Spanish runner in 1,000-mile trip for oldest race

Toni Santisteban took part in the race, which featured tough off-road sections through the Rivelin Valley in Sheffield

A runner from Spain travelled more than 1,000 miles (1,600km) to run one of the oldest events in the world.

Toni Santisteban made the trip from Vilafranca del Penedès near Barcelona to run the Hallam Chase in Sheffield.

The 3.25 mile (5.2km) event, first held in 1862, is believed to be the world's oldest continuously-held fell race.

"It was fantastic. But I found it very hard because of the constant climbs," the 51-year-old said afterwards.

The race began as a way of Hallam FC, one of the world's oldest football clubs, advertising their upcoming season.

It grew into a spectator event with up to 20,000 people cheering on runners and some even betting on who would win.

New Hallamshire Harriers member Toni, on the left, alongside winner Harriet Wingfield (number 432), fastest male Tommy Power (number 467) and oldest competitor Derek Brailsford (number 294)

It features tough, near-vertical climbs and muddy trails, with participants leaping stiles as they race from Sandygate to Stannington church.

To take part, runners must be part of a South Yorkshire athletics club, meaning Mr Santisteban had to join one in order to be allowed to run.

"My first club and my actual club is the same: Club Esportiu Penedès. But now, I run in Hallamshire Harriers too," he said.

Toni has a 20-year plan to complete the 103 oldest running races in the world

'Different charm'

Mr Santisteban challenged himself 10 years ago to run all 103 races that have taken place at least 100 times. So far he has completed 60.

He said the Hallam Chase had a "charm" about it due to its staggered start times in which faster runners set off after slower ones. He finished 13th out of 84 runners, with an actual time of 30:18 and a handicapped time of 49:48.

"I found it fun and the small trails are the best part of the route," he said.

"The fact that it is in handicap format gives it a different charm and emotion and brings it closer to everyone equally. Anyone can be the winner."

The race, seen here in 1926, has only been stopped by world wars and public health crises, such as the coronavirus pandemic

It has taken Mr Santisteban about 10 years to complete 60 races and the next 43 should take him between eight and 10 years.

One race required him to become a Japanese citizen but the organisers made an exception, something he said was "a privilege".

Overall, he has taken part in 1,246 events, including alongside Olympic champions like Spanish gold-medal winner Fermin Cacho.

When asked to choose his favourite race, he said: "Impossible to choose one, so I choose Hallam Chase as it is the last one I have been able to enjoy."

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