Race date: 6 July 2025

Race distance: half marathon

Organised by Big Feat events, the Lyme ½ is an undulating trail route measuring 13.9 miles.

The event starts in Lyme Park, an estate owned by The National Trust.

Registration is from 7:00am as the event starts at 8:00am prompt. The organisers state that the early start maximises the chance of seeing wildlife in its natural habitat.

Parking charges are included within the race fee. Runners are able to access the car park and gardens all day, if they wish, as part of the race entry.

The site has its own café, which isn’t open early enough for runners; spectators can purchase food and beverages from 8am. There are on-site toilet facilities, together with additional portaloos for the event.

Race day was very wet. Despite the weather almost all the 300 entrants turned up to participate in the race.

The race starts in the same location as Lyme Park Run, with a steep climb up a gravel path and onto a grassy section, before turning into the woods. There are several pinch points as the course goes through narrow gates and over stiles. Queues were about 30 deep for the first 3 miles, before runners started to spread out.

The route follows the Gritstone Trail, which would have offered spectacular views in more favourable weather conditions. On the day, it was damp and the views were masked due to the mist.

The route traverses up and along Kerridge Ridge, taking in the White Nancy landmark. The descent down was steep and very slippery underfoot, due to the heavy rain. Several runners lost their footing as they scrambled down; some resorted to sliding down on their bottoms.

A photographer was positioned at White Nancy, to take photographs as runners reached the landmark.

The route continues into Bollington, joining with the Macclesfield Canal from mile 8 for a flatter section back to Lyme. This section was narrow, making it difficult to pass other runners.

There were two well-stocked aid stations on the course, offering a selection of drinks, savoury and sweet foods. Big Feat are cup-less events: runners are asked to carry their own collapsible cups or water bottles.

Further snacks were available on return to the base. Runners had the option of pre-ordering a bespoke medal or they could opt to plant a tree instead.

Clubs aren’t given in the results. The race was won by Jonathan Manning in 1:39:27 and by Sarah King in 1:58:48. 279 finished.

Striders result