Race Date Sunday 19th October 2025
Written by Jonathan Smith and Marcus Rowland as they returned to Sheffield with the rain beating down.
The Trafford 10K is known for its flat, fast course and competitive field, the perfect setting for a crack at a personal best. So, with that in mind, we hit the road from Sheffield just after 6:30am, heading across the Pennines for an early start and a stress-free warm-up. Fuelled by Squashies, both of us had one goal in mind: big PBs. Jonathan’s PB stood at 37:12, Marcus’s at 37:06 with both ready to fall after a solid block of summer and early autumn training including Mike Theobald’s Thursday interval sessions on the track.
Would we get the race done and dusted before that nasty looking low pressure moved in?
Race Day Conditions: After a week of settled but somewhat dull conditions the weather was set to change on Sunday morning but, with a 9:30am start, the running gods were kind to us as the rain held off, temperatures were good and while there was a bit of wind in the opening kilometres, conditions were otherwise perfect.
Jonathan: My race started right on plan. Settling into a pack early, bang in the middle of the 35 and 37.30 pacers, helped keep things smooth and controlled through the first half. Feeling strong, I pushed on and started to pick people off (the opposite of Wilne 6 weeks ago). The final kilometre was where the legs started to feel it but by then the PB was in the bag crossing the line in 36:31. Over forty seconds off my previous best and feeling strong and confident for what’s next.
Avoiding the attentions of Mick Hall Photography at fifteen minutes a flash of Jon’s green and gold vest is visible tucked in with the pack.
Marcus: I took a slightly steady approach to the opening stretch, setting off just a few seconds off target pace and finding rhythm through the first half, reaching halfway in around 18:10. The plan was to build — and it worked. Feeling good through mile four, I kicked on, chasing down sub-36. A negative split later, I crossed the line in 35:52, over a minute knocked off my previous PB and buzzing to sign off strong before some time out for ACL surgery.
Reflections: It was a top morning out, surrounded by some seriously quick athletes that really motivated us both. First male and female were Lewis Jagger (Newark) 29:32 and Sarah Dufour-Jackson (Vale Royal) 32:34. Both of us came away with new PBs and plenty of motivation for what’s next. Jonathan turning his focus to a hopeful half marathon PB attempt in the new year at the Brass Monkey, and Marcus already planning his rehab for 2026. Naturally, we rounded off the day in true celebratory fashion — getting those carbs (and protein) back in with a massive carvery. Lovely.
From the photograph it’s clear that Marcus is no stranger to the gym which should help with his recovery from upcoming surgery.
1150 finishers. Results Trafford 10k 2025
| Pos | Name | Cat | Time |
| 171 | Marcus Rowland | SM | 35:52 |
| 211 | Jon Smith | M40 | 36:31 |