The 19th Sheffield Way Relay, 20th September 2015
There is little to say about this event that has not already been said, its’ popularity seems inexhaustible and runners rise to its’ challenges simply for the joy of taking part.
Thirty years ago on the 30th of June after meticulous planning five intrepid walkers led by Peter Price set out on a journey of discovery. That journey produced a circular route round Sheffield called The Sheffield Way and now some thirty years on it is doubtful that Peter, his son and his friends could imagine how successful their efforts were to be.
Eighteen years ago a runner in the Steel City Striders saw an opportunity and unsure of whether it would work trialled it using the Striders as his guinea pigs, that runner was Roy Kitson. It is equally doubtful that Roy could imagine how successful his event would be but successful it was and The Sheffield Way Relay was born; I’m sure he looks down on us now proud of what he started.
This year the challenge was taken up by 15 teams and 1 ultra runner all keen to take in what the event and the day had to offer and there was plenty. The event up and running it became clear by leg 3 that there were 2 teams in the reckoning Dark Peak and Sheffield Running Club with Sheffield Running Club just having the edge to be first passed the post. A record number of ladies were lead home by Totley AC Ladies who managed to stay in front of the rest all the way round. Alastair Lawson the lone ultra runner also went the distance arriving at the finish slightly quicker that Ben Heller did last year.
No less than 5 records went on the day 4 in the relay and 1 in the ultra, these and all the rest of the Sheffield Way Relay records can be found on the dedicated records page.
Nether Edge Bowling Club, home of the post race bash was alive and buzzing as results were read out and teams congratulated.
My grateful thanks as always to My Team without whom this event would never take place.
Full results from the 2015 race can be found on the Sheffield Way Relay Results post.
John Crossland