Race Date: Sunday 21st May 2023

Why would anyone pound the streets of Dronfield, when it’s springtime at Shire Brook Nature Reserve?

“Look at those hawthorn bushes.” said the Shire Brook Runners, rather than: “Oh, here’s another hill through a housing estate.“

It was a beautiful morning, and volunteer Dot noted the heroic marshal squad had the best time of it as they could admire the view, rather than sweat up the two ‘horrible hills’ as one participant commented, perhaps unused to the very nature of the Steel City Trail 10 routes, which usually take full advantage of the Sheffield topography.

In fact, Steel City T10 regulars noted that the Shire Brook single 10K circuit was rather less hilly than most. The course winds its way round the nature reserve (a former colliery spoil heap, rubbish dump and sewage works, but you wouldn’t know it these days)  with a detour up and down Silkstone Ravine past the historic Birley Spa Bath House.

The 50 runners who had no need of the Dronfield 10K were supported by heroic marshals and organisers Seth, Jane, Laura, Robin, Laura, Richard, Jane, Ben, Jen, Jess, Dot, Sarah, Christine, Bob, Chris, Jenny and Alexa.

Members of the Shire Brook Valley Heritage and Conservation Groups were also on hand as usual to serve up coffee and biscuits, and pass on information about the nature reserve and its history. Generous runners handed over £107 to help them carry on their work looking after the site.

First back (again) was Adrien Gallett of Sheffield Hallam University Orienteering Club in 40:29, followed by Evan Bowers (41:43) and Sam Smith (41:58). First woman was Chloe Potter (Hallamshire Harriers) in 44:15, followed by Strider Fiona Jefferies (51:17) and Emily Bocking (52:02).

“Just wanted to say, thanks to everyone who made today happen,” said one commentator on social media. “What an absolute beauty of a course in spectacular weather,” he added, before thanking the volunteers of the Shirebrook Conservation and Heritage Group and their tea and biscuits.

Wise words, of course for those who haven’t tried these regular monthly trail runs as yet: the Steel City Trail 10 series will reach the end of its first 6 month programme at Bradway on Father’s Day, 18th June, so hope to see you then.

(The summer and autumn programme will be launched in the next few weeks. The runs are on the 3rd Sunday of the month at various accessible locations around Sheffield, starting usually at about 9.30 am – more info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/steelcitytrail10)

Striders results: