Race Date: 31^st December 2021

The Bowstones are a pair of ancient Anglian cross shafts situated beside the old ridgeway between Disley and Macclesfield overlooking the gorgeous Lyme Park, with extensive views across the Cheshire Plain, to the city of Manchester and the hills of the Peak District.

The race starts from Higher Poynton and winds its way uphill, crossing the Macclesfield Canal, into Lyme Park, joining the Gritstone Trail up to the Bowstones themselves, before passing Lyme Hall and the deer sanctuaries near Lyme Cage, eventually winding back down to Higher Poynton. The route is just under 11km.

It’s a tough challenge, but the views (and the free bottle of beer to all finishers) make it more than worthwhile.

This is a popular race which usually sells out in less than 30 minutes and a few Striders make it into the starting line-up each year.

The race was won by Thomas Callan (Westerlands Cross Country Club) in 41:59 and first woman was Striders own Caroline Brock in 49:38.  There were 6 Striders in a field of 416.

Link to full results here.