The Dewsbury 10k is a fast, flat race held every February, perfect for runners aiming for a personal best. The route starts on Dewsbury Road, heading under a bridge and onto Bradford Road. The first 5km is a slight uphill to Wilton Park, where you turn around and enjoy a gentle downhill return. The final stretch includes a sharp left turn under the bridge before crossing the finish line.
I’ve run this event several times, partly to support the Race Director, Heather, a friend of 20 years, and partly because it’s local—just 10 miles from Rothwell. The 9am start, closed roads, and friendly marshals make it a well-organised and welcoming event.
After missing the 2024 race due to illness and marathon training, I was determined to run in 2025. However, my preparation wasn’t ideal. In October, I was hospitalised with a severe headache, later diagnosed as a bleed. This forced me to take time off work and running, but I was determined to recover. By December, I was back at parkrun and the gym, gradually rebuilding my fitness with 10-16km treadmill runs.
As race day approached, I caught a heavy cold. Despite feeling rough, I ran Selby parkrun on 1st February, helping a friend finish faster than usual. By Sunday, I was still unwell but decided to push through. Janice and I arrived early, parking on Sharp Street—a great spot just 5 minutes from the start.
The atmosphere at the start was buzzing, though sneezing and coughing were everywhere. After a quick warm-up, I joined the crowd at the line. The first kilometre flew by at 4:37, but my cold soon caught up with me. By 3km, I was struggling, and my pace slowed. The turn at 5km felt steeper than I remembered, and my slowest split (5:25) left me disappointed.
The downhill return was a relief, and I managed to pick up the pace slightly. The water station, now using eco-friendly paper cups, was a nice touch. By 9km, I was exhausted but pushed through the final stretch, crossing the line in 50:16. While far from my personal best, I was proud to finish given the circumstances.
Post-race, I collected my medal, buff, and high-quality t-shirt before heading home. Despite feeling shattered, I reflected on the event’s positives: excellent organisation, free photos, and a supportive atmosphere.
The Dewsbury 10k is a fantastic race for runners of all levels. If you’re chasing a PB or just want a well-organised event, I highly recommend it. As for me, I’m still working on regaining my speed. If you have tips for improving 5k and 10k times, I’d love to hear them!
Stay safe, and maybe I’ll see you at the next Dewsbury 10k.
Kev
For more running tips and event reviews, visit Vale of York News.
