The Norman Cole Penistone 10k is ably hosted by Penistone Footpath Runners & AC, with the named tribute being a founding member of the aforementioned club. A motley collection of SRC runners amassed at the Penistone Church Football Club in full club gear: despite this week’s heatwave we were treated to slightly cooler temperatures – most welcome if you ask me. Always keen to attract controversy, our delightful club secretary met the wrath of a UKA official and had to do a quick kit change in order to comply with bib-display rules. No matter; we are prepared, we are ready, we will not be DQ’d before we’ve even begun. Onwards!
Familiar faces were spotted as more of the club shuttled into race HQ, and we had a hearty mix of social and first claim members, with some cracking support from fellow club bods acting as chauffeurs and on-route cheerleaders. Note the absolutely top-notch photo of us all looking rather snazzy as we made our way towards the starting line. Award for the best looking running club goes to…..?
Fairly promptly at 9.30 we were off, and we performed a strange loop around a bunch of houses before shooting off towards Green Road; I suspect the loop was there in order to make sure we hit the 10k distance. Fair enough. The first hill came up Castle Lane, and I spotted a ‘NPNG’ sign affixed to a lamp-post – something to do with Kelvin Bowskill I bet. A small respite as we tootled along Oxspring Road and down Mortimer, and then it was up up up again onto Joan Royd and the infamous Hartcliffe Hill. Whoever labelled that Strava segment as ‘Death by Hartcliffe Hill’ wasn’t far wrong. I took to jeffing; concerned by a heart rate of 170BPM as I struggled my way to the top, and to a most glorious water station. Sweet sweet relief as we thundered downhill towards the TPT, taking in many gorgeous houses (that we shall never own) down Hillside Lane. Just need a Euromillions win and one of those bad boys shall be mine. I digress. Onto the TPT and many SRC members were having flashbacks and PTSD from TPT shuttle-runs on their long run training blocks. Nearly there lads; the lactic acid was starting to accumulate. Where was this promised thunderstorm?
An encouraging sign announced ‘400 metres to go!’ as we exited the trail and hurtled down Church View Road towards race HQ and the finish line. Crowds a-plenty cheered us over the line, and we were handed one of the best goody bags I’ve received post-race, despite no medal. A multipack of snazzy trainer socks, a handy set of keyring flash-lights, a rainproof poncho (this will work well for tough mudder) AND A WHOLE LEMON DRIZZLE LOAF CAKE. Fair play Penistone Footpath Runners, you’ve done alright there! We stopped to see the awards (our very own Rachel Howard taking home a sweet sweet 20 quid for her V45 age cat win), supped a cheeky shandy, and tootled home in a blaze of glory.
Overall a very enjoyable morning out, UKA official drama not withstanding. I was very impressed by the professionalism and kindness of the host club’s volunteers, who took the time to make sure I was okay and that we were having a positive race day experience. Thanks a bunch gang. SRC will be back (please let us have cake again in 2026).
