Although it’s a 1 hour 45 minute drive away, this running festival is worth going to if only for its scenic setting in the Derbyshire Peak District and the fantastic views. It’s also a very well organised event, with free parking in an adjacent field, toilet facilities at the race village at Cromford Wharf, portaloos at the race start, 2 water stations on the course, and a cafe and mobile caterers at the finish.
There are three race options: a “Full” Marathon, a “Swift” Half and the “Down in a Shot” 10k. Coaches take runners to their individual race starts, with runners for the marathon leaving first, then the half and finally the 10k. There are approximately 500 entries across the three distances. All three races start at 11am and the marathon and half marathon eventually join the 10k route. Paths are shared with walkers and cyclists and can be fairly narrow in places.
The 10k trail race starts at Harborough Rocks and the route descends down to High Peak Junction on the Cromford Canal, with two steep downhill sections of approximately 1 mile each. Some parts are fairly well shaded and you mostly have to be careful underfoot on the terrain, especially in the two dark tunnels that you run through. At the High Peak Junction where it turns right, the route flattens out for the final mile and a half, crosses the next bridge along the canal and turns left along the towpath to finish back at Cromford Wharf. After the speed of descent, the final mile and a half feels like it goes on forever, especially when it’s sunny.
This is the first time that the race start was cool and overcast and therefore running conditions were perfect. This was most welcome compared to the heat of previous years but the sun kindly came out at the finish.
Entry isn’t expensive and finisher T-shirts are optional. A finisher medal was also an opt-in choice for the first time this year. All finishers get a race mug so they can help themselves to water, plus there is a carton of juice, an apple and banana, and mini chocolate bars at the end.
This is the 4th year that I have run this 10k race and each year I’ve won the FV60 category prize. The first year I won it by default because the female race winner couldn’t win more than one prize! But I’ve won it in my own right since in the subsequent years. Initially I won £15 but the last two years I have been presented with a beer and a small trophy, so I now have permanent reminders of my wins. Steve Glaze also won his age category this year, after winning second finisher last year.
When I turned up at the inaugural race in 2022, a Northbrook runner (Pete) parked beside my car, and there started a friendship that’s continued each year at this race and and many of the WRRL races ever since. And that’s the beauty and simplicity of running – the friendships you make along the way. That day Pete and I both won our age categories and each year we have debated whether we should try the half marathon instead. The jury is still out on that one but I’m worried that I won’t maintain my 10k winning streak!
– Sonia Karamat
Massey Results:
| Steve Glaze | Massey Ferguson RC | 39:52.7 |
| Sonia Karamat | Massey Ferguson RC | 52:30.4 |