No one would have believed way back in 1997 when Roy “had an idea” that the Sheffield Way Relay would still be going strong some 13 years later. Yet not only is it still going it is more popular than ever with a second record field in as many years. No less than 15 teams took part with the Smiley Paces back in numbers this year entering 2 teams along with all the usual suspects.

After a smooth start all teams were on their way to the 1st changeover, Femme Fitale being the first to appear closely followed by Crookes Crocks and Totley Ladies ‘A’ with the current plate holders Sheffield RC back in 7th place. It was early days though and at the 2nd changeover Kimberworth A were first in and Sheffield RC, though improving, were still back in 5th place. The Striders ‘A’ team were making steady progress through the field having started from the back at 08:30.

The other three Striders teams were battling it out for the Janet Price Trophy and Matt’s team seemed to be having the better of it. Simon’s and Phil’s teams were fighting it out for second place all the way to the 4th changeover as Matt’s team were away on the final leg some 9mins in front. It’s not over ‘til it’s over though, Phil had saved his best ‘til last and Trevor and Paul put in a terrific performance to come in over 7 mins in front of their rivals to take the trophy for Phil’s team for the second year in succession.

Phil’s was not the only team to save their best ‘til last. Sheffield RC, who are not used to not leading from early on, set off from the 4th changeover in second place and powered through to win for a third consecutive year.

Totley Ladies ‘A’ survived their early scare to lead the ladies home and retain the Roy Kitson Founder’s Trophy, a cup they have held since first presented.

The post race bash, which was held at the Nether Edge Bowling Club this year, was to prove a move for the better. The atmosphere was superb and the air buzzed with anticipation of the results. Starting in reverse order the times and positions of each team were given and the trophies presented to the respective winners. Striders ‘A’ team captain Dave Campbell then said a few words thanking the organiser and marshals for doing another brilliant job and also issuing a word of warning to Sheffield RC that next year they may well leave empty handed. Proceedings were brought to a close and the buffet declared opened to finish off another cracker of an event.

I could not finish without mentioning Chris Zwick of the Smiley Paces B who travelled from Bavaria to enter this event and on her 25th Birthday too. It just goes to show how much the Sheffield Way Relay means to the runners and the lengths some go to, to enter.  Well done Chris.

Finally grateful thanks to My Team, the marshals, time keepers and the results co-ordinator without whom the event would not have taken place.

# Teams starting from scratch: Sheffield Running Club A; Kimberworth Striders A; Sheffield Running Club B; Totley AC Ladies A; Smiley Paces A; Femme Fitale; Kimberworth Striders B; Crookes Crocks; Totley Ladies B; Smiley Paces B. To start from scratch teams need to field 2 females, 2 vets over 50, 2 vets over 40 plus 4 others or 10 females.

* Open team with 30 minute handicap: Steel City Striders A (Captain: Dave Campbell); Totley AC; Steel City Striders (Captain: Phil Howson); Steel City Striders (Captain: Matt Surgeon); Steel City Striders (Captain: Simon Wiles).

** All female teams: Totley AC Ladies A; Smiley Paces A; Femme Fitale; Totley AC Ladies B; Smiley Paces B.

The Cheshire Plate for the first team overall was won by Sheffield Running Club A. The Janet Price Trophy for the first Striders team (excluding the 'A' team) was won by the Striders team captained by Phil Howson. The Roy Kitson Trophy for the first all female team was won by Totley Ladies 'A' team.

The run up to this years’ Sheffield Way Relay was challenging to say the least for the organiser with course problems over and above the usual. The day however couldn’t have gone better with perfect running conditions for the early runners and glorious weather throughout.

This year saw a record entry of 15 teams with 14 making it to line; unfortunately Access Warriors succumbed to injury and illness and missed the event for the first time since taking part. There was one new team the Smiley Paces, an all ladies team who made quite an impact with their team spirit and sunny disposition invoking many comments from the other teams. Also very pleasing was the inclusion of another Striders team making four in total and if that can be maintained or built upon I for one will be very happy.

All teams were away from the start smoothly Sheffield Running Club making their intension clear by posting a faster first leg than last year; they’d got the trophy and they were keeping it. Striders A and Kimberworth A were having none of it though and showed that one slip and they were ready to pounce. As always Totley Ladies A were running well making good progress throughout.
Matt’s team were leading the way for the Janet Price Trophy and looked to have it in the bag at Ford.

Despite Sheffield Running Club being slower overall than last year they were to prove too quick and were the first over the line at the finish. Striders A were second with a quicker time than last year and Kimberworth A were third. Totley Ladies A once again led the ladies home retaining their fourth position for a second year.

