RACE REPORT BY AMY HUTCHINSON – 20th September 2025
Saturday the 20th saw Ashbourne host “Nice Works” Tissington Trail Half Marathon with both Saturday and Sunday options available. Despite a weather warning for heavy rain issued, it wasn’t enough to deter nearly 400 runners from taking on this fast and flat PB course.
Arriving at Ashbourne Leisure Centre in good time to nab a parking spot at HQ, there was plenty of time to grab a coffee, drop bags and register if your race number hadn’t already been posted. Lots of friendly marshals around to help. Remember to take coins for the pay and display or be prepared to faff about downloading an app to pay. This race is a “point-to point” race meaning that transport is provided from HQ up to the start line at Parsley Hay. Coaches begin arriving at around 8.45 for the 20 min ride up to the starting point. My advice would be to hang back for one of the later coaches (last one leaves around 9.15) to avoid hanging around too long for the 10am start- it did prove a bit bleak and blustery in up there! A disposable poncho proved invaluable to keep the chill out and chatting to other runners soon passed the time. Toilets are also available here.
At 10am sharp the chip-timed race began and what a cracking course it is! Following a former railway line from Ashbourne to Buxton, we were treated to some beautiful scenery made still more atmospheric by a rolling mist. Alternating between flat and a slight downhill, the miles were soon flying by. Although this is a trail race, it’s extremely non-technical. Despite a rainy week the trail was in excellent condition to the point where ordinary road shoes would most likely suffice. Pockets of supporters dotted along the course were very encouraging, as were the many walkers and cyclists. Despite a distinct lack of marshals, it was great to have well manned water stations approx every 3 miles, some of which also offered sugary drinks and snacks.
Arriving back just before the heavens opened, I picked up my medal and posed for the obligatory post run snap before heading home. A brilliant, well organised event that I’d highly recommend, particularly for anyone chasing a PB like me; 1.45:25
