Race Date: Sunday 1st February 2026

Would it be as frozen as the Round Sheffield Run? Or as misty as the Tigger Tor? In both cases, the answer was no as a bunch of Striders congregated at the Langsett Reservoir car park for the start of the Mickleden Straddle. Conditions looked almost ideal for a winter fell race with decent views of Margery Hill and the surrounding moors.

The 14+ mile route starts with a nice easy first mile before heading up the stick of the lollipop-shaped route to the first check point at Cut Gate. This stretch is pretty relentless for about 4 miles so it was definitely a relief to see the marshals and know that there would be a bit of respite from the uphill plod. Being a relative rookie to the world of fell racing, I relaxed a tad too much and took a tumble on perhaps the gentlest part of the course. Had I been spotted by any fellow Striders? Would I be able to claim that I’d sustained a bloodied knee on an all-out descent?

After a steep section down to the Howden Reservoir at the top of the lollipop, it was time for some more climbing back up to Cut Gate. Despite having been on a recce a few weeks before, I managed to miss the turn for the shortcut through the bracken – oh well.

It was then time for the blast down the hill from the final checkpoint, trying to remember the mantra of “lift your feet up” to avoid further mishaps.

On getting back to the race HQ, the posse of Striders looked like the extras from a scene from 1917 (the film rather than a comment on the running attire) – gashed knees, twisted ankles and plenty of mud. Fortunately the bottle of Rescue Ale and an excellent buffet kept spirits high. And, yes, I did ‘fess up to having fallen over on a flat, grassy stretch!!!

The first man home was Tom Evans (winner of the 2025 UTMB) in 1:39:45, while in the ladies race Emily Cowper-Coles (Dark Peak) came first in 1:54:10 with our very own Abbie Haworth in second place and Harriet Davies in fifth.

A big thanks to Denby Dale AC for laying on a great event, and an even bigger one to the Woodhead Mountain Rescue teams for their support and presence out on the course.

Striders Results: