Report by: Nicole Nield

Race Date: 30^th June 2024

Does anyone remember the Barnsley 10K in its former iteration? It wasn’t in Barnsley, but started and finished in Royston. It was part of the Christmas build-up ritual – Barnsley, Percy Pud and Bolsover. Barnsley was memorable not only for ‘the big hill’ at the end, but also for the strap lines on the t-shirt that was included in the entry fee – ‘Living the Dream’, ‘There’s Only Flat Hills in Barnsley’ and ‘Where Legends Run’ are the ones that I have. Then it disappeared from the Race Calendar – until 2024. The new Barnsley 10K was announced and I assumed that whilst it would generate some interest there was no rush to book an event in mid-summer. Mistake! It got booked up very quickly as we found out when we tried to enter.  Fortunately for me a friend was unable to take up his place whilst transfer was still possible. Transfer was quick and efficient, save that my status as Strider was overlooked.

Registration was available for a couple of days before the race so we ventured into Barnsley town centre the day before for the first time in many years to obtain my race number. And what a good thing we did, as finding the right place as an outsider was not that easy especially as the post code provided did not exist (feedback given). A list of free car parks was provided but again the postcodes for some were a bit dodgy. Nonetheless I arrived at the start on time with bib attached. The town was buzzing with participants and spectators. The race charity was the Barnsley Hospice and there were many runners wearing their orange t-shirt. The out and back route took us on a small tour of the town centre before going up the Huddersfield Road. I say up, but it was not as up as the return leg which made it a tough run. Support from the community and Barnsley Hospice was tremendous for most of the route. There were plenty of enthusiastic marshalls and water was provided at approximately half way round.

At the end of the race runners were provided with water, a banana and a t-shirt. Disappointingly the t-shirt did not bear a witty bon mot, but the ascent/descent profile of the race along the bottom. The race was traffic free and well organized by Barnsley Council throughout. Kudos to Barnsley when many other local authorities are delegating events to large, commercial organisations. The route was not exciting but the support of locals more than made up for this.

It was not until a couple of days later that I found out that I had won the VW70 prize. Despite this no one had been in touch to tell me. Being too modest to complain, a friend did it for me and I received a cheque for £35.00! Does this make me a professional athlete?

First male finisher was Scott Hinchcliffe (M) of Barnsley AC in 32.34 (net and gun time). First lady, also from Barnsley AC, was Elanor Baker (FSen) in 34.58 (net and gun time).

Two Striders took part – results: