Carsington 7+

Vicky and Ginny crossing the finish line together in 1:42:05

Vicky Willan of Grantham Running Club took part in the Carsington 7+ with her sister Ginny on Sunday 19^th May.  Specifically looking for an event on that day to run in memory of their Dad, a 7.76 mile lap of the stunning Carsington Reservoir in the Derbyshire Dales appeared to tick the boxes being around 90 minutes drive from Grantham and an event that welcomed runners of all abilities.

The moderately sized race, with 505 finishers, is organised to raise money and awareness for the RSPCA. The reservoir, completed in 1992, is popular with walkers and cyclists with well signposted tracks and paths around its entirety. The race, which took in a clockwise lap of England’s ninth largest reservoir, is predominantly flat to the west of the reservoir but is much more challenging on the east side with a few really steep hilly sections that Vicky and Ginny had to walk up.

Being near the back of the race gave the pair the opportunity to appreciate just how beautiful the route was, particularly as the woodland sections were carpeted with bluebells and the rays from the warm sun glistened on the water - filled with people enjoying themselves in boats and canoes.

Vicky and Ginny found the event well organised with good marshalling and water stations. It was much tougher than they expected but they thoroughly enjoyed the experience, crossing the finish line together in 1:42:05. Finishers received an event T-shirt, a bottle of water and the offer of a free massage.

The race was won by sub-30 minute 10K runner Alex Pilcher of Matlock Athletic Club in 42:58 with Kelly Butler the winning woman in 52:42.