I will keep this one brief. The Dronfield relays runs the Dronfield circular walk in three legs of paired runners for teams of six. It is a handicapped race, with faster teams starting later with a time penalty. Connor and I had the final leg. We arrived far too early and fought to stay warm. Nerves built as more and more teams came in without any sight of our leg 2 comrades. Per the rules we waited on the other side of the busy road to avoid any dangerous crossings.
We set off at blistering speed through the first few stiles before reigning it in. The next few teams were already back in sight climbing through the farmer’s fields. Within a few kilometres we overtook three or four teams, tearing up the woodland descents with reckless abandon and spiralling over the Unstone-Dronfield By-Pass.
The trails became quieter until Cowley where the next team came into sight, annoyingly close but separated by a zig-zagged route of road and rising ploughed fields. We locked onto them and dug deep. The brakes were off and the descents uninhibited into the final climb.
Within the last 500m we were able to overtake another three teams, fighting off the lactic and pushing our way to an overall 4th place. The staggered start based on ability was done expertly, creating one of the best finishes I have experienced at a race. Thanks again to all the organisers!
Stats
Moving time: 41:39
Distance: 7.75km
Elevation: 294m
Average Pace: 5:22/km
Average HR: 172bpm