Phil’s team, saving their best ‘til last, came over the line almost 6 minutes in front of Matt’s team to take the Janet Price Trophy; Simon’s team, the current holders, being third in this contest.

The usual post race get together at the Washington was well attended in spite of the HSE stopping under 18’s from attending. The results were given in reverse order with the Smiley Paces taking 14th spot but, being as bright and smiley as their name suggests, anyone would have thought they’d won. Getting to the 9th position the Janet Price Trophy winners Phil Howson’s team were presented with the cup. The Roy Kitson Founders Trophy was next, Totley Ladis A captain Pippa Weir stepping forward to collect the cup pleased that last years’ purchase of a cabinet was money well spent. Will anyone ever beat them? Finally the Cheshire Shield was presented to Stuart Little as captain of Sheffield Running Club, retaining the trophy for the second year in succession. Having risk assessed my position and found it safe the buffet was declared open.

Lastly grateful thanks to My Team, the marshals, time keepers and the results co-ordinator without whom the event would never get off the ground.

# Teams starting from scratch: Sheffield Running Club A; Steel City Striders A(Captain: Dave Campbell): Kimberworth Striders A; Totley Ladies A; Kimberworth Striders B; Sheffield Running Club B; Crookes Crocks; Demi Femmes; Totley Ladies B; Smiley Paces. To start from scratch teams need to field 2 females, 2 vets over 50, 2 vets over 40 plus 4 others or 10 females.

* Open team with 30 minute handicap: Totley; Steel City Striders (Captain: Phil Howson); Steel City Striders (Captain: Matt Surgeon); Steel City Striders (Captain: Simon Wiles).

** All female teams: Totley AC Ladies A; Totley AC Ladies B; Smiley Paces.

The Cheshire Plate for the first team overall was won by Sheffield Running Club A. The Janet Price Trophy for the first Striders team (excluding the 'A' team) was won by the Striders team captained by Phil Howson. The Roy Kitson Trophy for the first all female team was won by Totley Ladies 'A' team.

# Teams starting from scratch: Sheffield Running Club A; Steel City Striders A: Kimberworth Striders A; Totley Ladies A; Sheffield Running Club B; Totley Ladies B; Femme Fitale; Crookes Crocks. To start from scratch teams need to field 2 females, 2 vets over 50, 2 vets over 40 plus 4 others or 10 females

* Open team with 30 minute handicap: Totley; Steel City Striders (Captain: Simon Wiles); Access Warriors; Steel City Striders (Captain: Matt Surgeon)

** All female teams

The Cheshire Plate for the first team overall was won by Sheffield Running Club A. The Janet Price Trophy for the first Striders team (excluding the 'A' team) was won by the Striders team captained by Simon Wiles. The Roy Kitson Trophy for the first all ladies team was won by Totley Ladies 'A' team.

There was an air of enthusiasm and expectation of a great day in prospect as the runners gathered at Don Valley for the eleventh outing of the Sheffield Way Relay.

We were once again pleased to welcome Neil Kitson and his two sons Makenzie and Sam

This year’s Striders’ A team had a new captain and a new name (The Pothunters) but as the day progressed the status of the A Team appeared to come under question leaving the organiser in a bit of a quandary.

Only one other Striders’ team entered which was a bit disappointing, however with a total of ten teams taking part the stage was set for a good days running.

The ladies were out in force again this year with three teams and it could have been four teams had a new ladies team had more time to recce the route.

At each start Les Eyre was remembered and respected for his contribution to this event over the years. He, like Roy is greatly missed.

Four teams had opted to start early at 7:30 to hopefully enable them to make the 2 o’clock cut off at Ford, the time being added to their overall time.

So with the ladies teams and Simon Wiles’ team away at 7:30, three mixed teams away at 8:00 and three open teams away at 8:30 the event started smoothly.

The early starters were not surprisingly the first to appear at the Wheata Wood changeover but the rest were not far behind. A first leg record of 1hr 4mins 15secs was set with a stunning run from the Sheffield Running Club pair. Places changed rapidly between the first and second changeovers but by the third Kimberworth had got themselves into a strong position with Sheffield Running Club maintaining the pressure and Striders A (alias The Pothunters) not far away either.
The ladies were doing well also with Totley Ladies A holding a slender lead from Femme Fitale.

At the finishing line it was Kimberworth Striders A that came home first almost 6 mins ahead of Sheffield Running Club with Striders’ A Team third. The first ladies, Totley Ladies A, came in fourth but dropped to fifth overall when the time was adjusted.

