Stocksbridge running club was out in force this past weekend, firstly two members headed over to Blackpool on Saturday to do the new Blackpool Tower to Lancaster Castle ultra. A 30 mile race that also includes a ferry crossing. Both members also set club records for 30 miles. Lyn Armitage completed the race in 7:09:28 and Garry Harding finished in 5:29:57.
Also on Saturday morning 3 members of the club took part in parkrun. Tara Petch with her two kids did Rother Valley, Colin Mansell was at Burnage and Andy Gosling did Watergrove.
However the main talking point was the massive turn out of runners at the Sheffield 10K yesterday, A gaggle of 16 weekend warriors had entered, and most of us stood huddled on the steps of the City Hall at 8:50, ready to be photographed in club colours by the ever delightful Helen Royles-Jones. Tim was especially keen to be captured on film: a smile and a louche wave of the hand was immortalised for eternity, courtesy of our resident Prof.
9.40 am and we were off – a late start due to a rogue car being spotted on the course. The first ½ a km was heavily congested, with runners jostling for position and (gentle) elbows being tactfully deployed in order to surge forwards. Steel City residents were out on force on the course to support, and a cheerful Jolene was shouting words of encouragement whilst waving a questionable carboard sign close to the Genting casino. We whizzed along past Hunter’s Bar roundabout, crept up Eccy Road, and onwards towards Rustlings Road before beginning the climb proper up Oakbrook. Tara and bambinos were a welcome sight on the more hilly sections, and the mood was high as we spanked past the halfway mark.
Graham Road saw a most welcome downhill shuttle, with volunteers a plenty deploying water and smiles. Brocco bank was another delicious sweeping downhill segment: always a pleasure to spot the magnificent John Burkill in his trademark wig and pram coming the other way. The crowd from St Luke’s were loud and boisterous as we soldiered magnificently back towards St Mary’s Gate, where just beyond were the ever delightful Jenny and a jubilant Nick, both whooping enthusiastically. The noise increased and the throng of spectators swelled as we banged it down the home straight to rapturous applause. Rob Timms was spotted cheering just after the finish line; a joyful sight and heartening to see a friendly face.
