Race Date: Sunday 25th September 2016

5 hardy souls set out from their homes at about 5.45am in the dark and the drizzle to drive over to Ice Sheffield for a 6.30am start. We were met by John Crosslamd who was there to see us off in the early dawn light. 5 stages totalling 46.4 miles. Steve H and I were the only ones planning to do it all. Ben, not feeling too well, kept us company to Oughtibridge, Steve C to Totley and Matt just after Totley. No mean feat for the last 2, knocking out a 30 mile training run, especially Matt who had done a 35 mile ultra the weekend before.

The Ultra is an absolutely stunning run and I can’t recommend it highly enough. The support we got as we came in at the end of leg 3 and leg 4 was brilliant and for me, uplifting, just when I was flagging. Steve H’s wife, Rinda, was an absolute star, who supported us all the way round and was there to meet us at the end of each leg with a selection of food and hot drinks/soup. Thanks Rinda.

There was talk of PBs being broken early on as we kept a reasonable pace but I was suffering badly early into leg 5 and slowed Steve’s pace down somewhat. However, we had decided to run it as a team and he stuck with me and encouraged me all the way through leg 5 for which I really appreciate.

It’s not an easy Ultra but it is a stunning one. Early morning running up Wyming Brook and over Stanage had to be my highlight. We were discussing when were would be passed by the relay teams and were pleased that we had only been passed by Dark Peak by the end of leg 3. As the pace slowed and tiredness kicked in, we were slowly reeled in by other teams.

If anyone is planning on doing an Ultra, you wouldn’t go wrong with giving this a shot. As it is unsupported, it just requires some kind soul to meet you at each changeover point with supplies. I fully intend to be doing this again next year and as I said to several people this year, the more the merrier!!

Again, huge thanks to Rinda for her support and to John Crossland and his team for arranging a brilliant event and a great after event spread at the Bowling Club

Striders Results