The Washington was again the venue for the post race get together but unfortunately couldn’t provide us with a buffet this year, however this hiccup was over come thanks to my sister in law, Sue Crossland who found an excellent outside caterer at short notice.

The results were given starting at the top and working down and after Kimberworth was announced as this year’s winners it became apparent that there was nobody from the winning team present to collect the Cheshire Trophy. Pressing on undeterred the next trophy was the Roy Kitson Founders Trophy and this was won by the Totley Ladies A Team. Roy’s son Neil was asked to present the cup and Pippa Weir stepped up as captain of the Totley ladies to receive it on their behalf. Finally the Janet Price Trophy was awarded to Simon Wiles’ team. The presentations over, and standing back for reasons of safety, the buffet was declared open.

The event ran like a well oiled machine and this was due to all the help and support I received. Without the marshals, time keepers and results co-ordinator the event would never get off the ground and I whole heartedly thank the team - My team.

This event is an absolute must for all the teams taking part and I am frequently thanked for inviting them. It is a great day out and it’s free to all Striders so why not give it a try next year and get a team together to challenge for the Janet Price Trophy. If you are in any doubt just ask anyone who took part this year.

* All teams chose to start from scratch except Sheffield Running Club, Striders 'A' and Totley A.C. who had to start 30 minutes later being open teams. To start from scratch teams needed to field 2 females, 2 vets over 50, 2 vets over 40 plus 4 others or 10 females! The overall time for the open teams consists of the actual times of the five legs plus the 30 minute handicap.

** All female teams

The Cheshire Plate for the first team overall was won by Kimberworth A. The Janet Price Trophy for the first Striders team (excluding the 'A' team) was won by Striders 'B' team captained by Simon Wiles. The Roy Kitson Trophy for the first all ladies team was won by Totley Ladies 'A' team.

The day emerged a bit unsure of itself a feeling reflected by this organiser but there was no turning back now. Things could only get better, couldn’t they? Once again the honour of the Steel City Striders was placed in the hands of one Dave Campbell who was not going to settle for second best this year. We were happy to welcome Neil Kitson who showed great interest in the race and represented his late father Roy admirably. He was accompanied by his two sons Makenzie and Sam.

Nine teams had entered this year’s race, three of these were going to be all ladies teams but unfortunately Femme Fitale succumbed to injuries and had to change to a mixed team as did Access Warriors after helping the ladies out. So Simon Wiles’s team was left as the only open team in the race. Unfortunately the organisers didn’t manage to get a team together this year but it wasn’t for the want of trying.

As runners began to gather at the start minor hiccups like a lack of numbers or registration sheets were easily overcome. Even one team setting off without their baton passed barely noticed. A moments silence was held at each start time as a mark of respect for Roy’s remarkable vision in founding this race. The ladies were to be the first away starting at 7:30 to allow them to get round without falling too far behind (the 30mins to be added to their overall time). The seven mixed teams followed at 8:00 and Simon Wiles’s team were away at 8:20, again the time being adjusted accordingly. There was no time to waste as the runners were not the only ones to suffer losses, an already stressed organiser (me) had to dash up to Grenoside to fill a gap caused by a last minute illness. We were not kept waiting long as the Totley ladies were the first to arrive on block getting the first two second leg teams away together. The rest of the teams soon followed and there was a tense moment when the Striders A team seemed to go missing. All was well though as they turned up if but a little later than expected.

By the end of the second leg Sheffield AC had got into a good lead with Kimberworth A second and the Totley Ladies A still up with the leaders in third. A solid performance by Dave Smith and Dave Ansell brought Striders A back in touch and by the end of the third leg more good work by Dave Parry and Dave Beech moved them into second place after the Kimberworth pair lost time finding an alternative route. At Ford the smile could be seen before anything else as the Striders captain and his fellow team mate took their team into the lead. Sheffield AC were not long after with the Totley Ladies A still there in third. Simon Wiles’s Striders were running well also making steady progress up the field into a creditable mid position from the back.

Having got away from Ford in the lead the Striders A pair were in no mood to let up and brought their team home first with a comfortable lead of just over 19 minutes. Sheffield AC came in second and the Totley Ladies A arrived third but move to fourth overall behind Kimberworth A. During the course of their victory a new second leg record of 1:05:03 was set by Dave Smith and Dave Ansell beating the old record by 2mins 47secs.

