Strider Championship 2025

The Strider Championship kicked off on February 22nd with a Huddersfield Parkrun. While it was one of the warmest days of the year, Katie looked like she'd just stepped out of a freezer at the start line. Thanks to Kev's quick thinking and the loan of a gilet, she warmed up in no time.

Sofie, Steve, and Josh took a brisk lap before the 9am start. As for Mandy, it was a monumental effort just to roll out of bed. She was so dazed they had to delay the run to find her after she dropped her parkrun token—imagine getting out of bed and running your socks off only for it not to register because you didnt have your barcode!

Despite the early hour, 21 Striders (plus Mandy's son for moral support) joined the 748 runners. Key highlights of the morning:

• Katie M smashed her personal best at the 5k distance! Way to go, Katie!

• Sofie was the second fastest female to cross the finish line.

• Ricardo completed his first-ever parkrun—bravo!

• Peter bagged his course PB.

• Steve and Sofie both earned high age-graded rankings above 70%, putting them in the regional class.

• Glyn snagged an age ranking at the local class level.

• Tony was within a whisker of a PB—next time, Tony!

Massive congratulations to all our runners for completing the Wakefield 10k: Jo, Adele, Katie, Dave and Sofie. Special shout out to Katie and Sofie who both achieved their 10k personal best performances too, despite the course not being the flatest! 

The caps may have been flat, but the course at was anything but! With over 1000ft of climbing, our brave Striders scaled the heights above the town, where breathtaking views awaited—if only we’d had the energy to enjoy them.

The sun shone down on Sowerby Bridge Cricket Club as the race kicked off at 10am, with Steve, Josh, Katie, Sofie, Sara, Rebecca, Craig, and Helena flying the Striders flag.

Despite the tough terrain ruling out any PBs, the team put in some truly epic performances. After the finish, a prize raffle lifted tired spirits. Sofie bagged herself a Team GB top but was last seen trying to swap it for a Lindt Easter Egg—clearly a woman with her post-run priorities in order.

A brilliant day out, tough as nails but full of sunshine and glittering achievements nevertheless!

Well done to Steve and Sofie who ran in really hot temperatures - 24 degrees!  Despite the weather and the elevation level (over 500 ft) both smashed it!

Eight mighty Almondbury Striders took on the Pontefract 10K today: Craig, Steve, Rebecca, Helena, Katie, Adele, Amanda and Lucy. Special shout-out to Lucy, who smashed her first ever 10K and placed 5th in her age category – what a debut! Katie celebrated with a fantastic personal best, and Helena defied all odds (and a heady mix of prosecco, wine, pizza and 18 miles of Huddersfield hills the day before) to storm through the course in style.

Post-race refuelling took place at Wetherspoons, naturally, before Craig was last spotted diving headfirst into the bargain bin at the Nike outlet in Junction 32. A cracking day all round!

Write up by Caroline Smith:

We ran, we sweated, we questioned our life choices by mile 4… but we did it! 

Big love to Chief Kev for popping up at mile 4 like a mirage in the desert, shouting encouragement. 

Massive kudos to everyone - especially those brave souls doing their first ever 10K. You’re officially bonkers like the rest of us now! 

And as for Kerian and Jacob… first two Striders to finish — photo finish so tight even VAR wouldn’t dare call it. 

Top work team – same next year!

This weekend saw the Striders take on a Stately Parkrun at Nostell Priory, a 2 lap course that winds through landscaped gardens, shady woodland, and past the 18th-century priory itself!  And, the Striders (  represented by Sofie, Ben, Caroline, Josh, Katie, Tony and Sally ) brought speed and smiles to one of Yorkshire’s most scenic Saturday morning runs.

Sofie stormed round the two-lap course to finish as the third fastest female overall, with Caroline and Katie hot on her heels, also bagging top 10 female finisher spots. 

Once again, Caroline also achieved a jaw-dropping age graded score of over 85% - national level no less!

Meanwhile, Josh Marron-Copeland was in flying form, finishing within just 1% of his all-time parkrun PB—a tantalising reminder that his personal best may soon be getting a nudge. Eyes on you, Josh!

Ben, Tony and Sally all clocked solid runs around the gently undulating course, through ancient woods and past the lakes that once entertained the monks of Nostell....albeit in slightly slower footwear!

Nostell Priory might be steeped in history, but we’re pretty sure the Striders made a bit of it there too.

The Striders took on Penistone parkrun with Lucy, Charlotte, Spike, Jacob, Josh, Caroline, Sofie and Steve all on board for the out-and-back along the Penistone Trail.

Sofie powered her way through to become first female finisher in a very impressive 20:52. Caroline topped the age adjusted table once again - 87%. Meanwhile, Josh huffed, puffed and grunted his way around like he was auditioning for a part in an adult movie... but his heavy breathing paid off. He absolutely smashed his PB by over a minute with a brilliant time of 22m19s 

Almondbury Cricket Club was buzzing as 97 brave souls lined up for the annual Ambry 10k, organised with love by the Almondbury Striders. After a soggy Saturday that had everyone eyeing their waterproofs, the clouds packed up and left just in time for a glorious race morning. Although slightly chilly to start off with, the hill climb out of Fernside Ave soon warmed everyone up!

The route was a scenic rollercoaster through Almondbury Village, up the lung testing Kaye Lane to Castle Hill (where the views are stunning if you can catch your breath long enough to enjoy them), then down Lumb Lane, past King James School, and back up Sharp Lane for a final trot through the village to the finish line. A lovely loop with just enough uphill to make you question your life choices.

Back at base, runners refuelled on much needed bacon and sausage sandwiches .... capped off by a raffle (with some lovely and some.... let's just say.... generously donated prizes!)

Winners and Wonders

• Richard Cottam stormed home first in a blistering 36 minutes and 21 seconds, followed by Chris Holness and James Mumford, who were hot on his heels.

• The ladies were equally impressive, with Sofie Armitage leading the charge in 45 minutes and 43 seconds. She was followed by Sophie Fitton and Dani Finelli. Yes, two Sophies in the top three – cue mild panic during the prize announcements and a few double takes.

A huge thank you to the organisers, our tireless marshals, and generous sponsors – Tesco, Almondbury Liberal Club, Fox Engravers, Solt, Ginger Gifts, and Morrisons. You kept us safe, fed, and smiling.

Same time next year? We’ve put an order in for sunshine again already!

The Striders were out in full force this morning: Kieran, Caroline, Amanda, Martin, Ben, Spike, Lucy, Adele, Peter, Hannah, Josh, Steve, Jo, Becky and Dan all came out for the penultimate race in the Strider Championship....cheered on by Kev and Katie, who made a surprise appearance. It was great to see you, Katie. You've been missed by everyone and we can't wait to welcome you back soon!

Martin and Josh teamed up to pace each around the course to get shiny new personal bests, slicing around 30 seconds off their previous times. Both ran under 21 minutes. Awesome job lads. That sub-20 is calling!

Adele floated round the course, like she had her own personal tailwind, and bagged another PB to add to her collection. Meanwhile, Ben took a slightly different approach, huffing, puffing, and nearly blowing Greenhead Park’s pavilion house down! His heart rate monitor was reportedly last seen begging for mercy somewhere near the bandstand.

And then came the best part — the sound of those sweet, sweet PB bells!  It was like a royal wedding at Westminster Abbey as they rang out for Adele, Martin, Ben and Josh. 

What a cracking morning.