the finish.
Brass Monkey race – road closures
These are all closed from either 9.30am or 9.45am to 1pm on Sunday, 15 January:
- Appleton Road
- Beechlands
- Bishopthorpe Road (from York Racecourse to Bishopthorpe)
- Broad Lane to Temple Lane
- Main Street, Bishopthorpe (closed from 4pm on Saturday to 1pm on Sunday)
Just over 20 runners took part, battling through four inches of snow in blizzard-like conditions. Even the sweep car was stranded on ice.
One runner was overheard to say “it’s cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey” – and a legend was born.
Initially operating out of St Chads Church on Lorne Street, the Brass Monkey started to attract entries from many other clubs.
It kept growing, until in 2005 permission was granted for 1,200 runners.
Over the 40 years the route has been modified and tweaked, the race HQ moved from Lorne Street to the racecourse, catering from a gas stove to a professional kitchen, paper entries to an online system.
The Brass Monkey now accepts entries from 1,800 runners and is always over subscribed.
Richard Yeomans, race director, said: “The now familiar and established Bishopthorpe / Appleton Roebuck route is run on closed roads, with the most fantastic and enthusiastic support from our club marshals and villagers alike.
“What makes the run so special – without a doubt it’s a runners race, organised by runners, cheered on by runners, and focuses largely on inclusivity of all.
“The flat and fast course provides a perfect start to the years training, encouraged on by the friendliest, enthusiastic, and happiest supporters you will ever meet.
“In 1983 did Brian realise what he had started? Will the Brass Monkey be around in 2063? Let’s hope so!”