The 2022 RRR will take place on Saturday 1st October, with a mass start at 8am for the first leg setting out from Manvers Waterfront Boat Club (also the end point, its a circular route).

What is it?

It’s an eight stage relay taking in 80km of the South Yorkshire Forest (its mostly rural land rather than woodland). The basic rules of the relay are:

(a) runners change-over at each of the seven intermediate checkpoints

(b) runners can be accompanied by “minders” rather than run alone

(c) runners cannot run consecutive legs (except as a minder)

(d) it is the team’s responsibility to get the fresh runner to the check point, and to collect the runner from the previous stage

In a Mixed team, ladies must cover a third of the distance. For example, a team would need 4 ladies if they intend to run the shortest stages, but would only need 2 or 3 ladies if they take on some of the longer stages.

You can read more about the event and see the stages and maps on the website here.

NOTE: The course is not marked and there are only marshals at the start/end points of each stage. Part of the fun is having to navigate and as such it’s highly recommended you reccie your leg before the event itself to avoid getting lost. GPX watches are allowed if you have one with maps on.

Do I need to be “fast”?

Short answer: NO!

Last year we put together a mixed team for the Round Rotherham Relay (we came 2nd!) and we would love to put more teams forward this year.

We are about 5 people short of forming THREE Kestrels teams. We can enter as many teams as we can find runners for! We want to encourage each and every one of our members to consider taking part.

This is a really friendly event, with runners of ALL abilities taking part. It’s not just for running clubs, anyone can enter a team. In parallel to the relay there are people running the entire thing solo and others who walk it. All are not only welcome, but highly encouraged to take part.

What’s the plan?

We plan on putting together at least 3 mixed teams.

Teams will be roughly grouped according to pace, predominately to ensure no one feels under pressure by being in a team with someone who is significantly faster than them.

The intention is to make sure everyone feels welcome no matter your ability or preferred distance. The shortest leg is 6.3km, the longest is 15.6km with most stages around 10km so there is something for everyone.

How can I get involved?

We’ve set up a dedicated RRR WhatsApp group for those who have already come forward, please get in touch with any of the committee members to get added to the group and get your name down for a team!

Chat to us on facebook or in person at club.

#teamkestrels

Owing to the forecast of severe heat and the RED heat warning, we have taken the decision to cancel the official run on Tuesday 19th July.

If people still wish to run then that will be entirely your decision and risk but if so please stay safe. If people do choose to run, we would suggest running with other people – please use the WhatsApp group to check with any fellow runners.

Club Run will be back on Thursday

Massive congratulations to the 175 runners who completed all 22 (and a bit) km of the 3 Lakes Classic today. Runners, marshals and spectators alike were thrilled to see it back on the racing calendar after a two year hiatus due to COVID19. We were lucky to miss the very hot weather of the previous few days, but conditions were still warm and distinctly muggy -well done!

The results are now available on our website here.

The overall winner of this years race was Tom Shaw of Worksop Harriers, storming home in a very impressive 1:21:27, a new course record by over 5minutes! (this being the NEW course from 2019, taking in Waverley rather than Ulley)

First home for the women was Collette Gains of Dronfield RC who smashed it with a time of 1:40:19.

Well done to our other prize winners; 2nd Male Daniel Smith (Team Manvers), 3rd Male David Byrne (Steel City Striders), 1st Male over 50 Christian Hopkins (Handsworth Roadhogs), 2nd Female Caroline Lloyd (Hillsborough and Rivelin), 3rd Female Tara Spillings (Hillsborough and Rivelin) and 1st Female over 50 Joanne Rooney (Kimberworth Striders).

The committee would like to thank all the hard working Kestrels who turned out to help ensure the event ran smoothly and safely. We are confidently told we have the most enthusiastic and encouraging marshals around. We also have the best cake 😁

Special thanks to the 3 Lakes Sub-committee and in particular our 3 Lakes leader Rachel Cadey for all their hard work leading up to the event. It takes a lot of admin, perseverance and numerous spreadsheets to organise an event like this – your efforts are greatly appreciated!

You may have noticed a few photographers on the course, we will make any photos we have available over the coming days via our facebook page. If you are a regular at local races you will no doubt recognise Steve “Mozzie” Frith who was also in attendance and was kind enough to offer his photographic skills to our event. He asks nothing for his efforts but if you find he has captured you at your best during our race, consider donating to his chosen charity Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England. You can make a donation here.

Already looking for your next challenge? Check out this local race organised by Bassetlaw Triathlon Club, at the moment they don’t have enough entries to make the race viable so if you have ever considered trying your hand at a triathlon, consider this a sign. It’s a “sprint triathlon” so perfect for first timers.

Thanks once again to everyone; runners, marshals, supporters and sponsors (Key2Go). See you all next year!