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!