The pleasantly mild weather conditions from the first race at Elsecar were replaced by rather more challenging conditions at Lodge Moor.  A brisk wind was whipping in off the Pennines and there was the constant threat of a chilly downpour. At least would be able to huddle in the warmth of the Three Merry Lads bar before the start – except, seemingly the pub had unexpectedly been booked for a clairvoyant event that evening and we weren’t allowed in (feel free to add your own joke here).

Numbers were slightly down on the first event at Elsecar but still nearly 400 runners were led shivering in their shorts and vests onto the road waiting for Keith Binney to release us.  All the 5 mile events are hilly but for me this is the toughest of them all.  A sharp climb up Roper Hill is followed by the dizzying descent down Andwell Lane, and then, when your legs are truly mashed, the final climb up Gorse Lane.  The relatively flat 900 metres back to the finish with a following wind was a welcome relief.

Another impressive turnout from Striders, with fifty runners turning out and 21 finishing in the top 100.   Rob Byers again led the Striders charge in 16th place overall.  Annie Chambers was an impressive second in the women’s race, just ten seconds behind Naomi Drakeford from Barnsley.  Second places also for John Kilcoyne (M45), Sian Evans (F35), Jed Turner (F60) and Kate Scott (F60), and third places for Claire Wren (F40), Karen Clark (F60) and myself.  Our sole winner was the ever impressive Kate Waddicor in the F70’s – she now has an unassailable lead in that age category.

Striders Results: