Sticking in the Langsett Loop
They were cold, wet and muddy but the runners gritted their teeth and got stuck in Sunday’s Langsett Loop (12 January). The views across the reservoir were worth the struggle through the mudbath.
Organised by Its Grim Up North Running and with a choice of 5/10/15/20 miles, marathon and ultra there was a distance to suit everyone. The course was a mix of easy and difficult sections - trails, tracks, grass plus a small amount of road and there were hills as expected.
Some people might have thought they were a ‘fruit loop’ when tackling 5-mile loops around Langsett Reservoir in challenging conditions. The location is known for being inclement and it lived up to that reputation as participants, marshals and volunteers faced wind and rain. This cleared after the first hour or so and the sun came out.
Simon Bones Hayward of Barnsley Harriers was the winner in the ultra, finishing in 4:17:29. Michelle Bullivant-Evans was the winning lady in 5:45:44.
Chris Green won the marathon in 3:46:53. Rachel Loveridge was the first female in 4:38:46.
For the 20 Mile, James Hartley of Hallamshire Harriers was first home in 2:37:18. Lucy Dockerty was first lady home in 3:10:17.
Over in the 15 Mile, George Clayton was the winner in 1:56:04. Olivia Barlow was the female winner in 2:14:43.
Nathan Hart won the 10 Mile in 1:16:45. Abigail Hickinbottom of Steel City Striders was the winning female in 1:29:51.
Owen Steer was first across the line in 32:22 in the 5 Mile. Sally Kirby was first female in 41:51.
There was a medal and goody bag for every finisher as they thawed out in the barn and cake, beer and chocolate helped with recovery.
Image courtesy of Mary Rushforth
