We are inching nearer to the Ipstones 5ish on Sunday 18 June; a run you can get your teeth into followed by coffee and cake afterwards. Let’s hope the weather is better than last year...

Conditions were biblical at the 2022 race with torrential rain throughout, making for some rather slippery terrain underfoot. This was particularly the case on the downhill section of trail with its stones and bumpy surface catching a few people unawares!

The Ipstones 5ish has been around for a long time. It made its debut in 1978 and has become a favourite with runners over the years due to the challenging course and location. Race number 8 in the NSRRA League programme for 2023 and sponsored by VeloRunner, it is a good test of anyone’s fitness levels.

There’s a 1.5 mile Junior Fun Run at 9.45am and a medal to all finishers followed by the main event at 10.30am near the Memorial Hall (where last year everyone huddled inside away from the rain!). Leaving the hall, the route contains a hill at mile 1 then a twisting and turning hill at mile 4, both of which keep you on your toes along with the descents! Then along the road before turning into the playing field for a last gasp effort across the finish line.

Boalloy RC had a successful day at the 2022 race with their men taking the top three spots. Their winner Carl Moulton is returning to defend his title but who will claim the women’s title this year?

There are prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female; male and female age group winners and the first male and female teams.

Finishers receive a medal, a certificate via email plus free photos from Mick Hall.

You still have time to enter and be part of the hilly fun. Dry and sunny weather is forecast for this year.

Register for the Ipstones 5ish at the AV Timing website.

Image courtesy of Bryan Dale (Race Photos).