Race Date: 11am Saturday 30th September 2023

Race Report by Martin Downham

This is event #9 of the 2023, 12 race KMR Series (run by Kimberworth Striders, Maltby Running Club and the Rotherham Harriers & AC).

One of the many good things about this event is that as the nights draw in, this is a daytime/daylight KMR event and it starts mid-Saturday morning, so there’s enough time to warm up (or even participate at full pace) at a local parkrun.

Registration is available on the day (£5 for affiliated runners) at; Wickersley Social Club, 40 Morthen Rd, Wickersley S66 1EN, which is close to Jnc1 on the M18. Shorter, more direct cross country routes from Sheffield are also available if required.

The race is described as being two-thirds on road, with the rest on rough grassland (including arable fields) and woodland paths. On the day the route was 99% dry. There were marshals at all key junctions. Tree roots were painted in bright orange and there were large day-glo direction arrows in the woods. Road shoes were fine for this fairly flat 2 lap course. My STRAVA showed a fairly comfortable total elevation gain of 69m. Nice!

The course has been changed from the original 2016 version over concerns about emergency access (for anyone that may have done it). The start is a short walk from the registration point on a very quiet housing estate. There are a handful of open gates (including one kissing gate) to manoeuvre around and the odd dip/jump to cross a ditch (or similar). The views at the top are fantastic (if you like pylons in your photos) . Sorry no photos from the top this time.

The finish is back at the start, along a fairly straight lane, so you can see it coming and dig deep for the line.

If your patient, there’s a “free” bacon and egg butty (back at the clubhouse) on offer, if you show them your race number. Thanks Ady for the info. You don’t get that on the Sheffield 10k!

The next race in the KMR series is The Canal Race on Sunday 5th November. I’ve never done it but I know the stretch of “towpath” between Meadowhall and Rotherham is mostly wide, paved and very FLAT. There may also be a brief trip into the woods (as part of the towpath may still be closed).

Race pictures: KMR Rotherham Harriers Wickersley Chase 30/9/2023 – Ko-fi ❤️ Where creators get support from fans through donations, memberships, shop sales and more! The original ‘Buy Me a Coffee’ Page.

Well done everyone and well done the regulars (SOME familiar runners pictured here, crossing the finish line) on this varied run/race series.

Five Striders were among 104 runners who lined up for the Wickersley Chase. The men’s race was won by Dominic Fielding of Worksop Harriers in a time of 24:22. Catherine Eddison of Rotherham HAC won the women’s race in a time of 29:15.

Striders Results