Sunshine and success for Sunday’s (14 May) Carsington 7+ that saw wins for Andy Harding and Helen Woods and smiles all round despite the hilly sections. Finishers lapped up the scenic course and the stunning views...

Talk about an action packed month! We’ve had the King’s Coronation, the Eurovision Song Contest and now the big one, the Carsington 7+ ;-)

The second event in the RunDerby Series, the Carsington 7+ is a crowd pleaser due to the location which is popular with cyclists and walkers as well as runners. It’s also part of a triple package together with the Wilne 10K and Derby 10 Mile with all three sponsored by Available Car.

Early morning mist gave way to blue skies and warm conditions at this year’s race that started (and finished) near the Visitor Centre. Runners set off at 9.30am on a well marked and marshalled circuit of the reservoir – ever mindful of the fact it was open to the public – whilst keeping something in the tank for a last gasp dash across the finish line.

Hydration is always important and two water stations at 2.6 miles and 5.2 miles catered for everyone’s needs plus more at the finish – thanks to Buxton Natural Mineral Water.

Andy Harding of Heanor Running Club was first across the line in 41:13 followed by Christopher Gidlow of City of Stoke AC in 41:43. George Kirkman finished third in 42:50.

Helen Woods of Kimberley & District Striders was the women’s winner in 51:22 and a gap of more than three minutes between her and Alex Rowell of Derwent Runners who was second in 54:26. Lucy Grant of Beeston AC was third in 55:03.

The last runner finished in 1:53:29.

View all the results via the runABC Midlands Race Listing page. 

Entries have opened for the 2024 race. Visit the Carsington 7+ website for details.

Image courtesy of Alex Walker.