Report by Helen Royles-Jones

Race date: Wednesday 2 July 2025

This mid-week summer race is held to raise funds for local schools and charities. The 4.5 mile course starts from the 3 Merry Lads pub in Lodge Moor, goes up towards the Redmires reservoirs before heading on to the trail around the top side of the reservoirs and back towards the finish line, which is on the field behind the Sportsman. I have ran it a few times now and it’s a well-organised event with a local feel to it. This year it was typically warm.  The trail above the reservoirs is rocky and technical and requires concentration. People who know me know that at best I’m run walking at the minute, so this wasn’t an issue for me (!) but there were some instances of cuts and bruises!

It has become a tradition for me to enter in the canicross category with my dog. The first time we did it he won and has won every time since, although dog numbers have reduced over time and he was the only 4-legged participant this year. I haven’t told him that his category is no longer official or that his win was technical. He still received a bag of treats and why spoil his day!

£1,075 was raised and shared between Weston Park Hospital and Lydgate Junior School.

111 runners entered the 2025 event. The winners were Taylor Hill in 23:11 and Charlotte Proctor in 30:56. First dog home was Gus Royles in 65:07. Well done to Strider Richard Carter-Pearson who got a podium finish in 3rd!

Striders results: