What goes up must come down as was the case at Sunday’s (23 April) Tissington Trail Marathon with a route where the second part was all downhill. Simon Fawcett and Jenny Laing raced down to the finish where they were crowned the men’s and women’s winner.

Nearly 200 runners put their train-ing to the test as they followed an out and back, traffic-free route on the site of a former railway line. This line was part of the London and North Western Railway dating back to the end of the 19th century and was closed in the 1960’s. It was transformed into a trail in 1971 and has become a popular attraction with cyclists, horse riders and walkers as well as runners.

A well organised and marshalled event from Nice Work, it was a rural alternative to the London Marathon taking place that same day. The charming countryside that is the Peak District, a course that was uphill for the first half then downhill for the second half and the sounds of nature combined together to deliver an enjoyable day in Derbyshire.

The race started at 10am from Ashbourne in the south, gently climbing towards Parsley Hay in the north. Runners turned around at this point and after the ascent to here, were glad to have a gradual descent on the way back to the finish. It was a safe and easy to follow course that was ideal for first time marathoners as well as the more experienced.

Simon Fawcett won the 2023 Tissington Trail Marathon in 2:46:13. Shaun Cooper of Team Derby Runner finished second in 2:51:03 with Glenn Riches of Long Eaton Running Club third in 3:00:50.

Jenny Laing of South Derbyshire Road Runners was the winning female in 3:19:49. Sarah Richards was the second female in 3:23:49 and Hannah Cragg the third female in 3:45:00.

The last runner finished in 6:53:14.

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

There was a bespoke medal for each finisher and a smile of satisfaction at a job well done in a beautiful location.

Image courtesy of Ben Marshall.