Monsal Trail October Half Marathon – Race Report (Sunday)

Bakewell Station: the start line, the drizzle, and the painful goodbye to my hoodie and scarf as I braced for the chill. It was freezing. After a tactical portaloo visit (because priorities), I shuffled towards the front, only to be jokingly declared by one of the race organisers as “our first lady.” No pressure then.

Goal: Sub 1:40

Reality: Shot off a bit too fast at 3:45 pace, swept along by the 10K crowd, then wisely eased back before things got messy. Ran alongside a woman who told me she was doing the 10K (and prepping for a Hyrox on Thursday) who thought there was one other half-marathon lady a bit further ahead. Cue detective mode.

Next up, another woman in our trio, also doing the half. Her plan? Smash the first half, hope the second feels easier. Mine? Negative splits on the way back because science (and gravity). Outbound was a gentle climb, inbound a gentle descent, perfect for a cheeky push later.

A few kilometres in, I realised the woman I’d been chasing was actually in the 10K when she turned at 5K. Suddenly, I was first female for the half, a dash of extra pressure.

Despite the warning about GPS chaos in the tunnels, my Garmin turned out to be surprisingly reliable. First tunnel exit, watch says 4:07 pace. Felt like Kipchoge for 30 seconds. Then stitch strikes. Quick emergency yoga (touch toes, deep breaths), and we’re back in business.

Turnaround point: dodged a couple standing in the worst possible spot for a sharp loop. Home stretch time! Slight descent, cheers of “COME ON FIRST LADY!” ringing in my ears like a motivational Spotify playlist. Passed my husband – thumbs up, looking suspiciously fresh for his first half. Gel at 12K? Turned feral for a moment and gnawed it open like a hungry wolf because frozen fingers weren’t playing ball. Sip of water? A near-death experience. Someone please teach me how to drink and run without drowning.

Final kilometres: weaving through kids on bikes, and dogs like an obstacle course. Sprint finish almost derailed by a woman deciding the finish line was the perfect place to turn her bike around. “MIND OUT ON YOUR RIGHT!” – not my finest moment, but survival instincts kicked in.

Result: First Lady and 9th Overall. Chip time: 1:33:28. PB secured for the half marathon (and a couple of other distance PBs according to Strava). Monsal Trail delivered: tunnels, viaduct views, autumn vibes (read: cold drizzle), and a sprinkle of chaos for good measure.

Saturday’s half had 247 runners. Male race winner was Jamie Rutherford of Liverpool RC in 1.16.40. Female race winner was Kirsten Fooks (unattached) in 1.38.06

Saturday’s 10k had 154 runners. Male race winner was Chris Knight (unattached) in 37.38. Female race winner was Faye Thompson of Matlock AC in 43.13.

Sunday’s half had 284 runners. Male race winner was Joshua Wragg (unattached) in 1.12.57. Female race winner was Strider Alex Shepherd

Sunday’s 10k had 157 runners. Male race winner was Daniel Roughton of Ripley RC in 38.27. Female winner was Victoria Cox (unattached) in 39.59

Striders Results: