The cooler weather was heartily welcomed by the Stocksbridge Running Club contingent as we made our way over to Grenoside for the third RunGreno trail race. Narni had turned up early to help with the inaugural erection of the SRC feather flag, with much crowing quickly dampened by the hoisting of a Valley Hill Runners flag some 3 times the size of our own, right next door. Remember chaps, it’s not the size but it’s what do you do with it that counts. Many thanks to the delightful Heather for helping sail our colours with great aplomb.
A race briefing at 9.40 and we trundled off in the direction of the starting funnel, not too far from race HQ. Much debate was had as to where to start within the pack, and this tactical shuffling meant that for the first 1.5km or so we chugged along as a large caterpillar, with the ground uneven and opportunities for overtaking limited. The first climb came around 3km in, with Narni assuring fellow runners that there was usually a photographer at the top of this cruel ascent, and to look lively. Plot twist; this year, there was no photographer waiting to ambush us. No matter; we looked glamorous regardless.
A short road section and we hopped onto a section of open field, with many lovely little lambs and sheep who were most definitely faster than us. Thanks for nothing, sheep. Cresting the hill we made a magnificent swoop down towards Lodge Lane and into Wharncliffe Woods proper. Despite being a bit hairy underfoot no-one took a tumble – hurrah! 8.5km loomed and we gulped water gratefully from some lovely Woodhead Mountain Rescue folks located near to the carpark, before continuing our gallop in the direction of Prior Royd. Quads were burning on the final push parallel to Rough Lane, and then we cantered magnificently back towards race HQ.
Usually our races are run alone, but Narni Nick and Kirsty had fallen into a nice trio and were encouraging each other beautifully. Big kudos to Nick who certainly had enough in the tank to push on solo, but we made a nice gang of muskateers as we soared around the final field and across the finish line. Jenny and Rachel had already finished to cheer us in, with Jenny going on to be awarded 3rd place female overall – an outstanding result and richly deserved from a talented and energetic runner of her calibre. Kate had heroically battled a sore knee the entire way round but looked glorious and strong as she powered over the finish line. Burgers, pizzas, and several coffees were consumed post-race as we made sure that the race sponsors were well patronised. Congratulations to the team at RunGreno for another outstanding local race. Final times as follows:
Jennifer Elsegood: 58:13 (3rd Female)
Rachel Howard 1:00:08 (2nd F40)
Narni Fulford & Nick Wright 1:11:43
Kate Fewkes 1:14:03
Heather Lindley 1:21:29
