Tunnels and Trails 2024
By James Watson
This was a fantastic event – running, baking and organisational brilliance – Wirksworth Running Club take a bow!
Where to start?
First the Fun Run attracted 21 runners from 5-15 – all of whom seemed to enjoy themselves. As we all know ‘it’s all about the medals’ and they went down well.
Here they are at the start…
and shortly afterwards…
..and each savouring their medal moment….
On the main 10k race a total of 166 set off with ages spanning from 16 – 70+ and finishing times from mid 30 minutes to over an hour. Testimony to the universal attraction of CAKE (and maybe running too!).
This year we had the extra dimension of offering prizes of a pair of Inov8 running shoes to both male and female race in addition to our luxury ‘Brian designed’ mugs. Chris Andrade who works at the Inov8 shop in Bakewell came in first in 36:11 minutes but kindly waived the prize in favour of Tom Jackson of Belper Harriers (36.38) who had been hotly pursued by Allan Bland (36.41). The first woman was Wendy Higginbottom from Buxton AC and also the V50 Category winner.
Our very own Dave came in shortly afterwards in 37.58 with Chris not far behind (39:43). Then some super strong performances from Steve, Richard, Gregg and Graham recording great times around the 42/43 minute mark. Zack and Bethany meanwhile achieved first in their categories in times just over 45 mins.
Then waves of Wirksworth Runners – James, Helen, Malcolm, Sue, Kathy, Sarah, Danny, Tanya, Emma, Jess and Dinah and Run Confident members Paula, Claire and Tony. Jess and Paula were running their first 10Ks and therefore set PBs. Dinah had walked 24 miles at the weekend so decided to use the race to help her recovery (why not?!). Claire had a great run too coming back after a period of enforced rest and finally, Tony who seemed to be savouring every moment providing great encouragement to younger Run Confident members as well.
On the subject of savouring the moment take a look at these pictures to confirm what we all know to be the joys of running Tunnels & Trails 2024 | Flickr
There’s also some great pictures here Tunnels and Trails 10k 2024 – Google Photos that were taken by Tony Forrester who kindly shared them with us.
So, unless I have forgotten anyone – that’s a total of 22 Wirksworth runners – a fantastic turnout. Full results can be found at https://www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=355208&did=456940
Here we all are at the start….
On the organisation front Liz did a truly magnificent job in making the difficult appear simple by skilfully persuading many of us to help on the night. She had great support for sure from Club members who helped register fun runners, hand out numbers, marshal and keep time. So Liz, thanks for being the lynchpin in what was a lovely evening.
Finally, the cakes! They were superb – thanks also to everyone who achieved great things in the kitchen. They really made the event stand out in an increasingly bewildering array of local running events.
