Race date: Saturday 29^th November 2025, with an afternoon start so parkrun is an easy possibility on the same day

Race report by Stuart Jones

Ravenstonedale Red 10k, Ravenstonedale, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria

Gareth Southgate is on the radio studio tour this month, promoting his new book of reflections and management advice. In one interview I heard (though it perhaps, awkwardly, occurs in every interview he does), he was asked about ‘that penalty miss’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EiE7eLWI_M for those too young to remember. He spoke about his inclination towards what he calls conscious volunteering; he thinks he volunteered to take that shot as he thought he should, as a leader, not because he thought he was actually any good at penalties. He also thinks he shouldn’t have volunteered.

My volunteer shift for this race was less make or break, and much less high profile; I promoted the race to Teesdale Athletic (2^nd claim Club) and persuaded 16 to enter (from a Club of just 52!), and then organised (and drove) a minibus to and from the event. I can do that. I have the correct license. I have the necessary experience.

The event is a little gem. It’s organised by a small Club, but with an experienced core team that use a successful formula that draws a near-sell out each year (of just 300 entrants).  It starts, passes back through after loop one, and finishes after loop two back in the tiny village of Ravenstonedale. There are cracking views, a couple of decent climbs, good Club turnouts from both sides of the North Pennines (this year including staff and students from Sedbergh School). It has just enough challenge to appeal to all, and plenty of fun as you race.

Loop one is the shorter of the two, on narrow country lanes, open to (non-existent) traffic, heading south east, passing farmhouse purveyors of honey and jam, and a couple of marshals on quadbikes. There’s a drop into the village and then the long climb out again on loop two to The Fatted Calf (that’s a pub, not a hallowed creature prepared for ritual.) On this loop the farms seemed to be supplying free-range eggs and a bit of B&B. The last, fast, mile, heads back down the first climb on loop one, so no wonder it appears familiar.

The after-party is in the village heritage centre / village hall. There’s bountiful soup and bread for all, and a chance to spend on fabulous cakes and teas. But all this is just a prelude to the prize giving; even the first, second, first Vet 50 etc, are just a warm-up act for the show stopping Spot Prize Draw; no one wins two prizes, and no one wins if they’re not in the room. It’s like Panto, with ‘oohs’ for the glove and hat set, ‘ahhs’ for the bottle of whiskey, but a cheer for the bags of kindling and firewood! This year I came away empty-handed, and I really don’t care – it is something a little special and always feels like the start of the Winter Festival / Christmas / Saturnalia (call it what you will).

1^st Male:  George Martin of Sedbergh School Running Club in 34:16 (too young to win wine or whiskey anyway)

1^st Female:  Lindsay Murphy of Southport Waterloo Athletics Club in 43:00

Total finishers: 210

Sole Steel City Strider (running in 2^nd Claim Club colours): Stuart Jones, in an unspectacular 51:20, finishing in 100^th place. (Note: These are Stuart’s words – I would not have said unspectacular! – Lucy)

My last race of the year will be another seasonal outing, the McTaggart Trot (fancy dress three stage relay).