Race Date: Friday 14th July 2017

So, it’s your first race for over a year after trying to get over injury and you want to sneak it in without anyone noticing. Sorry Steve Atkinson, there is no escape from Striders’ web of reporters.

A non-profit making event designed with the intent of raising funds for the Treetops Hospice & Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People this race takes place on the trails around Elvaston Castle on the fringes of Derby. Parts of the route will be familiar to those who have run the Derby Ramathon. A good turn out, 478 finishers with no entries on the evening, for a Friday saw Chris Millett, Team Derby, lead the field home in 33:38 with Lisa Palmer-Blount, Heanor, making the first ten in 36:19. Lots of pb’s and seasons bests according to Run Britain so the cynics will wonder if it was the full distance.

Always wanting more, Steve will still have been happy to finish in one piece, coming home 120th in 46:41 (46:09 chip time) but when we consider that he was running 38 minutes two years ago then he will be the first to admit that there is some work to do. Spotted on the track at Woodbourn Road over the last few weeks, his intentions are clear to see and we hope all goes well and are tracking his progress.