Race Date 11 June 2019

Handsworth Hobble is a 5.25 mile trail race through the quiet woodland and fields just off the A57.  The flyer describes it as “undulating” rather than “hilly” but it’s a mixture of both with few flat sections and a similar number of opportunities for passing your fellow competitors.  It is reminiscent of the ever popular Trunce, although without that race’s brutal early climb or the river crossings.  That said it’s tough going, a double lap through the woods making up the main body of the run, with a particularly challenging finish: the last mile or so is a steady climb back towards the finish line amidst long grass behind the churchyard.  Registration and refreshments are to be had in The Old Crown Pub.

135 runners braved the wet and muddy conditions in this year’s race, in stark contrast to the heat from last year. Tom Saville of Dark Peak came out on top in a time of 30:58, with our own Caroline Brock claiming first lady in a time of 36:22. There were a total of 44 Striders – nearly a third of the field!