The 6th Baslow Bolt should have started with a bang – but the gun fired by Richard Powell, Elder of St Anne’s Church, turned out to be a damp squib that made no noise at all and so the running began after a traditional 3,2,1 countdown. Richard started the race following reciting a very apt bible verse to guide runners on their way – Psalm 121:
‘I lift up my eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help
You will need all the help that you can get
Use your eyes but don’t look ahead too much
Do be wary underfoot. However, rest assured that He will not let your foot slip
For the swift of foot, the sun will not harm you by day
Neither will those a little slower be harmed by the moon at night.’
Runners leaving the Churchyard
The Bells from St Anne’s Church tower rang as the runners left the churchyard to face the rigors (and mud) of the 8.1 mile race ahead. The weather was mostly kind, with some rain in the air and the going was soft underfoot. Over 30 marshals clapped and cheered as runners made their way through icy pools and sodden ground. Lungs were bursting up the Bubnell fields and the local farmer had added to the atmosphere with freshly spread muck on the pastureland. This didn’t ease breathing difficulties at all, but a queue to go over a stile did allow some respite for those in the centre of the pack.
Cheery marshals point out the way
After a glorious downhill and river section, runners faced the Beast of the Baslow Bolt – the hill section up to Curbar Gap. After picking a line through the rocks and boulders of Baslow Edge, runners had to divert to the Eagle Stone to avoid the herd of Long Horn Highland Cattle, before the helter-skelter descent down Bar Road and through the village to the school where the finish line (and a mountain of tea and cake) lay.
Highland cows required a diversion
Well done to all those that started and finished. Yet again, an amazing run by Andrew Heyes (Dark Peak Fell Runners) for winning the race in 51:29. The Heyes’ completed the ‘Double Bolt’ once again with Lauren Heyes (Hallamshire Harriers) finishing first in 1:01:35.
The overall winner
Many congratulations to our local winners (residents of Baslow and Bubnell) with Charlotte Staniland knocking nearly 8 minutes off her 2024 time (despite the cow diversion extra distance) to finish in 1:02:53. Michael Brown also retained his local winning position.
Many thanks to our sponsors (including The Outside and Rab) who provided prizes (see sponsor page). Prizes were given to all age categories, and spot prizes given to the best dressed runners, the happiest runners and the hardiest runner (finishing without a sole to his shoe secured that prize).
This year we have raised in excess of £5000 for charity. This will be divided between the Baslow School PTFA, the Baslow Church buildings fund and Shelter – charity for the homeless.
Many thanks to all who helped with this year’s event, and to all our runners! We look forward to seeing you at the next edition of the Baslow Bolt on 28th November 2026.
