I missed out on this race last year due to injury, so I took photos instead in 2018.

In the days leading up to the race this year, I studied the route and stage lengths to try to come up with a strategy. It was going to be a hot day and in accordance with the organizers wishes I decided to run with a cup to cut down on waste. I did not want to run with a back pack on, I thought the water stations were spaced close enough to just use those.

I made it to the start this year and with the start and finish being only about 400m from my home I arrived early with Rose and Rebecca. I felt like I was in pretty good shape, and depending on who else had entered I thought I might be in with a chance of a prize.

It was nice to chill out before the start on the Town Fields with the 23 runners from Doncaster AC and everyone else.

Tony, the race director asked the slower runners to start first so I waited until there was just a handful of runners left before starting. The runners “dib” in and dib out of each stage for the timing.

Stage 1 was my warm up and I ran flat out lol – about 400m in to the race I thought I had gone out too fast 🙂 , it was only 0.9 miles long before I joined the queue to dib out, this took about 2 minutes which was a bit worrying as I was not sure if all the faster runners had waited in line.

I then walked to the start of stage 2, which involved walking down the high street and over North Bridge. I took a gel at Halfords.

Stage 2 was the longest stage, 6.54 miles long which I completed in 43:47. Running from St Marys Bridge, following the River Don to Newton, then heading over a railway bridge and picking up the Trans Pennine Trail to Sprotbrough, this was the 1st drink station (still timed in on the stage) and then continuing over Conisbrough Viaduct and into Edlington. As I approach Conisbrough Viaduct I spotted who I thought was the race leader running over it. I was potentially 3 minutes behind but as i did not know when he started stage 2 I did not really know.

I was pleased to finish the stage and I had a 16 minute rest, drank and ate snacks. It was great to regroup with lots of DAC runners including my wife.

Stage 3 was only 0.63 miles long, I got slightly held up passing people but basically ran flat out to get the legs moving again. Another nice regroup and a laugh before the next long buster.

Stage 4 was another short one being 0.67 miles long. A regular place we do training runs. I took my second gel at the end of this stage.

Stage 5 and we are starting to get a bit of distance on the run parts again, this stage was 2.55 miles. I had no idea where I was position wise in the race, still lots of people in front of me because I was taking long rest breaks, I kept passing the same people which was great to keep seeing them and giving out encouragement. Spent quite a long time at this check point taking on water and sweets.

Stage 6 was 2.24 miles long, starting along the bank of the River Torne, crossing the East Coast Main line and running under the M18, through the new housing estate and dibbing out at Bawtry Road. More drinks and snacks and regrouping.

Stage 7 was 1.25 miles long, running through Cantley Hatchell Woods and dibbing out at the roundabout at Old Cantley. Getting tired now and legs aching a bit.

Stage 8 was the last long stage, being 3 miles long (for those that took the long route through Sandall Beat which I did). This stage ended at Leger Way, the pace had dropped now and I just hoped I had done enough to finish in a good position.

Stage 9 – the sprint – Up Town Moor Avenue and across the Town Fields to the finish, 0.75 miles. Ran as had as I could knowing I was almost finished.

By the time I got to the results screen I could see that about 20 people had already finished, but I was delighted to see I was in 1st place based on the timed stages which is what counted for this race. I could also see that Caroline Wheelhouse was 1st lady!

The race had great support throughout, thanks to everyone who volunteered.

I really enjoyed the race and will be back next year. The route is a good one for a long training run anytime of year.

Results from my amazing club mates from Doncaster AC:

Pos	Name	Type	Cat	Time
1	Martin James (1st overall)	Solo	M	1:55:20
6	Adam Cotterill	Solo	M	2:06:07
8	Caroline Wheelhouse (1st lady)	Solo	F50	2:11:48
35	Mark Webster (2nd mix pair)	Mix pair		2:32:18
35	Marie Louise Taylor (2nd mix pair)	Mix pair		2:32:18
39	Rose James (2nd F pair)	Mix F		2:34:13
39	Rebecca Coats (2nd F pair)	Mix F		2:34:13
42	Mo Rodwell	Solo	M50	2:34:59
54	Stuart Lindsay (2nd M pair)	Mix M		2:43:28
54	John Sheerin (2nd M pair)	Mix M		2:43:28
66	George Laing	Solo	M50	2:50:01
85	Andrea Robinson	Solo	F	2:56:26
85	Glynn Jones	Solo	M50	2:56:26
101	Martin Wilson	Mix pair		3:03:00
101	Dianne Polwin	Mix pair		3:03:00
113	Kerry Mitchel	Solo	F	3:09:19
122	Claire Sayles	Mix F		3:11:59
122	Charr-Ann Maxted	Mix F		3:11:59
137	Trevor Blake	Solo	M	3:22:39
145	Vicky Lindley	Solo	F	3:30:47
148	Mark Kenworthy	Solo	M50	3:33:06
162	Sam Prowse	Solo	F	3:53:11