Report By: Steve Yeoman

Race Date: Saturday 14^th March 2020

Having been rearranged from its original date in February due to Storm Ciara, the very first edition of the Nottingham Epic Trail 10k managed to survive the uncertainty and cancellations that befell a lot of events last weekend. As parking at these events can be limited at best, I decided to arrive just over 2 hours early to ensure there was no last minute rushing and panic. Whilst looking for the registration tent, I stumbled across the Sherwood Pines Parkrun, which was just about to set off. Undeterred by the fact that I had the wrong shoes on and nowhere to put my car keys and phone, I tagged onto the back and was treated to a preview of part of the race course, having to remind myself to take it steady and save the legs for the main event later on. I’d followed the very wise words of a fellow Sheffield Hallam Parkrun vet, who told me last year to always keep a spare barcode in the back of my phone case, so I even got a time for my efforts!

The sense of anticipation in the start area was electric, and seemed to be a mixture of disbelief and relief that this already delayed race was finally being run, and also the realisation for many that this might be the last big event for several weeks/months.

When the marshalls called everyone forward to the start line in predicted finish time order, there didn’t appear to be too many takers for a sub-40 time, and I found myself a lot closer to the front than I would normally be.

The route was undulating and mostly on well compacted paths, with the chance to really get some speed up on the downhill sections through the forest, and it was reassuring that I could still see the lead bike after the first 3km… not something that has ever happened before!

The support and words of encouragement from the marshalls and brave souls who were standing around in the cold was much needed (especially Mandy Moore at the hairpin bend near the finish) and helped me to cross the finish line with a new PB of 42:29. Second race as a Strider and back to back PB’s….Well worth the trip to Sherwood Forest!

 The race was won by Mathias Nicolas (Birstall RC) in 34:47 and first woman was Natasha Dawson (South Yorkshire Police AC) in 41:17.  There were 1010 finishers including Steve (3^rd in age category) and one other Strider, Simon Hughes. Well done!

Link to full results here.