Race Date: Thursday 16^th June 2016

As well as being part of our fell championships, Grindleford Fell Race is a brilliant little race which includes a mad descent of Padley Gorge and a river crossing very near the end in Grindleford. The course includes about 640 feet of ascent in 4.9 miles.

It was a wet evening, absolutely bucketing it down at times. The rain got harder as the race went on. For those who haven’t done it before, there is a lap of the field in Grindleford to prevent everyone hitting the ascent at the same time, a bit of boggy moorland at the top, some flattish trail through Longshaw, the aforementioned mad descent of Padley Gorge, more trail, then running through fields back towards Grindleford – and the river crossing before the final dash to the finish.

The rain made the descent riskier than usual, with slippery uneven rocky surfaces and roots hidden in deep muddy puddles. Great fun, and what makes fell running so appealing to me – an extended adrenaline rush of a rollercoaster ride.

The race winner was Steve Franklin of Totley AC, in a time of 32:15. The winning lady was Hazel Tant of Totley AC, in a time of 38:37.

321 runners took part in the race, of which 28 were Striders. Well done to everyone who took part.