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In the festive spirit at the Newcastle Dales Dash

Smiles with 5 miles at the Newcastle Dales Dash

Runners dashed back to this annual favourite.

A keen field of runners turned out for the Newcastle Dales Dash (Sunday 12 December), eager to try the new, shorter course. They got to grips with the undulations and admired the views in this former coal mining area near Newcastle under Lyme. 

The 454-acre Apedale Country Park was the location for this multi-terrain event, home to grassland, wetlands, meadows and marsh. There are more than a few hills to deal with and depending upon the weather, conditions underfoot can range from hard packed and icy to wet and muddy. 

Organised by Newcastle (Staffs) AC and with a new 5 mile course to look forward to, runners were sent on their way at 11am to follow an up and down route between Apedale and Lymedale on a mixture of limestone, grass, woodland, tarmac and paths plus a wooden boardwalk. Some people got into the Christmas spirit and wore festive fancy dress whilst others had their game face on but all were out to enjoy the day in attractive surroundings. 

There were trophies for the top three men and women; first male vet over 40/50/60/70 and first female vet over 40/50/60/70. In addition to those were four, ‘Margaret Barker’ trophies for the winning female, first Newcastle (Staffs) AC female, first U16 male/U16 female (open) on the day. Finishers received a medal and a personalised certificate with their chip timed result.   

Harry Bond was the winner in 30:40 followed by Benjamin Brereton in 30:50 and Scott Zikmanis third in 32:31. 

Sophie Goodfellow was the female winner in 33:43 with Allegra Souter second in 36:20. Molly Ibbs was third in 38:51.

The last runner crossed the line in 1:06:47. There were 78 finishers. 

A full set of results is available via the runABC Midlands Race Listings page. 

Well organised with excellent marshals and all that mud was good for the body and soul!

Image courtesy of Bryan Dale.

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