Race date: Saturday 23rd August 2025

Race report by Mandy Taylor

Organised by See York Run York

This is a low key event whereby you do as many laps within a 6hr period (can go over this limit if you have already started a lap).

The event starts at Penistone Community centre with the route taking you down both the Trans Pennine Trail and Don Valley trail, going over the Rumtickle viaduct and through Thurgoland Tunnel.

It’s out for 3.5 mile then return covering a 7 mile lap.

After each lap you head to the community centre, register the lap, use toilet facilities and/or take advantage of the nibbles provided – sweets, fruit, crisps, crisps or boiled potatoes.

Having just returned fully to running, I know I needed to undertake the event at a slow, steady pace to enable me reach an ‘ultra’ distance. In this case 28 miles (no way am I ready for 35!).

This was going to be a challenge as I’ve only run 20 miles x 2 recently (recce of and undertaking Cordwell Colossus).

I thought my experience of previous ultras from 2 years ago would help me through. Alas I didn’t realise that it’s been 3 years since my last ultra…where has time gone to?

Anyhow the day arrived warm, overcast and quite humid but 69 entrants gathered for the briefing before setting off.

For me the event was going to be much of a learning curve, taking in pace, nutrition and hydration and how best to use it. I knew I wanted to push myself but not to the extent of causing further injury. I did get progressively slower but did feel I was doing quite well.  Managed to reach 22.2 miles in 4hrs (my previous marathon time) and knew this was the furthest I’d run in 18months.  Having said this I did then struggle, there is very little support on route and you can only be spurred on by the scenery for so long!

Determined to complete all 4 laps (Did change shoes at lap 2) it took a further 70mins to complete the last 6 mile.

It was a relief to say I was not going out for a further lap and was duly directed inside the hall for collection of a lovely medal and bar of chocolate.  A selection of cake with tea/coffee was also provided.

I chose this event due to – no pressure, the time/distance is mainly up to the individual, it’s fairly local and it’s a flatish route (strava says less than 600ft for the 28miles) so ideal for any long distance/ marathon training.

Only 1 person completed 5 laps – 35 miles: Steve Gaughan of York Knavesmire Harriers completed 5 laps in 6:29:04. 16 completed 4 laps – 28 miles.

Mandy Taylor, 4 laps,  5:11:24 (4^th over 4 laps, 5^th overall). Mandy was the only Strider competing in the event.