Over 200 runners buckled up and enjoyed the ride at Sunday’s (11 September) Big Dipper Half Marathon. They held on tight through the ups and downs, from Derbyshire into the Peak District and back again and were buzzing afterwards despite the elevation!

Described as ‘brute-iful’ by many; the tough course with superb views was one to remember, with 510m of ascent and a sting in the tail near the end. The race promised hills and thrills and boy, did it deliver for the adrenaline junkies who pushed themselves over 13.1 miles for personal satisfaction and glory. 

It started at 10am near the Hyde Park Inn and from there it was onwards and upwards through Barlow, Shillito Woods, Unthank and Cowley. Marshals and residents cheered and applauded everyone’s efforts as they climbed and their support kept the spirits up and the legs moving to the finish. 

A masterful display of running from Bertie Houghton of Hallamshire Harriers Sheffield saw him win the Big Dipper Half Marathon in 1:13:57. Thomas Shaw of Dronfield RC was second in 1:16:47 and teammate Michael Kenyon third in 1:19:47.  

There was an equally strong performance from Natalie Neville of Hillsborough & Rivelin RC to become the first female home in 1:36:49. Sue Atkinson of Dronfield RC was the second female in 1:37:52 and Jenny Evans of Hallamshire Harriers Sheffield the third female in 1:39:49. 

The last runner crossed the line in 2:58:04. There were 208 finishers. 

All the results are available via the runABC Midlands Race Listings page. 

There were cash prizes for the top three men and women plus age group winners. All finishers received a medal, t-shirt and bottle of beer from Drone Valley Brewery as a reward for their stamina and endurance. The bottles wore bobble hats in the colours of the host club Dronfield RC and were much appreciated!      

The Big Dipper Half Marathon was a well organised event from Dronfield RC with many people vowing to return in 2023. 

Early Bird Entries for next year’s race are open. Visit the Dronfield RC website for more details.   

Image courtesy of Dronfield RC.