Down in Carlton Lane the banner was hung high, letting us all know where to wait for the start . .

and the runners lined up, ready to go (well, most of them, as we'll see shortly) . .

the crowd of onlookers were enjoying the sunshine . . and after a few words from the Race Director the 2011 Black Horse Helmsley 10k was under way . .

and seconds later, they were almost all gone . .

apart from the Likely Lads at the back, that is, who gave everyone a head start . .