A drizzly Easter Monday can only mean one thing; the return of Runner vs Steam, a 7 mile ‘trail’ race hosted by the cheery bunch at Matlock AC. Having done this race last year and firmly declared it ‘the best race ever’, I was so eager to participate again in 2025 that I almost signed up twice (thanks to Chairman Tim for reminding me that I’d already booked on). Being the solo SRC representative I allowed myself both role of DJ and driver as I tootled my way past Ladybower and over to Matlock, dubious Dad rock playlist seeing me safely to a bustling carpark at Rowsley Station. Cathryn the steam engine had been assigned runner number 1: the bib was proudly plastered on the side of her cab – I’d argue that this is grounds for disqualification, as surely it should be displayed on the front. No? Never mind. I had smartly ironed my trusty Thomas the Tank engine cape (fashioned from a bedsheet from 1987) and pinned it with aplomb to a hydration vest, and was feeling swanky, despite hobbling to the start line with a poorly back. The vibe was cheery and even with the drizzle we were raring to go. A strong contingent of local clubs were out in force with Hillsborough and Rivelin, Dronfield, Striders and Lonely Goat all sporting healthy numbers. Confusingly there was a club all draped in the colours of the Italian flag, NO idea who they were. They weren’t Italian, but they were very cheerful. Answers on a postcard please.
9.30am and a prompt start from the race director: quite a congested start but who cares, all we were bothered about was getting as far in front of Cathryn the steam train as we could. I was having a hard time ensuring that my cape did not impede other runners or get snagged on brambles / barbed wire fences, but it billowed too magnificently and at one stage did threaten to become a rather handy sail. Could have capitalised and shaved a few seconds off. Maybe next year.
The route is essentially flat, but there are a few sneaky pinch points where you have to tread carefully; a narrow and slippery iron (maybe?) bridge over a river (I use bridge in the loosest sense of the word) and a few rogue rudimentary steps and climbs, but I was absolutely fine in road shoes. The cheery duo of Bryan Dale and Frank Golden were on hand to snap our sweaty mugs as we whistled round the course. I tried for my usual heel click despite the back woes, and managed it. Unfortunately Bryan shouted ‘again’ and I obliged. This was the final nail in the coffin for my spine, and I ran the rest of the race doing a magnificent Quasimodo impression (costume idea for next year maybe?).
Once more I failed to beat Cathryn the train, but WHAT a joyous event. From the train drivers shouting ‘c’mon Thomas, move it’, to the hordes of cheery passengers waving from the carriages, to the lovely registration desk volunteers who assured they’d assigned me a lucky number, Runner vs Steam is a firm favourite on my race calendar. Please don’t consider entering yourself, as there are only 250 places and I intend to be running this race every year until I drop.
