Sunday 26th November

It’s an annual race which is now in its 16th year. The course is run over the gently undulating forest and nature reserve of Sherwood Forest. I found the parking was easily located at the RSPB main carpark. Car parking was £5. For some runners there was some confusion as the Sherwood Christmas 5km and 10km was on the same day but at a different location. A short walk from the car I found the race village.

Numbers were pick up on the day with a little pre race chocolate. Toilets were located in the visitors centre. There was no bag drop so I headed back to the car to keep warm. Closer to the start time I headed to the start line. At this point the cafe was open and full of runners trying to keep warm. The start time was 10:30 but due to the races medical partner not arriving on time the start time kept being pushed back. This information was not provided clearly to the runners. Eventually at 10:45 we were called to the start line. Sadly this resulted in the runners waiting another 15 minutes in the cold before the gun went at 11am. By this time the crowd was disgruntled and freezing and the buzz of the race had disappeared. Despite the later start time off we went.

There was a great mix of runners from some doing their first ever 10km (amazing achievement) to seasoned runners. The course was everything you would expect from a trail… undulating terrain, little mud and some narrow paths. There was a water station at 5km. The course was well marked with plenty of marshals cheering you on. Once through the finish line you collected your t shirt and bottle of water.

Sadly I did leave the race feeling a bit deflated and not full of Christmas cheer.

First male finisher was Luke Beresford in 35:3, first female was Ruth Aylward in 43:37

There were 311 finishers

Strider result