The race is approx. 3.8 miles and ran mostly on open 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 visible steady drag, straight up the road which passes under the M1 Motorway, and then heads around a gradual blind left hand turn towards the finish.

Ground conditions were still favourable for road shoes as the recent rain hadn’t reached all the trail, so much of the off road trail was still a bit dusty (rather than mud). With a road start there aren’t any pinch points (until the trail section), which is a key feature of this event. Despite the roads being open, there is often a footpath option (which should used whenever possible). Helpful marshals were at all the key junctions

The race series has been established on this route for over 20 years, so there is a lot of history associated with previous races and records.

As this was the last race of 2025, series prizes and a tasty buffet were available at Race HQ: Barugh Green Club, Higham Common Road, Barnsley S75 1LD.

All 3 races need to be run to qualify for the prizes. Even having 5 year age categories (rather than the common 10 year grouping), SCS didn’t make the podium, this year.

Thanks go to Barnsley Athletic Club for organising this enjoyable, well marshaled race. Hopefully (???) we’ll all be back in 2026.