Report by: Giulia Neri and Hannah Jayne Wright.
Race Date: 27-28 July 2024
Sir Titus Trot (Grim Up North) Day 1
Date: 27th July
Distance: Marathon
Report: Giulia Neri
Grim events are the best! I had been looking forward to running Sir Titus Trot marathon for a long time. Last year I missed it because of train strikes. I love Leeds-Liverpool canal and all its wildlife.
I arrived in Saltaire bright and early, after a pleasant train journey. My favourite pre-race breakfast is peanut butter and Nutella sandwich(es). I had them on the train with a huge flask of freshly brewed coffee with chocolate milk.
Race HQ was right next to the train station, along Leeds-Liverpool canal. I registered for the early bird start of the marathon, then had a quick chat with John, the event manager, and the other amazing marshals. I soon realised that I was going to be the only early starter, which I didn’t mind at all. During the briefing, John explained that I had to run three and a half miles towards Liverpool, then back, and three miles towards Leeds, then back. Then the same thing all over again, and it will add up to 26 miles. I fastened by bumbag full of energy gels, grabbed my bottle of Lucozade, and set off.
I wish I could convey how beautiful the canal looked on an early Saturday morning. The weather was slightly overcast, which was perfect. Just a tad too warm for my taste. The best thing was a family of swans (mum, dad and four large-but-still-grey cygnets). The route was generally easy and pleasant, except for the three locks in the bit towards Liverpool. Also, the marshal hadn’t arrived at the turning point towards Leeds when I got there the first time, so I ran an extra half mile by the time I realised that I had gone too far. After a while, I started coming across the runners that had set off one hour after me. One of them, the winner of the men’s marathon, ended up overtaking me towards the end. I shouted after him: “I’ll let you win, just this once”. He laughed.
I arrived, got my beautiful sun medal, and took a picture with the octopus at the bottom of the ramp (I had been looking forward to it). Then I went to the art gallery in the Salts Mill, had a snack and got changed in the spotless toilets, which were so much better than the portable loos I had to use after other races. I also went to the book shop and spent about an hour pining after books and art supplies I can’t afford. I recommend a visit to the Salts Mill, if you haven’t been already.
After a short train journey, I arrived in Leeds. I had about 30 minutes before my train to Sheffield, so I wandered out of the station and got into a supermarket. Then I heard something calling my name: it was a large jar of green olives. I don’t know you guys, but, after a long run, I crave salt, so it kind of makes sense. I bought them, got a disposable fork and ate them all on the train, straight from the jar. I didn’t even care about people staring. I got home and told the story to my husband, who said: “That’s actually a good way to make sure that the place next to yours stays empty”.
On the same day, they also ran the 10k and half marathon. Warren Langer-Watts (the one who overtook me) won the men’s marathon (2:57:37), and it looks like I have won the women’s.
Day 1 Marathon results
First man Warren Langer-Watts: 2:57:37
First woman and Strider Giulia Neri: 4:00:26
Full marathon results here.
Sir Titus Trot (Grim Up North) Day 2
Date: 28th July
Distance: 20 miles
Report: Hannah Jayne Wright
Sunday was again another glorious day for the Summer edition of Sir Titus Trot. Once again the day offered a variety of distances from 5km to Ultra Marathons. I opted for the 20 miles.
Little bit of history….
Sir Titus Salt, 1st Baronet (20 September 1803 – 29 December 1876) was a manufacturer, politician and philanthropist in Bradford. He is best known for having built Salt’s Mill, a large textile mill, together with the attached village of Saltaire, West Yorkshire.
Saltaire takes its name from its founder, Sir Titus Salt, and the River Aire, which runs through the village.
Nice early start got me to Saltaire in plenty of time. The usual facilities of nearby toilets, ample parking and bag drop was available. Number collection and the ever so fashionable ankle tags were picked up on the day. As usual Grim Up North promotes bringing your own cups to reduce waste.
With my trusty bottle waist belt ready, sun cream and chub rub applied and my running playlist I was ready to tackle the 20 miles. Chub rub choice for today was Squirrels Nut Butter which smelt amazing and did the trick.
Short debrief at the start line and we were off. The start times were staggered due to the number of different distances. The 20 milers set off at 9:30.
The route is out and back following Leeds Liverpool Canal. Taking in the scenery and landmarks such as the Seven Arches Aqueduct. Along the way there was food/drink stations which I took my time at to refuel and hydrate due to the heat.
Once I reached my turn round point I did a happy dance and then headed back. The terrain was suitable for road shoes even though it was a bit rocky in sections. The scenery was stunning.
When I saw the finish line I picked up my pace and legged it across. Collected my medal and buff then headed for shade and snacks. Once recovered I went for an ice cream and a little sunbathe in Robert’s Park.
20 mile results
First man Derek Moore: 2:12:47
First woman Natasha Wilson: 3:05:09
Strider
Hannah Wright: 4:29:33
Full results for the 20 miles here.