I did it last year. It opened at 9am on the last Saturday in October and it had sold out by around 2pm! The opening date was posted on the site a week before the online entries were open so there was plenty of notice. I will do it again.
I suppose the venue has something to do with the attraction. York racecourse is a terrific facility and the parking and amenities are 1st class. Once people do a race and everything goes well they are tempted to go back. York is a decent place to visit too.
For me the Brass Monkey is at the time of year when there are very few HM's within a reasonable distance for me to travel to on the morning. This is only 30 miles away so is a really good option. If I didnt get in I wouldn't be too bothered as there is a 10 mile the week after which I have never done before so it would be a sure PB
There aren't many alternatives in January, it's a PB course that's well organised and it motivates me to train over xmas - I'll be trying for a place again.
If you think you can or you think you can't you're probably right.
In January there is Central Lancashire and also Essar Four Villages in Cheshire, not flat but course records of 1:04/1:13 so not bad.
Whats so special about January anyway?
I'm not saying theres anything wrong with BM, I've finished 4th there so quite like it , but just dont see why it gets the crazy mad rush mentality that it does.
There are two other races I do in the year that are the same - sold out in a couple of hours. Maybe the BM attracts more people from the north where there are not so many races available? Who knows! My club organises a fell race that usually sells out within 3 months. This year we did online entires only for the first time and it filled within a week.
Are other races online entry only too? That's what seems to drive everyone into a frenzy.
There are two other races I do in the year that are the same - sold out in a couple of hours. Maybe the BM attracts more people from the north where there are not so many races available? Who knows! My club organises a fell race that usually sells out within 3 months. This year we did online entires only for the first time and it filled within a week. Are other races online entry only too? That's what seems to drive everyone into a frenzy.
Not so many races in the North? Is this a different North to the one I live in?
There are endless flat 10 milers where there is usually no problem entering on the day - why dont these attract the same silliness in terms of entry. I'm glad they dont but its a bit of a puzzle!
PRF.. coming from the sundrenched metropolis of Tadcaster the BM course is about 6 miles from me so dead handy. I've been doing this race 'since I were a lad' (early 90's) and I agree that the fervour over entries has got a bit daft over the last 10 years or so. This subject was debated on one of the BM threads in recent years, I think the conclusion was partly because half marathons seem to be very trendy. Certainly I can't say I see see the same clamour for places at 10k's, 10 milers etc.
BTW 4th is a thoroughly decent effort, which year was it? I might even have the results! I know BR has finished top 10 though never as high as 4th, you can taunt him about that on your next meeting..
Wardi - Anything to taunt him is worth its weight in gold! The year for the 4th would have been 93 give or take a year, I know it was very windy indeed that day!
I'm going to have a go at the brass monkey, if I can get in! I just did the GNR and fancy something a bit closer to home to start 2012 and keep me motivated through the winter months. A PB would be a bonus but I'm not sure I'll be able to train as hard for this one through December and January.
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You will have to be very quick. Fills up in less than 2 days
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I did it last year. It opened at 9am on the last Saturday in October and it had sold out by around 2pm! The opening date was posted on the site a week before the online entries were open so there was plenty of notice. I will do it again.
Can someone explain what the crazy clamour for places is all about with BM?
There are plenty other flat half marathons about where you can enter right up to the day of the race.
BM is a good course but not unique in its flatness.
Freckleton
GER
Central Lancashire
Great North West
Lancaster
Chester
Fleetwood
Redcar
...are all flat and just as fast as BM. And no doubt there are plenty more!
Cheers PRF, I am aware of Fleetwood (bl**dy Winter there this year!!!) but not done the others.
I guess it depends on how far one wishes to travel. York is relatively local to me.
I am guessing you reside in the NW?
No, I'm near Leeds but none of those are particularly long journeys.
The longest is GER, which we did last Sunday, and that was no big deal travel wise.York racecourse is a terrific facility and the parking and amenities are 1st class.
Once people do a race and everything goes well they are tempted to go back.
York is a decent place to visit too.
For me the Brass Monkey is at the time of year when there are very few HM's within a reasonable distance for me to travel to on the morning. This is only 30 miles away so is a really good option. If I didnt get in I wouldn't be too bothered as there is a 10 mile the week after which I have never done before so it would be a sure PB
I still dont get it!
Why the mad scramble for places for a HM in York when entry to equally appealing races is much more civilized?
Bridlington HM this Sunday has entry on the day and no entry limit for instance.
I'll be scrambling for an entry the day it opens otherwise I won't get in! 200 mile round trip but its one of the closest ones to me.
In January there is Central Lancashire and also Essar Four Villages in Cheshire, not flat but course records of 1:04/1:13 so not bad.
Whats so special about January anyway?
I'm not saying theres anything wrong with BM, I've finished 4th there so quite like it , but just dont see why it gets the crazy mad rush mentality that it does.
Are other races online entry only too? That's what seems to drive everyone into a frenzy.
There are endless flat 10 milers where there is usually no problem entering on the day - why dont these attract the same silliness in terms of entry. I'm glad they dont but its a bit of a puzzle!
PRF.. coming from the sundrenched metropolis of Tadcaster the BM course is about 6 miles from me so dead handy. I've been doing this race 'since I were a lad' (early 90's) and I agree that the fervour over entries has got a bit daft over the last 10 years or so. This subject was debated on one of the BM threads in recent years, I think the conclusion was partly because half marathons seem to be very trendy. Certainly I can't say I see see the same clamour for places at 10k's, 10 milers etc.
BTW 4th is a thoroughly decent effort, which year was it? I might even have the results! I know BR has finished top 10 though never as high as 4th, you can taunt him about that on your next meeting..
If anyone doesn't make the entry in time then let me know and I'll take you on a 13 mile run in York that doesn't bore the arse off you!
Who said Lancaster half was flat? It is flat apart from the 2 big hills in it! Pretty fast course though.
Enteries open for this tomorrow. I can't do it anymore due to a change in the football fixtures, good job they were announced today and not tomorrow.
Good luck everyone trying to enter.
It's open for entries and 4 people are already in!
Off to get my credit card...
Thanks for the tip off!