Race Report: Carsington 7.5 2026

 Blue water gently lapping against the shoreline, blue sky but lots of hills and sharp winds. Not quite a gentle run along a beach but Carsington 7.5 (used to be known as 7+ but they now declare the last 0.5 mile)

Seven KADS donned the maroon and silver at Carsington 7.5 miles on a cold May morning. Reluctantly shedding hoodies after a warm up, walking up to the start line. I was questioning what time I'd written in the predicted time box which had meant I were in the first wave (so was Sam).

It started fairly smoothly, until Zoe and I observed runner go down screaming within the first mile. Runners around him were quick to help. It was a reminder of how a misfooting can lead to serious injury. 

The route spans the circumference of the reservoir, the many uphills and, what seems to be, not that many downhills. With it being a sunny day, the exposed parts of the route were hard. The trees provided welcome comfort.

Those familiar course from the Carsington DRL will know it finishes on a hill. Whilst it's tempting to speed up at Millfield car park, its still 2km to the visitors centre. Those 2kms involve a long stretch across the dam. 

Today the wind was high, battering those trying to run against it. Many with magnetic number clips having to hold them on, my race number felt like a sail. Personally I struggled to get my breathe, I felt like it was 1 stride forward, 9 strides back. Eventually that 400m sign appeared in a tree line giving a respite from the wind and the opportunity to finish strong albeit battered from the wind. 

It was a great day for KADS. All seven crossing that finish line, even if a little wind swept with Matt achieving 7th place overall. 

​Emma