Race date: Sunday 3^rd August 2025

Race report by Hannah Wright

Back to one of my favorite places to plod – Leeds/Liverpool canal. In the past I have completed many different sections of the canal with Its Grim Up North – today was the first time starting and Bingley.

Early start to the morning with the race start time of 8:30. Arrived early with no traffic, parked and got myself ready. The start line was a 5 minute walk from the car park and race HQ.

Grim events are always friendly and supportive with a mix of distances from 5km to Ultra.

After the race briefing we were off. The 20 mile route was a 10 mile out and back section repeated twice. Easy trail terrain underfoot and fairly flat except for the locks.

The first 10 miles seemed to pass quickly and I was soon out on my second leg. Then mile 11 hit and my legs and mind had had enough. Recently mile 11 has been a sticking point for me. I wasn’t going to be defeated and strategized that Jeffing would be a good idea. After a few miles my legs got used to the jeffing ratio and my pace picked up again. I continued with this till the finish line.

The 20 mile race was won by Oliver Jones of Bedford Harriers AC in 2:50:19 and first woman was Mhairi Shearer in 3:03:27. Well done Hannah representing the Striders at the event.