Update, 2 October. James has his trophy. It was presented at Monday track at Tadcaster, and it reads “James Leadbeater, Tailwalker, Vale of York Half 2026”. Steve and Ian came back from that Sunday with trophies of their own, and it did not seem right that the man who walked the entire course so that nobody finished alone should be the one to go home without one.
Sunday’s Vale of York Half Marathon and 10K incorporated this year’s YVAA Half Marathon Championships, and it was a strong weekend for the Vale of York Athletic Community, on the results board and off it.
Steve Middup (M65) and Ian Martin (M55) both brought home silver in their respective age categories in the YVAA Half Marathon Championships, after marshalling the car park all morning and dashing to the start line to take their place in the race.
In the 10K, Richard Flaherty and Steve Hillam both ran well, with Steve breaking the 39-minute barrier for the first time, recording a 38:55 PB.
James Leadbeater, also on car park marshalling duty from 0700, gave up his chance to run to tailwalk the course instead, supporting every runner home. The club will be presenting James with his own trophy at training next week, for going above and beyond the call of volunteering duty.
Well run and well done to everyone involved, on the course and off it.
Supervets Steve and Ian are both regulars at Monday track training at Tadcaster, Wednesday intervals at Bubwith, and Thursday circuit training at Bubwith. New faces are always welcome, come along and see what this kind of training can do for your race times.
Vale of York Half Marathon and 10K photos 2026: Route North
