Race Date: Wednesday 31st May 2023

The Scholes Coppice is a 3.5 mile multi terrain race and is organised by Rotherham Harriers as part of the KMR series of events, this was the 2nd event of the series.

I’d never heard of the race before but a friend of mine who I go to a lot of parkruns and races with asked the day before if I fancied doing it. I’m quite enjoying running again and prefer to run with other people more than on my own so decided to give it a go.

Race numbers were picked up from the Plough pub in Rotherham and there was quite a gathering so the start was delayed 15 mins from 19:00 to 19:15. I made my way to the start which was about a 5min walk from the pub on a quiet little lane. The gun sounded for the start and we were off but only managed to run about 100 metres before having to queue to get on a single file track which led into Scholes coppice woods. It then spread out and we started a brutal climb up through the woods. This brought us out on to Keppels Fields where we ran up to Keppels column before running down a grassy hill and back down through the woods. This part I really enjoyed and passed a few people although I knew they would soon catch back up on the 2nd lap.

The 2nd time up the hill strangely felt longer and steeper than the first time round. The final part was back up the single fine path which wasn’t a problem as everyone was spread out by this time of the race. The finish line was just at the top.

Then it was back to the pub for a pint and a buffet. Was a tough race but I really enjoyed the route and some great views from Keppels Fields.

128 completed the course with just the 2 from Steel City Striders

The male race was won by Matt Daly of Worksop Harriers in 22:01 and the female race was won by Cat Eddison of Rotherham Harriers in 25:06

Strider Results: