Race Date: Sunday 15th September 2024
The Big Dipper, run by Dronfield Running Club is a victim of its own publicity to some extent. While the Striders’ annual race has comforting pudding type connotations, so attracts all manner of runners, and sells out in seconds, The Big Dipper, with its Dare To Ride strapline does not fare well in the numbers stakes.
With my workday budget manager head on I do worry that it’s not feasible to cost a race based on 500 runners and only get 190 in the 3rd year of running,- the income just won’t go near covering the fixed costs such as road closures and portaloos. So it’s a shame more Striders aren’t willing to ‘ Dare To Ride’.
I know there are lots of good reasons why people can’t enter a particular race – Marathon Training, Injury, Family activities, or just not liking hilly road half marathons (strange I know!), but I find this a great one – no pressure to get a ‘flat fast PB’, just you and the elements and lots of cheerful marshalls and a race village atmosphere worthy of a much bigger event.
So this was my second year of running it – a bit easier when you know the course better, you know the biggest hills are at mile 4, 8 and 12, and can push yourself to do a bit less walking than last time. It was a bit drizzly, but that’s ok if it only starts once you are warmed up. There was a good crowd of Striders and the atmosphere at the Hyde Park Inn/Hilltop area is a bit like RSR, with the field and the coffee stalls etc.
Results wise Jack Smith from Steel City was second male in 1:21:34 (missing out on first place to Phil Skelton by only 8 seconds). Rob Dawson was 1st V50 Male and Mandy Taylor was 1st V60 Female and there were a few other good category positions too. I got a big course PB which I was pleased with, as I definitely improved mainly on the uphill miles.
I really hope its on again next year, but not sure it will be. And if it is I’ll be nagging you all. I think everyone enjoyed their race.
Full results are available on Victoria Johnson’s result and reports post, here: https://www.steelcitystriders.co.uk/2024/big-dipper-half-marathon-race-report-and-results/
