For the last three years I’ve wanted to run this race as id heard so many positive comments about it. Unfortunately I’ve always had other plans and not been in Sheffield on the same weekend. This year however not only had I organised to visit my parents on the same weekend I was also planning on doing a 15 mile training run…perfect.
The race is organised by a local running club in sheffield…The Killamarsh Kestrels. Entry was easy, either on line or through the post. The entry fee was a bargain at only £6.50…think thats the cheapest race I’ve done in years! Parking on the day was £3.50 in Rother Valley however if theres a few of you it doesn’t mount to much.
The race starts in Rother Valley Country Park, a man made lake near to where my parents live. The first 2 miles of the race takes you around this lake, tracing some of the park run course. I started off quite near to the back of the race having decided to use it as a training run. It was quite enjoyable starting of slow, speaking to friends I hadn’t seen for a while.
At two miles you turn away from Rother Valley and run towards Treeton. This takes you along a trail path that I run annually as part of the third leg of the 50 mile race Rowbotham’s Round Rotherham. On this path there were a few obstacles (gates, fellow runners and cows) however I managed to push on and pass several people including two women.
Shortly afterwards after crossing a road you come to Treeton Dyke, another amazing lake which we had the pleasure of running around, before running up through the woods behind it towards the third “lake” of the race…Ully reservoir which to me was the most stunning one out of the three.
The race ran around it and then up a large steep hill behind it, before dropping back down in to a valley back towards Treeton. At this point I had been informed I was third lady much to my surprise. With this news I decided to push on and I started to race. I managed to pass several runners after this including one lady, taking me into second place.
After leaving Treeton for a second time you follow some of the track you came out on back to Rother Valley and the goody bag and niceties waiting for you at the finish.
As you crossed the line you was handed a bag with a mug, pen, apple, orange and banana and then you was directed to the free cakes, buns and hot drinks on a table behind.
I decided to treat myself to a brownie and scone… these I had whilst talking to other runners. There was a great atmosphere throughout all of the race but especially at the finish. Runners congratulated each other for their efforts.
About an hour after the race finished they gave out the prizes…I was lucky enough to have won a hamper containing several different cheeses, biscuits and 2 bottles of wine….it was certainly worth getting up for.
Over all I had a wonderful morning. There were plenty of places to park and plenty of toilets just a short walk from the start. The course was well marshalled and there were water stations every 3 miles. The course to me was amazing, three stunning lakes, a few hills and lots of trail paths (80% off road). There were a few gates to slow you down, three roads to cross and a few narrow paths which made it difficult to pass people however despite this it was a fantastic race and a race that I would love to do again…I still can’t believe that it was only £6.50 to enter!