Less than two weeks to go to the Rugeley 10 Mile (Sunday 20 February) at 10am which, since its debut in 2016, has become a local favourite owing to the course and brilliant organisation. Back after two years, it poses a challenge in an attractive location and there are important NSRRA points to be bagged. 

A slick offering from Rugeley Runners and Race 2 in the NSRRA programme of events, it takes participants on a journey around the villages of Longdon and Brereton and through Cannock Chase with a few inclines along the way. This is in contrast to last Sunday’s Alsager 5 and the flat, fast course.

Climbing legs needed this time as the rural course undulates around the outskirts of Rugeley in Staffordshire which includes Grange Hill – not the popular children’s TV programme from the 80’s, but a short, sharp ascent. 

Once over this hill after 7 miles, there is the chance to rehydrate and have a few seconds breather at the second water station outside the Chetwynd Arms pub. Then dig in for the biggest hill of the race at 1.5 miles in distance and likely to be seared in one’s memory.  

Take off the brakes for the final 1.5 mile downhill stretch and over the finish line at Redbrook Hayes School.  

As well as the top three men and women and age categories, there is £100 prize for the male course record and female course record prizes if anyone would like to have a go. 

Note: the Race Day Information page on the Rugeley Runners website includes a section about Covid precautions which participants are asked to read and follow on the day.   

Image courtesy of Rugeley 10 Mile Road Race.