Race Date: Sunday 10th June 2018

What can you say about this race?

It is good for a PB, a pretty flat course with the expectation of some fabulous views. Starting by the lake in Clumber Park, quickly you disappear into the trees and that is pretty much it for the views. A long corridor of pain lay ahead. The race is labelled as a trail event, but I think I remember only seeing one muddy puddle along the way so road shoes were the way.

Over 500 people milled around the makeshift market place trying to decide between going to the toilet (again) or getting another coffee, or should I go buy some On Cloud ex demo shoes. Many chose the last option. (new shoes on race day!)

The weather was, for once, behaving nicely. Overcast and cool, albeit a tad humid. As we were all called forward to the start I was playing spot the Strider. It would appear that some were hiding behind the trees. There was little commitment from the front group, I guess nobody wanted to be first to the line. I got caught up in the front group at the start, somewhere I definitely did not want to be and I knew that I would never keep up with those guys and gals. After a stupidly face first mile I decided to slow down and put my lungs back in my chest.

The first male runner across the line was Chris Bevan (unattached), who managed a fantastic  35:14. By the time we had covered 100 feet he was already 99 feet ahead of everyone else. The first female was Jenny Blizard of Rotherham/Doncaster in 37.35.

Striders results