The 12.12 race hots up...
A brand new race for the Peak District is getting plenty of interest. Organisers of the BIG Running Weekend report that entries have exceeded their expectation for year one, and are also reporting that the field of runners has a sharp front-end…
Event release
The 12.12 trail race is a little over 12 miles, with 633 metres of ascent it is described as a ‘Trail Race with many of the characteristics of a fell race’. The course will be fully marked and marshals will be present, which, despite this, organisers are still recommending entrants get to know the route before race day.
The route tackles some of the areas hidden Peak District Gems, which locals often describe as some of the areas best kept secrets, before heading out into classic Fell Racing Country around Burbage Edge and Higger Tor. Both of which are more famous to fell runners as part of the Dark Peak organised Burbage Skyline.
Those runners attending the BIG Running Weekend’s recce of the route were surprised at how tough the route is, “It’s a proper challenge”, said one and another experienced fell runner described the route as tougher than Buxton’s Windgather Fell Race, which is of a similar distance.
The sharp end of the race should prove to be interesting as fell runner races duathlete (run-bike) races road runner. The Fell Runner is Stuart Bond, returning to racing following injury lay-off and record holder of many a local event. His challenger from the world of Duathlon is Julian lings who is reining English Elite Champion and runner up in this year’s Sheffield Half Marathon.
Julian Lings
They will both have to contend with the quickly developing road runner turned fell runner Chris Shelton who boasts a sub 32 minute 10k on the roads.
Stuart Bond said:
“I’m pleased to be back competing and this run will be a test for everyone running the event. For me it will definitely be a challenge and it looks like it will be a competitive race. It’s also good to see new routes and races in the area that anyone can come along and have a go at. Yes, I am looking forward to this one!”
Entries have come from road and fell, novice and experienced alike. Entry to the event which takes place on Sunday 26th at 10.12am, is only £15 and includes a post race Whirlow meal and entry to the post race party, plus a New Balance Technical Running Tee. Entrants are also invited, at no extra cost, to attend the runners talks which take place on the Saturday night.
The Big Running Weekend also has other options for runners of all ages including the Whirlow 10k, Junior Races, Family Fun Runs and a range of orienteering events for all abilities. And if that was not enough there is also the ‘King of the Mountains’ course which runners can attempt at any time during the weekend.
The BIG Running Weekend is starting to build interest and looks set to become a firm annual favourite due to the spectrum of different running events available across the weekend and in and around the Sheffield and the Peak District area.
You can keep up to date with all the latest information on the event website and via Facebook Twitter fans can follow news by searching for #BIGRW
Proceeds from the weekend will be passed to the official charity the Whirlow Hall Farm Trust, who are also hosting the weekend and jointly co-ordinating the activities. They also benefit from a very large barn which is fully licenced and will be the home of the Running Expo, Running Talks and after race ‘BIG’ party.
