The 33rd annual Snake Lane 10-mile road race, hosted by Pocklington Runners, took place on Sunday 23 February 2025.

Despite an unyielding headwind on the home stretch, the 33rd running of the Snake Lane 10 saw the OP team enjoy some excellent runs with Emily King (née Soanes, 04-09) leading the way to a podium finish as second lady overall and first OP over the line in an incredible time of 00:59:51.

Due to street upgrades in Pocklington town centre, this year’s route was slightly modified with the start taking place on The Mile and the traditional Market Place finish moved to Garths End. 1,520 runners including 16 OPs and three staff runners set off up The Mile before tackling the steady climb to Bishop Wilton, the snaking track back to Bolton and the final undulating leg down Yapham Road.

In addition to Emily’s impressive performance, all OP team members completed the course in fine style, achieving some excellent times and individual goals. OP Liaison Officer, Rachel Dare, who was pacing 90 minutes, commented, "The spirit and camaraderie amongst our team of OP runners was great to be a part of. It was very windy today but despite the challenging conditions, everyone got round and can be proud of their achievement.”

First male OP runner home was Lucas Walton (13-23) in 01:05:50; he was running as part of the OP team for the first time this year. Other first timers were: Louis Los (99-10) 01:08:55, Richard Sutton (81-88) 01:16:12, Charlie Cawood (99-10) 01:24:20, Ben Welch (09-11) 01:26 :03, Hugh Barlow (03-10) 01:33:01, Jodie Hodgson (94-01) 01:36:45, Nick Whittingham (65-74) 01:38:00, and Jon Newsome (83-90) 01:49:58. It was great to see some familiar faces too with the return of several regular OP runners. They were joined by a mysterious panda in the form of teacher, Patrick Dare, who donned the ‘passable panda’ costume to partner the original Pocklington Panda notorious for starting at the back of the field before passing all but the fastest Snake Lane finishers.

The traditional post-run gathering at The Feathers hosted by Leanne Maycock (OP office), Doc Dyson (Former Staff, 88-18), Charlie Lambert (OP President, 01-08), and Erin Fox (OP & Development Prefect) was well-attended giving runners and their supporters the chance to unwind after the race and refuel with a well-earned bacon buttie!

The customary team photo outside the pub marked the end of a superb morning of running for the OP team. OP President, Charlie Lambert said: “Thank you to Pocklington Runners for putting on another brilliant event and to all from the OP community who ran or supported – hope to see you again next year!”

For any OPs thinking of giving Snake Lane a go next year, the race is scheduled to take place on Sunday 22 February 2026 with entries going live in September. All running abilities welcome. Contact the OP office if you would like to register your interest.

OP team members for 2025 were:

Hugh Barlow (03-10) 01:33:01

Charlie Cawood (99-10) 01:24:20

Angela Curtis (10-17) 01:13:34

Millie Goode (17-19) 01:49:49

Jodie Hodgson (94-01) 01:36:45

Harry Isenstein (06-17) 01 :10 :36

Katie James (96-07) 02:02:04

Emily King (04-09) 00:59:51

Robert Lewis (83-88) 01:26:47

Louis Los (99-10) 01:08:55

Jon Newsome (83-90) 01:49:58

John Skinner (75-82) 01:23:19

Richard Sutton (81-88) 01:16:12

Lucas Walton (13-23) 01:05:50

Ben Welch (09-11) 01:26 :03

Nick Whittingham (65-74) 01:38:00

Staff runners:

Patrick Dare (aka ‘passable Panda’) 01:30:16

Rachel Dare (90 minute pacer) 01:29:40

Bonnie Steele 01:56:34