Race Date: Thursday 20th July 2023
The Local Race Calendar provides a lot of opportunities to plan runs (races) in many parts of the region that I’ve rarely visited and probably never ran (or even walked before). Standing out in cyan (for some reason) the Silkstone Shuffle caught my eye. It’s not a place I’ve ever visited so here is the perfect tick box opportunity. The added advantage of “on the night” registration meant that a decision to run can be left until quite late, allowing time for possible motorway congestion
Silkstone is situated between Barnsley and Penistone. It is close to Junction 37 on the M1 so if the traffic is light, journey times can be quite favourable.
There are 3 Shuffles in 2023 and are organised by Barnsley Harriers. The last Shuffle of the year is scheduled for the 14th September 2023. The event is described as: A hilly off-road trail course of around 4.5 miles. The registration point is a little hidden (up the driveway behind the Dearnside Petrol Station) at the Silkstone Sports Pavilion (Post Code S75 4LX).
The adult route can be seen at: – https://www.fetcheveryone.com/route-1731841
The start point is a 2 minute walk from the clubhouse through a wooded area to a single track country lane. Most of the event’s climbing is up this lane (which at some point turns into an unsealed farm track). After about 2km of steady climbing the route reaches its summit, opening into some fantastic all round views of the near and distant countryside. The third km is on the footpath along Jockey Road, to another marshal point where it turns back on to another farm track. From here the running is “mostly” downhill, through some woods and on some narrow paths across farmland and involving crossing a number (I didn’t count)of stiles. The finish is back near the clubhouse and involves a very short sharp climb onto the pitch followed by a “swift” dash across the grass. Total event elevation is approx. 150m
This event is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the varied countryside around Silkstone. The organisers put on a well marshalled, welcoming event which I would like to run again. It’s a busy race schedule, but maybe some other Striders may be tempted to add this to the list.
75 runners for the second edition of this year’s Silkstone Shuffle series in Barnsley. It’s an off road trail course of around 4.5 miles/7km which starts & finishes at Silkstone Sports Pavilion.
Race 2 was won by Philip Montgomery of Barnsley AC in 27.54. Female winner was Tammy Gaines of Ackworth AC in 37.47. Well done to lone Strider Martin Downham.
Striders results:
