By: Brian Jenkins

Race Date: 14^th September, 2025

Venue: Dronfield, Derbyshire

This was my third go at this race, with it being just over the Derbyshire border, just south of Sheffield, it is arguably a local race.

The race is organised by Dronfield Running Club and is advertised (ominously) with the words “Dare to Ride?”. It is distinctive, a mostly rural road race, not only that, but with 1,670 ft (509 metres) undulating ascent. 13 Striders decided that this was for them:

The race village is on a hill, next to the start line, the designated parking is some distance down that hill, if nothing else, it prepares you for what is to follow.

The relaxed atmosphere of the race village continues to the start line (the other side of a low wall). Once over the start line there is a left turn and this is where the undulation starts with a speedy down-hill section. From past experience I know that this is a double-edged sword, as this is also the hill that eventually leads to the finish. Then there is the first up-hill section before you get to the out-and-back part of the route. Before the loop that marks the furthest part of the route there is a steep (and prolonged) hill, then an even steeper downhill, and then back up the hill that marks the return to the finish (just down the road from the start). The last mile before the finish is particularly challenging (especially considering the energy you have expended to get there) and the appearance of the finish line comes as a relief.

The race is well-organised and the volunteers clearly want all the participants to enjoy their day out.

Yes, it is a challenging course, but don’t be put off by the advertising, it is rewarding, and is suitable for all runners in search of something a bit different. The race volunteers are all-to-willing to shout encouragement when you need it the most.

My continued return to run the race year-after-year can be seen as a clear endorsement. I have no idea why relatively few runners sign-up for it (their loss in my opinion), but there is clearly capacity for a few more participants in future events. You will enjoy it, but maybe not so much on the uphill stretches (but these don’t last forever).

The race was won by Euan Brown (Hallamshire Harriers) in 01:18:49 and Sarah Louise Cumber (Halifax Harriers & AC) in 01:35:04 .

Striders’ Results: