David Long is another of our hardcore, long-distance members. He works as an Administrator at the University of York, coordinating exams throughout the year, and also the Graduation ceremonies twice a year. “It does have its perks as we have developed a great relationship with the team at Yorkshire Tea over the years and on occasion we get to meet the Honorary Graduands. Last year I met Jonny Brownlee at the Haxby Runners/Go Outdoors One More Mile event, then completed the set meeting Alistair Brownlee as he collected his Honorary Doctorate.”

Where are you from originally?

I'm a born and bred Yorkie, my mum still lives over in Heworth. I arrived in Haxby via Leeman Road, Acomb and Wigginton.

How long have you been running and what got you running in the first place?

I would say my first "serious" run was the 2009 Brass Monkey Half Marathon, I'd never really been a runner up to that point, I think it I just viewed it as challenge paid the entry fee and I have continued ever since. I've always been a cyclist; I’m convinced this is what keeps my fitness levels topped up.

What do you like to do when you’re not running (our “what a silly question”)?

In the autumn of 2023 Rachael and I borrowed a friend’s camper van. Not long after, I sold my car, bought an ex-builders’ van and we have been converting Vinnie ever since (how hard can it be, ha ha). It has given us real highs and particularly for me some real lows; a hole in the roof is not an ideal start. But when you’re sitting with a cuppa or perhaps something stronger in a beautiful part of the country in something you have created yourself, all of the build time feels very well spent indeed.

Favourite events and distances?

The Dalby Dash held on Remembrance Sunday is a race I return to most often, 2 miles up, 4 down. Away from the DD I like to look for new or quirky events to take part in. I have tackled Panther Takes the Hindmost hosted by Punk Panther events. It involves running 10k laps of Fewston and Swinsty Reservoirs near Harrogate,. You run 4 laps (a marathon) to qualify for the hindmost laps, then the last runner to return each time is knocked out, I wasn't well on the day so tapped out after my qualification laps but I will return. Endure 24 at Bramham Park was also great fun. It is very straightforward. You simply run as many or as few 8km laps as you wish to from noon to noon. I completed 60 miles so just shy of 100km. I'd approach it differently if I ever did it again and keep running through the night I reckon.

Ten miles is a nice distance, it doesn't take up all of your day but you finish feeling that you have earned a cafe or chippy visit afterwards.

The race or event you’re most proud of?

I completed my first Hardmoors event at Farndale in 2016 and have since taken part in most of their events in either 10k or half marathon formats. Clearly the next step would be their marathon distances but I skipped this and went straight to their 55 miler in March 2023. It traverses the North Yorkshire Moors from Guisborough to Helmsley via Roseberry Topping, the 3 Sisters and finally the White Horse at Kilburn (including those steps after c40 miles). I knew the back end of the route well but felt I needed to recce the first half so one day I parked at Osmotherley, caught two buses and ran back to my car from Great Ayton (approx 27 miles). On the day this meant that I knew exactly where I was all of the way round without having to navigate, a real treat. I ran in aid of Menfulness, a charity that I hold dear to my heart, so I knew that every step took me closer to them receiving much needed funds for men's mental health provision in York. Despite the photographic evidence to the contrary I loved every minute of it. I got the gash on my leg about 8 miles from the end. The ground was so slippy just after Cold Kirby/ Sutton Bank, I just completely went my length in the dark. I wasn’t the only one to do this!

I’m really looking forward to taking part in the Hardmoors 60 this September as part of a relay team with Rachael, Alan and Jacqui.

Any kit hints you’d like to share, favourite shoes etc? Or, what do you know now that you wish you’d known then?

1. If you have never discovered toe socks such as those made by Injinji I cannot recommend them enough. Yes, they look weird but I never wear anything else now.

2. A microfibre cloth weighs nothing but as a spectacle wearer it is invaluable.

3. If you fancy doing a specific event go and marshall/volunteer at one in advance, you will often get a discounted/ free place or credits that you can use for the event that you wish to do. As a thrifty Yorkshireman this pleases me greatly.

Have you run with other clubs as well as or before Haxby Runners?

Not at all, to be honest I have never classed myself as a club person but Haxby Runners came along at a pivotal time in my life for many reasons. I went to the first Monday night run and have been attending as often as life and legs allow.

What’s good about being part of a club?

I feel really proud being a small part of something that has grown from an online community to one that is now representing itself with 20 plus runners at the York Summer League races and even more at events such as the York 10k. Going to the local parkruns, it’s now inevitable that you will see someone in black & green. I have met many people that I now class as friends.

Running ambitions?

I would love to do the HM 55 again now that I know how to approach it. I also have unfinished business with the Lyke Wake Walk which runs for approx 40 miles from Osmotherley to Ravenscar. Having been rained off and eventually rescued while attempting it with scouts c1995, to do it this year when the route celebrates its 70th anniversary would be a fantastic way to receive my condolences, become a dirger and earn a coffin shaped pin badge as tradition dictates.