On a hot Sunday 17th August 2025, 5 members of Grantham Running Club took to Shipley Country Park for a 6-hour event hosted by Rasselbock. A lap event where runners had 6 hours to complete as many 5.48km loops as they could.
The multi terrain route included wooded areas where runners had to watch their step due to the raised tree roots that would trip the unwary and fields incorporating lots of hills. The weather turned out to a very hot and the only shade available was in the woods.
Marj Spendlow, a veteran at Rasselbock events, set out with no target in mind. The heat and hills presented a challenge, but she still completed a staggering 8 laps (43km) in a time of 5:37:38, covering a marathon distance.
Jo Grace was taking on her second Rasselbock event in preparation for Equinox24 in September and planned to run/walk the course. She ran a total of 8 laps (43km) in a time of 5:41:48 and while she was a little disappointed with her fitness level, she was happy to cover the marathon distance and enjoyed the event.
For Caroline Davis, Ros Sadler and Julie Gilbert it was their first crack at this kind of event. They set off together for their first lap intending to approach the run with a run/walk strategy as it had been a while since Ros or Julie had run any real long distance and Caroline was nursing a recently broken arm!
Caroline was soon chomping at the bit and was quietly determined to attempt to bank another marathon in her quest to join the 100 club.
Despite the hindrance of a full arm cast, Caroline completed the marathon distance of 8 laps (43km) in around 5:28:26, proving, once again, that she is a superwoman running machine.
Putting themselves under no pressure other than to enjoy the day and sticking to their run/walk plan, Ros and Julie completed 6 laps (32.25km) in around 5:22:19 and 5:22:20 respectively.
Inane chat, music quizzes, consuming snacks and stroking every dog encountered, including the 28 pooches joining in the weekly Shipley Park sausage dog convention increased the enjoyment levels no end.
It was a well organised event with a lovely route and very friendly marshals and volunteers.
The overall winner was Thomas Mitchell covering 11 laps in 5:30:53.