Race date: July 14^th 2019

The Waverley Dash is a yearly event ran by Handsworth Road Hogs. It has the option of doing a 5k or a 10k its very scenic run around the lakes of Waverley and only a fiver for either race so great value for money.

Last year it was scorching hot and I did the 10k – it was a real struggle so this year I opted to do a fast 5k. I only saw 1 other strider who was doing the 10k.

The 10k went off first and a few minutes later, it was time for the 5k. It started with a slight downhill section – I managed to squeeze past a few people and settled into my running, I could see there were only 6 or 7 people in front of me.

We soon caught up with the back-markers of the 10k but was plenty of room on the paths to pass. I felt great and felt like I was on for a 5k PB as I went through first mile in 7:34 – my 2nd fastest ever mile then the race went off the path and across grassy dry field and around the first lake. It wasn’t easy to run on as it was very bumpy in places. I still felt good and went through 2mile in 16:21 my fastest ever 2 mile. We then came to a marshal who was the turning point for the 5k, it was then back on to the grassy hard surface which seemed to go on forever. The heat had picked up too so I was starting to slow and I was passed by a man. With half a mile to go I glanced around and saw others closing in on me so my head went down and headed for finish line. We turned back on to the estate and it was a little sprint up the road to the finish.

I crossed the line in 27:39 so over a minute off a PB but finished in 11th out of 91 so was happy with that.

First male home was Jonathon Ogle of Handsworth Road Hogs in 19:46 and first female was home next Becky Pitcher of Sheffield RC in 20:04.

In the 10k, John Hackleton crossed the line first in 39.43, first lady was Olivia Abell in 49.14.

Striders’ Results – 5k