While most runners’ eyes on Sunday 28th April were
focused on the bright lights of the city and the epic struggle of the London
Marathon, seven members of Grantham Running Club took on a different challenge
and entered the Dragon’s Lair 10k.
Organised by JackRabbit Events, this is a new event taking
place near Swadlincote, Derbyshire, in the heart of the National Forest. Combining
open grassland with woodland trails, the two-lap course was described as
“continually undulating” by the organisers and promised excellent views across
the local countryside.
St George’s Day inspired the naming of the event and some
runners entered in the spirit dressed in dragon suits and other fancy dress. One
club, who were attired in stereotypical French shirts with garlic strings,
confused many and may have missed the memo.
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| CJ enjoyed a downhill |
With each 5k lap featuring over 90m of ascent the race
certainly lived up to the billing of constantly undulating. Strava segments
created for the race added to the theme with names such as ‘Cardiac Hill’ coming
within the opening 250m and rising 30 meters before the end of the first km. ‘Beowulf’
was another stiff climb, while ‘Excalibur’ and ‘Smaug’ offered temporary gentle
downhill relief. Hard, uneven ground,
damp grass and muddy sections added to the overall difficulty of the course, described
by many runners as ‘brutal’ and led some runners to determine, even during the
race, that they were never to return to face the beast.
Stuart Baty was first male home for GRC in a time of
00:55:31, despite suffering an ankle injury in the opening 500m.
Tracy Webb was first GRC female in 01:05:44, certainly the
most enthusiastic among the club for the event, and promptly announced her plan
to return next year.
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| Simon finished in 1:15:.3 |
Given the difficulty, severe hilliness, and off-road nature,
this is likely to polarise runners, and might be better marketed after a
leading brand of yeast extract spread; it is likely to become either a must-do
or never-again on everyone’s calendar.
JackRabbit Events are renowned for their organisation,
marshalling support, excellent medals, t-shirts and goodie bags. The winners’ trophies were bespoke carved and
etched, locally sourced tree logs.
The Dragon was tamed by James Farmer of South Derbyshire
Road Runners in a time of just 00:39:00, and his club team-mate, Louise Insley
took the women’s race in 00:45:30 and twelfth overall. There were 344
finishers.
Full GRC results:
Stuart Baty 00:55:31
Tracy Webb 01:05:44
Simon Hartley 01:15:03
Amanda Mumby 01:21:06
Claire Fritz 01:21:07
CJ Walker 01:25:48
Claire Knowland 01:26:42
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