Race Date: Thursday 26th December 2024

The Two Turtle Doves fell race, organised by Totley AC, has become a local Boxing Day favourite. This year the runners were treated to a beautiful sunny day to enjoy the race and run off all the Christmas pudding.

The race is 7.8km with 270 metres of ascent.  Course description:

Starting from Totley AC Pavillion, The Cricket Inn, Lane Head Road, S17 there’s a swift lap of the cricket pitch and then off out along Strawberry Lee Lane.  The first climb is short and sharp up the sharp turn and steep descent back down to the stepping stones/river crossing. From here a longer but steadier climb takes you up to the Devil’s Elbow and on to less steep but still uphill drag to the top tip of Blacka Moor Woods. Out the woodland and onto the rough bridleway dropping down into the sheep field. A gentle descent on lush green pasture brings you to the final climb, it’s not big but there’s a good chance it’ll be muddy! From here is a long flat over Totley Moor for a kilometre or so. New for 2024 the route descends along Strawberry Lee Lane, followed by a customary loop of the field to the finish.

First man was Dan Haworth (Matlock AC) in 32:26 and first lady was Emmie Collinge (Alta Valtellina) in 36:31.  16/17 Striders took part, with a couple of notable results – Abbie Pearse second lady and Nicky Rafferty first V60 lady. Although not down as a Strider in the results, Nigel Barnes was 2nd V50 man, and I believe he may be a Strider!

Well done all!

Link to full results here.

Link to Jim Rangeley’s report here.

Striders results: