As we move into spring proper, aware that bizarre seasonal variations are increasingly possible, established runners will probably have planned their training and racing for another year; or perhaps they are just enjoying their sport in the hope that there is no late snow.
Many people in recent years have been motivated to get themselves fitter, especially through the Park Runs: the numbers have been steadily rising in Rotherham (Clifton Park on Saturdays at 9.00am). For absolute beginners there is no let-up in the numbers signing up for assistance to get started through Couch-to-5k programmes (details at www.rotherhamharriers.org or NHS websites).
Running is, of course, a sport that you can enjoy on your own. But we do find that taking part in race events adds a number of dimensions to running which are surprisingly enjoyable. Not just the competition, but a social experience widening your circle of acquaintances and friends, and a direct help in your progress.
Fourteen years ago, a race series was launched in Rotherham aimed at just those things: races which are friendly, competitive, covering all levels of development and ability, low-cost and high value. This is the KMR Series, so named for Kimberworth Striders, Maltby Running Club and Rotherham Harriers and AC.
This is a series of 12 races held in and around Rotherham. They are organised by the three clubs (four each). Under GMT they are weekend morning races but during BST are held on evenings with typically 7.00pm start times. They are individual races, some of them with a long tradition, but they have some common points:
The race size varies from about 50 to about 200; the average field has risen from 100 in 2016 to 120 in both 2017 and 2018. The courses range from deep countryside through parks and tracks to estate roads. Plenty of people run one or several of the races without taking on the series, but the series adds greatly to the interest.
Dates
- Tuesday 16th April — Scholes Coppice KMR#1 (RHAC) — Wingfield
- Wednesday 1st May — Memorial Race KMR#2 (MRC) — Maltby
- Tuesday 4th June — Kimmy Kanter KMR#3 (KS) — Droppingwell Kimberworth
- Wednesday 19th June — Ulley Res KMR#4 (RHAC) — Whiston PC CC
- Wednesday 3rd July — Roche Abbey Dash KMR#5 (MRC) — Maltby
- Wednesday 17th July — Rockingham 5k KMR#6 (RHAC) — Greasboro’
- Thursday 1st August — Butchers Dog Leg KMR#7 (MRC) — Braithwell
- Thursday 15th August — Stan’s Toffee Run KMR#8 (KS) — Elsecar
- Saturday 28th September — Wickersley Chase KMR#9 (RHAC) — Wickersley
- Sunday 3rd November — Canal Race KMR#10 (KS) — Rotherham
- Sunday 15th December — Santa Special KMR#11 (KS) — Kimberworth
- Thursday 26th December — Braithwell Race KMR#12 (MRC) — Braithwell
Double-check dates nearer the events — sometimes other events move at short notice and clashes can occur. You can find lots more information at www.kmrseries.co.uk.