Race Date: Thursday May 8th 2025

Race Report by Martin Downham

Spencers Dash is a three race series, run on Thursday evenings throughout the year.

The race is approx. 3.8 miles and ran mostly on roads (and pavements) with a shortish (c. 700m) uphill trail section starting about 4km in. Strava shows distance at 6.01km with a total elevation gain of 105m. The start (on the road) is notable for the long (c. 1.3km) downhill. The final climb (of the 3), is also notable. It is a long drag, which is mostly straight up a road which passes under the M1, and then heads around a gradual left hand turn towards the finish. You know it’s there, somewhere, but it’s always much further around the corner than hoped.

In this long running period of dry weather, conditions were near perfect for running. The trail section was dry (and even a bit dusty). All trip hazards were painted white, which is always greatly appreciated. The road start means that there aren’t any pinch points – another benefit.

The race series has been established for over 20 years. Organisational challenges may however mean that 2025 is the last year (it has been written). But hopefully not.

The race dates for 2025 are: Thursday May 8th (gone), Thursday July 10th and Thursday August 28th. There are 220 places available per race. There were 175 entries on the night

You can enter a single race (Aff £7 / Uff £9) or sign up for all 3 with a T-Shirt option.
PLEASE NOTE: No entries are available on the day.

Numbers are collected from Race HQ. Bags can be left in the club and toilets are available. You must run all three races to qualify for any prizes. No prizes are awarded on the night.

Results are available on Barnsley AC web site or via Racebest. There is limited parking at the club, so please park sensibly.

The course is all left hand turns. Roads are not closed to traffic, so care is needed as pavements are not always available. Take instructions from the Marshall’s. Note: Headphones are not allowed as you cannot hear traffic.

Race HQ: Barugh Green Club, Higham Common Road, Barnsley S75 1LD

Alternative/overflow parking at: Claycliffe Business Park, Cannon Way, Barugh Green, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S75 1JU

Thanks go to Barnsley AC for organising this well marshalled race.

Three Striders were among 144 runners who lined up for Spencer’s Dash #1. The men’s race was won by Wayne Singleton of Barnsley AC in a time of 20:34. Naomi Drakeford, also of Barnsley AC, won the women’s race in a time of 23:13.

Striders Results