Race Date: Sunday 22 September 2024
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There’s not a lot that’s free, but this delightfully hilly 10k is!
Background
This race is billed as a free event for members of Almondbury Striders and other invited running club members in the area (like Steel City). The course is described as undulating and run entirely on surfaced roads. This event is “organised for runners by runners” starting and finishing at Almondbury Cricket Club on Fernside Avenue, Almondbury. Look out for a narrow gravel driveway between houses on a residential street. The route passes through Almondbury Village and around Castle Hill, with far reaching views (on a clear day). All finishers receive a medal on crossing the line.
Final dash for the line by Cara. Who won?
There are NO road closures on the day, but most roads have footpaths or are run on fairly quiet single track roads (with the odd pot hole to focus on). The course was well marshalled at the numerous crossings and junctions. Handy KM markers were placed along the route and a well placed water station (passing twice) was available en-route. By entering the race, all runners agree to run at their own risk. Registration opened at 8:45am with the race starting at 9:30am. There’s a bag drop and toilet facilities in the clubhouse.
Post race (fundraisers) in the Cricket Club include bacon and sausage butties, hot drinks, a bar and raffle. SMK Running (ran by Mark) had a range of running goodies for sale.
The narrow entrance to the Cricket Club can easily be missed, however there is plenty of parking around the grounds on very well cut grass. The race started right outside the Cricket Club (always handy for toilets and bag drops) and headed out the driveway up into the village of Almondbury high above Huddersfield. There are a number of roads to cross but cheery marshals were always on hand to stop the traffic and offer guidance. This is a hilly route with at least 6 distinct climbs. About 100m of elevation is gained in the first 3.5km passing the very impressive Castle Hill. The current “castle” on this high hill was built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. Doors open at 12pm if there are at least 2 members of staff on hand (they say!). It’s definitely worth a visit on a clear day.
Almondbury Castle, situated on an outcrop of Grenoside Sandstone so Steel City should feel quite at home here.
There is a small 2-way section in the second half of the race, which is the perfect opportunity to spot and wave to fellow runners. A big thank you go to the organisers, for putting on this free event and the many marshals at all the key points around the route. Hopefully a few more Striders will head north next time. Bear in mind next time that parking is close to the cricket pitch and cricket balls are hard.
First home was Paul Mitchell from Longwood Harriers in 38.11. First female was Caroline Smith from Almondbury Striders in 48.40.
Striders results
Position |
Name |
Time |
Age Category |
28 |
Martin Downham |
51.09 |
M60 |
62 |
Cara Hanson |
70.44 |
F40 |
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