Spires and Steeples Challenge 2017
- Oct 15, 2017
- 2 min read
Now in its tenth year, the Spires and Steeples Challenge was well attended once again, raising thousands of pounds for charity.
It’s a different running event to usual – the route takes you through rich history, and the heritage of Lincolnshire and its stunning countryside.
There are several ways this challenge can be completed. Firstly, there is a 13-mile run or walk, which started in the village of Metheringham, before finishing in Sleaford.
Other runners and walkers decided to do the 26-mile challenge, starting by Lincoln Cathedral at the Westgate Water Tower. The route leads you down Steep Hill, Lincoln, passing churches in areas like Potterhanworth and Rowston, before also coming to an end in Sleaford. Challengers also see historic artwork along their journey.
Along their way, there was five checkpoints with water stations and toilet facilities. St John Ambulance were also on hand to offer any aid to any challengers who were struggling.
We went along to the start of the marathon run where a couple of hundred runners were about to embark on one of their most difficult challenges.
The park where the runners assembled was full of varying ages and genders ready to go.
One of the runners, Jez Page, 57, who has taken part in this event for several years, believes that it is completely different to other runs he would do because “it has a bit of everything."
He added: “It’s very scenic and lovely, so it's quite good. I grew up in Sleaford, but live over in Warwickshire now.
“I love going through all the old villages that I used to know.”
Despite the nature of the event, Mr Page admitted that he doesn’t train any differently for it.
“I’ve got a few knee problems so my running training is limited, but I go to the gym to do a lot of training, working on my fitness.”
This year, the event was in aid of WheelPower, a charity which gives sports wheelchairs, training and support to disabled people in whatever sport than want to take up.
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