Round Sheffield Run Winter Edition - An Adventure Worth Remembering

Filthy Calves, Trails and Breakfast Stops in the countryside; unveiling the key aspects to my all time favourite race - The Winter RSR

The winter edition, is only three years old, a baby compared to its older summer sibling which is in it's 10th anniversary year. Yet, in my personal opinion, the winter edition really justifies why trail running is the best; leaving participants with calves covered in filth and smiles for days – a (kind of) badge of honour, only the winter edition brings to the party.

Let's delve into the defining features of the Round Sheffield Run which makes it a standout adventure:

• Round Sheffield Homecoming:
  The journey commences and concludes in the familiar sight of Endcliffe Park, creating a sense of belonging for both seasoned RSR competitors and novice participants alike.
  
  
• Eleven Timed Stages:
  The course unfolds with eleven timed stages, each with it's own unique character, covering a total of 20km. Recovery liaisons which you can walk, ranging from 100m to 750m, provide essential snack-breaks between the challenges giving the route 25km in total. 
  
  
• Vertical Elevation Drama:
  The total of 600m in vertical elevation adds a thrilling dimension to the adventure, promising a fair few uphill battles with the bonus of some downhill victories.
  
  
• Feed Station Party:
  Two mega feed-stations dotting the route, complemented by friendly marshall's, lots of fruit, bars, and sweets to munch on. A culinary celebration for those conquering the trails.
  
  
• Rolling Start:
  The event offers a rolling start between 08:30 and 10:30, providing flexibility for participants to embark on their Round Sheffield Run journey, therefore you can still win the event if you set-off at 10:30 as oppose to 8:30 when you are still snoozing.
  
  
• Way-Marked:
  A fully way-marked and marshalled course ensures the support and encouragement every participant needs, turning the trail into a guided adventure as to a self-nav survival.
  
  
• Runner Survival Cards:
  Information cards for all competitors serve as handy guides to keep track of stages and recovery times, eliminating any guesswork during the intense moments.
  
  
• Finisher’s Medal:
  The high-quality finisher’s medal becomes a token of accomplishment, symbolising the triumphs over challenging South Yorkshire terrain.
  
  
• Après-Ski Style Celebration:
  The beer tent and post-race party in the park, heated in après-ski style, add a warm and festive touch to the culmination of the event.

The route doesn't change from Winter or Summer, all 11 stages stay the same, but in Summer there are two days of running. Here are the detailed stage highlights:

1. Endcliffe Park to Forge Dam:
   A pleasant ascent of 82m through Bingham Park and Whiteley Woods, a 2.9km initiation into the scenic journey that lies ahead. Not a favourite of mine but you have to get it done at the start.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Porter Valley Ascent:
   A gradual ascent, transitioning into a slightly more aggressive climb, a challenging yet exciting introduction to the full course. Up the valley is a beautiful landscape, such a shame about the 150m elevation gain over 2.2km. One of the hardest stages, getting it done early is a bonus, followed by a feed-station.
   
   
3. Limb Valley Descent:
   A personal favourite, featuring a wide open grassy trail and a flowing single-track downhill section, creating an exhilarating experience for all participants. This a very fast section, a little bit technical in the middle but one you can have lots of fun on over 2.4km.
   
   
4. Ecclesall Woods:
   Venturing into Ecclesall Woods, the 1.8km stage challenges with boggy and technical sections, providing a test for even the most seasoned participants. The first section stretches through pine, constantly skipping between roots and pine needles, then up onto the main trail which gets undulating with mixed terrain. A very technical section, the locals love it, not for me thanks.
   
   
5. Beauchief Golf Course:
   Undulating single-track which starts relatively technical on a hill-slope but offering scenic views, it is a picturesque trail around Lady Woods, and a delightful stretch to run on next to Beauchief Abbey over 2.5km with 80m total ascent.
   
   
   
   
   
6. Chancet Woods:
   A short, fast, and cheeky section, injecting a burst of excitement that tests the lungs halfway through. Basically an up and over. 30m climbing on an 800m track but most of the climbing is done by half way.
   
   
7. Graves Park:
   A gradual ascent through the mature woods of Graves Park, concluding with a hill that often gets overshadowed by the prospect of another snack stop. I personally hate this 1.4km stage. I am usually tired and my legs don't want another 50m of climbing. It has a lot of other park users. Alas, a feed-station.
   
   
8. Lees Hall Golf Course:
   An exciting, fast, flowing 1.3km downhill trail between Lees Hall Golf Course, unveiling urban city views and leaving a mark on new participants that says "This city is ours"
   
   
9. Meersbrook Park:
   An extremely fast stage with a downhill focus, challenging participants to maintain control and avoid the temptation to go too fast. 60m down over 800m.
   
   
10. Brincliffe Edge:
    The penultimate urban stage, demanding a gruelling gradual climb before venturing into Chelsea Park, a killer stage combining uphill challenges with urban twists right at the end of this epic race. For those newcomers this is the straw that breaks the camel back. 85m over 2.2km.
    
    
11. Endcliffe Park 400m Sprint Finish:
    The final flourish, navigating the park entrance and marked course dash for the finish outside Endcliffe Park Cafe, where crowds of cheers, and the option for a cold beer await.

The Round Sheffield Run encourages participants to adapt their tactics each season, whether running the entire 15 miles, walking liaison stages and engaging in conversations with strangers, or combining both approaches. With a finish time of 1 hour and 32 minutes (a winter season PB) and a declaration of it being my favourite event ever, the anticipation for the summer edition is real – the trails beckon, and muddy adventures continue to unfold, this time with a partner for the first time ever I will be entering as a pair on the Saturday and volunteering on the Sunday.