On this day myself, Julie and Tracy chose to run the Grim Up North Spring Canter.

Julie picked me and Tracy up at 8.20 am. This gave us plenty of time as the race started at 9.30am.

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We arrived at the location at 8.50 after parking up at Kirkstall Morrisons. This was ideal as there is no limit on parking where you won’t be charged. We then walked down to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

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On arrival there was already a queue forming as you had to collect your race number on the day.

This was well organised as you did originally receive a QR code via email, but this was not required, they just asked for your name. Whilst joining the queue a member from Grim Up North was shouting is there any 10k people in this queue as they pushed them through quickly as their race started a few mins before ours. Me and Tracy signed up for the 10 mile and Julie signed up for the half marathon. This was good training for her for the London Marathon.

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There was also a 5K, 10K, 10 miles, Half Marathon, 20 miles, a marathon and an Ultra taking part on this day. They also did the same the day before on the Saturday, but we chose to run on the Sunday.

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At 9.30am we set off running towards Apperley Bridge on the canal. Julie went the other way to Leeds and back and then joined us on route. Tracy wanted to join me as she wanted to take it easy and had never done a 10-mile race before. I said I will be jeffing, she said that’s ok. I started with a ratio of 45:30 but then changed it to 15:30 within the first mile due to it being a warm day. It was a lovely warm sunny spring morning, ideal as it was called the Spring Canter. I wanted a time of 2hrs 30mins as I am not a fast runner and managed to do it in 2hrs 35 mins which I was pleased with. Also, the good thing we saw Julie on route where we cheered her on to continue as we only had just over 2 miles to go.

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I do like the Grim Up North races along the canal as you can run these at your own pace and take in the lovely scenery at the same time. There seems to be no pressure and doesn’t feel like a race, as you can use these races as part of your training plan and get a lovely medal when finished. The difference to these races compared to a road race is there are other people walking with dogs and buggies and lots of cyclists on route, this may not appeal to some people if you wanted a PB, so please bear this in mind. Also, if you follow their page Grim up North sometimes offer some good discounts for future races.

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At the end of the race, we were given a lovely medal and lots of goodies. We were also given a hot drink and a very tasty hot dog. (or 2)

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I would recommend booking a race with Grim up North and am on the lookout for another race which appeals to me.