Race Report from Martin Downham
For anyone needing a 4 mile race on Boxing Day, the Turkey Trot ticks all the boxes. Given all the recent bad weather (7 named storms this year vs 2 at this point last year) it was a joy to see clear blue skies and have a fresh seasonal chill in the air. Even the muddy paths didn’t appear to be that slippery and for those that know this route, the large puddles were all passable (on the sides).
For those that may be considering this event next year, Braithwell is a short drive north out of Maltby, fairly close to Jnc 1 on the M18.
The race starts on a quiet single track road for the 1st km then heads over grassed paths to a footpath along side a fairly quiet road. It the turns left onto a farm track past some large/avoidable puddles to re-join the grassed path, to conclude on the single track road back to the start/finish. There are no steep hills and Strava has the total ascent at a comfortable 59m. The 11am start is also very agreeable! This event was the final race in the 2023, 12 race KMR (Kimberworth/Maltby/Rotherham) series but, like all the others, it can be run as a one-off.
As a quick reminder, the series offers the following:
All clubs and all runners affiliated or non-affiliated are welcome.
Each race is a race in it’s own right. There may be different awards etc.
The entry costs will typically be the same (£5/£7)
Whilst being competitive, they are very friendly events
Entry is often allowed on the day/evening (though some sell out online in advance!)
Distances are typically from 4 miles (most) up to around 8 miles
Refreshments are sometimes provided after the race, e.g. sandwiches, rolls, chips.
These mixed terrain events will suit all standards; including beginners
Some seriously fast runners expected – they say
Runners typically number ~80 up to 200+
The series rules (and age categories) are fairly straight forward (with details online)
Advance race specific information isn’t always easy to find online (so ask someone if unsure)
This year’s 12 races were:
May – Maltby Memorial Race (Maltby Running Club)
May – Scholes Coppice Race (Rotherham Harriers)
June – Kimmy Kanter (Kimberworth Striders)
June – Ulley Res Race (Rotherham Harriers)
July – Roche Abbey Dash (Maltby Running Club)
July – Rockingham 5k (Rotherham Harriers)
August – Butcher’s Dog Leg Race (Maltby Running Club)
August – Toffee Run (Kimberworth Striders)
Sept – Wickersley Chase (Rotherham Harriers)
November – Canal Race (Kimberworth Striders)
December – Santa’s Special (Kimberworth Striders)
December – Turkey Trot (Maltby Running Club)
Well done to all runners and well done to all the striders that completed this post Christmas Day) event, especially those that have won prizes
Striders positions (times available for first 32 finishers only so far)
| Position | Name | Time | Age Category |
| 20 | John Pinkos | 27.51 | SM |
| 22 | Jim Rangeley | 27.57 | SM |
| 24 | Paddy Treehowes | 28.15 | M55 |
| 53 | Martin Downham | M60 | |
| 54 | Sarah Percival | F45 | |
| 66 | Laura Rangeley | SW | |
| 87 | Simon Gleadhall | M55 |
The race was won by Elliot Smales from Rotherham in 21.11
