Dronfield 10K 2018 race report
Sunday 1st July was the 25th anniversary of the Dronfield 10K, an undulating course around the roads of Dronfield Woodhouse. The fabulous Green and Gold Army were out in force; for many, due to its status in the road championships. This year’s race was rescheduled from February, due to a large dump of the white stuff; but what we faced this time was at the other end of the temperature spectrum….an Absolute Scorcher! I have been lucky so far this year and managed to hit cooler climates for my races (RSR aside, but plenty of shade), and I now have an even greater respect for anyone who ran a marathon in anything approaching this heat. I salute you all!
Dronfield is a famously tough course. It is lapped – one short lap followed by two matching long ones and it is definitely undulating. There is nothing more demoralising than struggling up a hill, knowing you have to do it all again. Couple this with the baking sun and I don’t think I am alone in saying that this was not one I will remember fondly! On the plus side, it was a well organised race, the marshals were friendly and helpful, and there was plenty of water at regular intervals. Dronfield also has a 2k kids fun run, which mine enjoyed despite the heat.
Personally, I found this race tough (not alone there I’m sure). I set off too quick and too near the front, and spent the first few k getting overtaken, while doing a good job of talking myself out of it: “Its too hot”, “my heads not in it today”, “I don’t care about position”. But I had a hard word with myself at the halfway point, reminded myself that I did care, and dug in to claw back a few places and stagger over the line as 3rd overall female. I felt proud of this, for winning the mini mental battle I had with myself. I also felt very proud to come 3rd behind two awesome women in their 50’s. Girl Power!
695 people completed the race. 82 were Striders. The race was won by Philip Hoole, Rotherham Harriers and AC, in a time of 34:30; and Jane Batty, unattached, in a time of 41:22.
This was a tough gig and each and every strider should be congratulated for their achievement. Congrats also to Phil Skelton (3rd overall male), Stuart Carrack (1st 30-39 male), Frances Roberts (1st 18-29 female), Nicola Rafferty (1st 50-59 female) and Stephanie Street (1st female over 60).