The post race get together was again held at the Washington who made an excellent job of the buffet. The presentation promised to be lively and we were not disappointed. The results were given in reverse order and for the first time the first ladies team home were presented with The Roy Kitson Founders Trophy. This trophy was bought after first having the agreement of Roy’s family and the committee and we felt it was only fitting that Roy should be honoured in this way. To present the trophy we called upon Roy’s son Neil and Pippa Weir stepped forward to receive the cup as captain of her team. Next up was Simon Wiles whose team collected The Janet Price Trophy, a cup donated by Peter Price, for being the first Striders team home outside of the Striders A team. Finally Dave Campbell’s moment had arrived stepping forward with smile still firmly fixed in place he received the Cheshire Shield for his team’s excellent win. Dave (always the shrinking violet) was not going to be denied his moment of glory and gave a fine speech commending his team’s performance and went on to thank all supporting marshals without whom the event would not take place. This left we organisers with little to say except to declare the buffet open. Neil and his two sons had a thoroughly enjoyable day thanking us for inviting them and has said that he wishes to remain involved with the event in the future.

I have thanked everyone who helped us with their support and they all know how grateful I am to them so I won’t go on; except to say thanks to a long suffering wife who has had me to put up with in the weeks running up to this event. The 10th anniversary of this event was a cracker, my one sadness is that Roy wasn’t there to see it.

* All teams chose to start from scratch except Striders 'B' who had to start 30 minutes later being an open team. To start from scratch teams needed to field 2 females, 2 vets over 50, 2 vets over 40 plus 4 others or 10 females! The overall time for the open teams consists of the actual times of the five legs plus the 30 minute handicap.

** All womens teams

The Cheshire Plate for the team overall was won by Striders 'A' team captained by Dave Campbell. The Janet Price Trophy for the first Striders team (excluding the 'A' team) was won by Striders 'B' team captained by Simon Wiles. The Roy Kitson Trophy for the first all ladies team was won by Totley Ladies 'A' team.

Eight teams started, eight teams finished. There was a little more to the 2005 relay than that though. It started at Don Valley at 7:35am with not one but two all ladies teams pioneering the course. Indeed Femme Fital, reformed and revitalised from last year's Jane Spence team, maintained a pace sufficient to keep them in front of the race until the 4 th leg, albeit with an additional 25 minutes allowance at the start. Totley’s ladies team didn't let them have it all their own way, however, cutting a one time deficit of over 37 minutes to just less than 10 minutes at the end.

The other six teams had a leisurely 8:30am start with the Striders A team being first to the end of the first leg, City of Sheffield 2 minutes behind, then Hobson's Choice with Totley AC fourth having unfortunately found an alternative route from a good early start. The second leg saw City of Sheffield seize the initiative although their lead was becoming increasingly under threat as the race progressed from a Striders A team who were really rising to the challenge. At the end of leg 4 the lead was slashed by 5 ½ minutes by a true captain's run and then by a further 6 ¾ minutes on the last leg by a pair of Striders flying vets. Not enough though from the Striders: City of Sheffield won by a margin of just 44 seconds after 6 ¾ hours racing.

Post mortems and presentations were held in the Washington pub on Fitzwilliam Street where drinks and a buffet fuelled lively discussions. Roy Kitson, the race founder, presented City of Sheffield with the Cheshire Shield. The Janet Price Trophy for first Striders Team (excluding the A Team) was lifted by Hobson's Choice. A pertinent speech made afterwards by Dave Campbell summed up the pride and achievement of taking part in this team event even though having once again just missed out on the premiere position. Whilst he and his team proved honourable in defeat this year he already seemed determined to prove what good winners they could be next year. Thanks must go as usual to marshals, timekeepers, captains, guests and all who contributed to making this event work.

Photos were taken at the end of leg 2/start of leg 3. From top to bottom: Bob Pringle and Kevin Rains; Les Morton and Simon Wiles; Phil Howson and Stuart Croydon; Pete and Anne Wilkinson.

# Teams starting from scratch: Femme Fitale; Totley Ladies. To start from scratch teams need to field 2 females, 2 vets over 50, 2 vets over 40 plus 4 others or 10 females.

* Open team with 30 minute handicap: City of Sheffield; Steel City Striders A (Captain: Dave Campbell); Totley AC; Steel City Striders (Captain: Mick Hobson); Steel City Striders (Captain: Roger Stevson), Access Warriors.

** All female teams: Femme Fitale; Totley Ladies.

The Cheshire Plate for the first team overall was won by City of Sheffield. The Janet Price Trophy for the first Striders team (excluding the 'A' team) was won by the Striders team captained by Mick Hobson.