By: Martin Downham
Race Date: 27th June, 2024

Distance: c. 4.5 Miles

The Silkstone Shuffle (organised by Barnsley Harriers) is run 3 times a year. This was the second (and my second) run of 2024. Strider attendance was doubled on this run, with Helen Royles-Jones taking on this undulating route for the first time.

Silkstone is located between Barnsley and Peniston. It is close to Junction 37 on the M1 so if the traffic is light, journey times can be quite favourable. The long running road works on the M1 (and now at the top of The Parkway) can add quite a lot to estimated journey times.

The event is described as: A hilly off-road trail course of around 4.5miles. The registration office is behind Dearnside Petrol Station at the Silkstone Sports Pavilion (Post Code S75 4LX). The route can be seen at: – Route: Silkstone Shuffle It’s an interesting mix of single track road, farm tracks, woodland trails, meadows, ploughed fields and stiles. For this edition conditions were dry (and even a bit dusty – in the wind).

The start point is a 2 minute walk from the clubhouse through a wooded area to a single track country lane. Most of the event’s climbing is up this lane (which gradually turns into a lumpy unmetalled farm track). After about 2km of steady climbing the route reaches its summit opening into some fantastic all round views of the surrounding countryside (including the Pennine foothills – they say). The third km is on the footpath along Jockey Road, to another marshal point where the route turns a corner on to another uneven farm track. From here the running is “mostly” downhill, through some wooded areas and on to some narrow paths across various farmlands (and styles). The finish is back near the clubhouse and this requires a short sharp climb onto the playing field followed by a “swift sprint” around the perimeter to the finish funnel.

Total “Strava” elevation for this event is approx. 150m.

This race is a delightful opportunity to enjoy the varied countryside around Silkstone. The organisers put on a well marshaled, welcoming event (with prizes and photos on Facebook) which I’m sure I will run again.

On another personal reflection, I’m wondering why I was slower than last time in these dry conditions. It could be the strong head wind over the top. I lost a few seconds at one point following the runner in front (rather than looking out for arrows and tape). Running across a grass meadow seemed to be real hard work as did balancing on a narrow path with a potential cliff edge hidden in the long overhanging grass. I could go on …

The final race of the year is on the 8th August 2024. Bring it on!

The race was won Emily Cowper-Coles (Denby Dale AC) in 00:29:15 and Woody Felter (Spectrum Striders) in 00:29:46 .

Striders’ Results: