Dandelions at Dawn – Sunday 5 May 2024
Race report Paul Tranter
A 20 mile trail race at Temple Newsam organised by Its Grim Up North Running
We’ve done quite a few Grim Up North events and they are always well organised, friendly and fairly low key. There were several race distances on the day, all based on a 6.7 mile circuit around the grounds of Temple Newsam. We’d opted for the three lap 20 mile race. The start and finish, as well as registration, were pretty much on the Temple Newsam parkrun start line. In fact, Junior parkrun had just set off as we arrived. Parking was easy. Free, loads of spaces and only 5 minutes from the start. Toilets by the park cafe were also very close by and conveniently placed for mid race pitstops.
We set off promptly at 9.30am and let the faster 10k and half marathon runners hare off up the hill. The route was fairly undulating, nearly 1,500ft of ascent overall, but all of the gradients were runnable. The first couple of miles were on the parkrun route before veering off passed fantastic rhododendrons and azaleas in full bloom. Then off uphill through woodlands and along field tracks around the edge of the estate. Mid way point on each lap was in a bluebell wood before the stunning view of the house looking straight down the avenue. It was then a woodland descent before heading to the south west corner of Temple Newsam and lovely trail running through the most spectacular bluebells. The route then skirted around the golf course, back up to the house and down to start. Repeat two more times.
Weather was good, almost hot and although the park was busy with bank holiday visitors it was pretty quiet out on the trails. All runners got a chunky Dandelions at Dawn medal at the end and as much cake, chocolate, crips, fruit and cola as you wanted. There was also the option of a 10 minute post race massage for just £5 by Max Jakubiec. Definitely money well spent. All in all a great run out.
The 20 mile race was won by Jake Morrish in 2:59:27 and first woman home and 5th overall was Alice Thorn in 3:53:35 Pamela finished looking very fresh in 4:15:32 and first in her age category. I was very happy to place 2nd and 1st in age category in 3:08:42
One thought on “Dandelions at Dawn – Sunday 5 May 2024”
Well done to Paul T. for the superb 2nd place in this local 20 miler , Paul crossed the finish line with a splendid 3.08 , I also enjoyed reading the report by Paul from Temple Newsam . Pamela T. had a very solid run too , she finished with a robust 4.15 .