Race Date: Saturday 28th January

The Waterway 30 is flat 31-mile Ultra based in South Wheatley in Nottinghamshire. It’s organised by Ronnie Staton (a.k.a. Hobo Pace), who also puts on the Dukeries ultras around Sherwood Forest and Clumber Park, which several Striders have enjoyed. At just over marathon distance and with almost no climb, it’s a good option for anyone wanting to have a first go at an ultra.

The race follows the Cuckoo Way along the Chesterfield canal, then rough tracks alongside the river Trent for most of the route. It was made more challenging this year by rain before the race, which meant plenty of mud to slide around in and gave the event the feel of a 31 mile cross-country. The atmosphere was good, with friendly marshals and spectators scattered around the course. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves, at least once the pain of the last few miles had faded.

162 starters braved the mud, and thankfully not a single one slid into the canal. Two of those were Striders. The race was won in 3:49:54 by ironman triathlete Steven Lord. Sarah Richards was first female in 4:44:36, representing Balanced Performance. The first Strider was Tim Holt in 5:21:26.