Totley parkrun Challenge – ‘Old Skool’ Edition

Chris Heggs

The stars aligned at the 7th Challenge of 2024 as we packed our hand luggage and headed for a short break in Derbyshire, for the Monsal edition of the parkrun ‘still not a cup, even though some people are still calling it that’ event!

It was a triple whammy of wonder as not only was this the latest edition of the challenge, and a club championship contributor, but the organisers had kindly arranged for the course to revert to the good old days and follow the much-preferred Bakewell parkrun course (due to a clash with a 10K and a half marathon with at least two Totley participants flying he green flag).

For those not familiar with the course, you run the opposite direction from the start line of the Monsal parkrun, meaning that the outward section is net uphill, followed by a lovely downhill return, with the gradients being gradual both ways.
Perhaps that goes part of the way to explaining the awesome 18 personal best performances, or maybe it’s a combination of the Monday beyond 5K and Thursday interval sessions kicking in during the majesty and ideal running conditions of the autumnal season.
68 Totley trudgers braved the early morning misty drive to gather as one and celebrate the club, and it was great to see new faces, some of which may have only joined Totley recently

This was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with friends and to enjoy a bit of a leg stretch ahead of a hot drink and a sweet treat afterwards.
With only two challenges left of the year, the hunt for silverware (or should that be greenery?) is hotting up, with around 20 runners still able to secure a podium finish.
Equally, the participation prize draw currently has the potential to contain 9 members who have yet to miss an event, with a further 30+ who could be eligible for the runners up positions.

As always, I am truly grateful for the continued support that is shown towards the challenge, and I look forward to the next one on the 16th November at everybody’s favourite undulating Sheffield Castle, before the big finale at our spiritual home, Millhouses park, on the 14th December.

I hope to see you there.