Race Date: Sunday 21st September 2025

This was my second time running Stanage Struggle, and it confirmed to me that it’s definitely one of my favourite fell races. Coming in at 6 miles (ish), it follows the classic fell race route profile: up a bit, up some more, flattish along the tops, then a hurtle back down to the finish.

I almost didn’t make it to the start line on time, so I began near the back of the pack. This suited me as I was determined to take it steady and save some of my legs for Leg 5 of the Sheffield Way Relay later that afternoon. I was very good and mostly stuck to my plan, though I couldn’t resist letting loose a bit on the fabulous technical decent.

For anyone who hasn’t run it, I would thoroughly recommend it – it’s a cracking fell race! I also plan on ‘doing the double’ again next year too, if anyone is deranged enough to join me?

The first man home was Felix Watts from Dark Peak in 40:16, and the first woman was Lauren Heyes from Hallamshire Harriers in 46:52.

I didn’t see any other Striders in my rush to get to the start, and I couldn’t hang around afterwards for obvious reasons, but apparently Paddy was there too.

Striders Results: