Race Date: 16th September

The last fell race I took part in was Burbage Skyline way back in May. During that race I managed to injure my R big toe on a large stone. When I carried on running with a sore toe this led to some form of calf injury and I ended up being pretty much out of action for the whole of the summer and missed all those lovely weekday evening fell races. So it was a pleasure to take to the fells again for the Struggle, a race that I had never ran before.

The “Fat Boys” who organise the struggle did a great job. Parking, registration and marshalling all seemed very well organised and there was a very friendly atmosphere. The rain was kind enough to mostly stop in time for the race.

The race follows a satisfying course. Mile one headed out on a lane towards Stanage Edge with a gradual gain of height. Mile two was a lot steeper with Stanage Edge being reached via the Plantation area. Emerging onto the edge, we were hit by some serious wind but this was quite pleasant after the climb up. Mile three followed the edge out and up to High Neb and then the fun began with Miles 4 and 5 involving some very runnable speedy descent followed by a final mile of slightly undulating fields ending at the finish at Hathersage primary school.

The race was won by Caitlin Rice of Ribble Valley Harriers in 47.53 and  Stuart Bond of Dark Peak in 40.37

A decent turnout of striders for the seventh counter of this years’ Fell Race Championship: