The build-up to this race was dominated by the weather forecast. Would it be cancelled due to the expected high winds? Other events had recently been postponed due to a dire weather forecast. However, as this race is run mostly through woodland around Kimberworth, we were fortunate to be racing in a fairly sheltered valley.

There was ample parking around the venue, though with junior football in full swing, some were forced to park on a slippery grassed slope, which thankfully was a downhill slide (drive) to the exit. Fast moving rain showers greeted us on arrival. Though when the sun came out (from time to time) it seemed quite pleasant.

Santa hats aplenty on the start line

The sun came out just after the race start, but the cold driving rain returned during the finish. Hence a prompt dash to the car was required, rather than hanging around to support the team and other muddy/damp runners (sorry about that).

Race Info

The race starts and finishes at Millmoor Juniors Training Ground, Droppingwell Road, Kimberworth, S61 1JN.

A tasty buffet was available with the prize presentations at the nearby: The Drawbridge, Fellowsfield Way, Kimberworth, Rotherham, S61 1JN (near the site of the now demolished Kimberworth Castle).

The Santa’s Special is now a staple on the local race calendar. This was its 25th running.

It is a 4.5mile, 2 lap route, in the same woodland as The Kimmy Kanter,

Key differences (vs The Kimmy Kanter) include the start, which is lower down the hillside (and in the woods).

The first 1.5km are straight and very gently downhill. On reaching a marshal (in fancy dress) the route took a sharp uphill right turn into the woods (for about 800m) and on to a steep slippery muddy scramble (where grip was lacking). After summiting there was a twisty and undulating section followed by a return down a steep track back to start area for a slightly shorter second lap. The run through the more open land at the top was VERY muddy (and slippery), with long stretches of ankle deep mud to fill the shoes and socks.

Strava showed a total elevation gain of 159m over 7.35km

The Santa Special Strava route

Thanks go to Kimberworth Striders Running Club for hosting and to everyone who braved the chill to make this worthy KMR event happen.

24 different running clubs were represented. There was also a record attendance with 129 finishers.

Thanks also go to Helen Royles-Jones (see Facebook – ace photographer) who skilfully captured the weather and fancy dress

More KMR series information can be found at: KMR 2024.

Race complete, runners enter the finish funnel