It was just like old times again as runners made their way up Precipice Hill, hand over hand, at the 2022 Dursley Dozen (Sunday 13 February). They took on the demanding route as the Great British weather tried to spoil the party but had plenty of vocal encouragement along the way.

The 31st Dursley Dozen received a warm welcome (on a cold day) after a two year absence as a result of the pandemic. Always a tough event, it is a favourite with many owing to the course and the fabulous support from marshals. It's the ultimate test of fitness, strength and determination.

Organisers Dursley RC had to make a change to the course between 9 and 11 miles that included an extra climb and downhill section. This also added an extra quarter of a mile onto the distance. Nothing the 450 runners couldn’t handle despite being buffeted by the wind, soaked and muddy. 

The 'fun' began at 10.30am as they streamed away from the Old Spot, up the street then off the tarmac and on to the rough stuff in the woods. There was flowing singletrack, mist at the top of the Cotswold Escarpment, mud and even more mud but still a scenic route. Whilst the runners battled through the wind and rain, the marshals braved the conditions whilst smiling and cheering throughout.

There is nothing like a near vertical rope climb to end a race on a high and the participants slipped and slid before a last stretch of the legs to the finish. 

Paul Hocking of host club Dursley RC was the winner in 1:27:43. James Everett was second in 1:28:57 and Andrew Kirkup of Lonely Goat AC third in 1:32:01. 

It was a Bristol and West AC top three for the women. Annabel Granger was first in 1:40:40 followed by Catie O’Donoghue in 1:45:44 and Elaina Gard in 1:47:40.    

View the rest of the results via the runABC Midlands Race Listings page. 

T-shirts were handed out at the finish followed by a well earned cup of tea or coffee and cake. 

Image courtesy of Dursley Dozen on Facebook.