by Tom Hindmarch

I’ve been running with Totley AC for just under a year now, so many of you might not know me. Before getting into the Dronfield 10km, I thought I’d briefly introduce myself.

I was born and raised in Sheffield, and after spending a couple of years living down in Brighton, there was only ever going to be one club I joined when I moved back home: Totley AC. I’ve got fond memories of supporting my dad, Stuart Hindmarch, as a kid, watching him race in the green and white all over the country. Anyone who’s been with the club since the 90s or early 2000s might well remember him.

Some of my dad’s closest friendships came through Totley, including William Alves, who I was very fond of and who even babysat me when I was young. I was really sad to hear of his sudden passing last year. With all that history, I was keen to build on the family legacy at Totley AC.

The Dronfield 10km is a race I’ve got a history with. It was actually the very first competitive race I ever ran back in 2010, when I was 16, and the one that really gave me the running bug. This year marked my sixth go at the undulating course. It’s always been a favourite of mine: local, well organised, and supported by a great community atmosphere.

Running wise I’ve not been getting out as much as I’d like, mainly because I became a first time dad on 3 January. Safe to say most of my usual “running time” has been replaced by baby duties. So, I wasn’t entirely sure what shape I’d be in. That said, I had a bit of encouragement after a last-minute case of FOMO saw me line up at the Sheffield Half Marathon last month. I was a few minutes off my best, but still ran 1:20, helped along by plenty of “come on Totley!” shout-outs, which was great.

So standing on the start line in Dronfield, I felt quietly confident and ready to give it whatever my legs had. The conditions were ideal, so I figured I might as well give it a go. I haven’t been able to make many Totley sessions recently, but there was no shortage of green and white vests around, all clearly hunting down club championship points! I had a few nods and quick chats before the start, swapping notes on pacing and race strategy.

The race itself started very abruptly. Barely any warning, the Town Mayor counted down from five and suddenly we were off. Straight into the climb up Pentland Road, then onto Carr Lane, before finally getting some relief when you turn left onto Leabrook Road. I was blowing a bit by the top but found myself sitting in 10th, which was a nice surprise.

Thankfully, Dronfield rewards hard climbs with fast downhills. I used the descent on Leabrook to recover and build some momentum, looping past the park before settling into a steady rhythm down Gosforth Drive. I tried to save as much energy as possible, knowing exactly what hills were still to come.

The kick up Gosforth Lane was nastier than I remembered, head down, legs turning over. Then came the hill: the long drag from Sainsbury’s up Stubley Lane. As everyone says, “you do it twice, you know.” I actually don’t mind the hills and was starting to feel good, edging my way up into 8th place. I couldn’t quite believe I could still see the leaders ahead of me on the road.

In previous years the smell of freshly baked hot cross buns from Gunston’s bakery has nearly turned my stomach, but thankfully either it wasn’t baking day or the wind was kind this year.

Back on Pentland Road, but thankfully downhill this time, I did a quick mental check-in and realised I still felt really strong. I pushed the pace on the downhill on Gosforth Drive again, making a move into 5th place. Deep breath, hills, remember the hills. I managed to keep the pressure on up Stubley Lane for the second time, catching a young lad from Clowne AC and moving into 4th.

With the podium just out of reach, there wasn’t quite enough road left to chase down third, but I crossed the line in 4th place in 36:12, a course PB.

I was pretty chuffed, especially with some strong family support on the sidelines. Thanks to the way the prizes work, with runners only able to win one, I also picked up first place in the 30–39 category. The trophy, the first running trophy I’ve ever won, now sits proudly on my desk at home.

I hope to make more Totley races throughout the year and hopefully pick up some more club championship points.