12th May 2024.
Those of you who have done this little gem of a road race will know that it distinguishes itself from other races by virtue of having a four kilometer climb right at the outset.
Holymoorside nestles between Chesterfield and Baslow. A handful of Striders pitched up to test their legs on the brutal ascent among the lovely hills and dales of North East Derbyshire. This is my third race on this course, the first being a Strider takeover, one of the road league races in 2019. I enjoyed it so much I came back for more punishment in 2023 and again today when only the die-hards were in evidence.
A proper village fete atmosphere surrounded the race with children’s race, barbecue and tons of cake in the Village Hall. It is a Holymoorside Scout Group fundraising event and is well organised and managed.
I wanted to keep my finish time as close to last year’s as possible which meant coming in around fifty minutes. it’s a tall order because not only is it a very steep climb (did I mention that?) but I’m also getting towards the middle of the age group when every race seems a bit harder than the last.
Lots of people were out to clap and shout encouragement. It took me around 27 minutes to complete the first 5k, meaning I had to step on it a bit in the second. The beauty of running a big up is that you get a corresponding down. It is quite exhilarating to run fast downhill. If you increase cadence and shorten your stride it feels very fast indeed. Just as well because if I wanted to come in at around 50 minutes I’d left little wiggle room. I pounded down the last section into the village overtaking a couple of men, always a very nice feeling; entered the field and finishing section and pushed myself hard to keep the margins as low as possible, finishing in 50:01m, 21 seconds faster than last year and first W70. Result. Striders Paddy and Martin Slack were ahead and Zoe Dickinson and Hannah Wright came in a little while later.
After obligatory veggie sausage sandwich and chocolate sponge cake I was just about recovered enough to hobble through the village for the scenic drive through Curbar and back home. A grand day out for all.
There were 243 finishers
First woman was Beth Elliot in 45:04
First man was Greg Hopkinson in 35:28
Striders results
Position | Time | First Name | Surname | Category |
29 | 00:44:43 | Paddy | Treehowes | M50 |
58 | 00:48:48 | Martin | Slack | M50 |
65 | 00:50:01 | Dot | Kesterton | F70 |
209 | 01:07:12 | Zoe | Dickinson | F50 |
232 | 01:13:28 | Hannah | Wright | F |
Full results (note still listed as provisional)