The 2023 race was the biggest yet – with an entry limit raised to 400 places this year we saw 336 set off on the morning of 25th November along the 12km route. The morning was bright and crisp, with a hard frost covering the open ground. As has become the custom, the race began with a bible quote from the running Reverend Mike Gilbert just as the church clock struck 10am. “For those who are righteous, the way is not steep or rough!” Isaiah 26:7.
Muddy puddles on the Bubnell fields had frozen over, so the going was fast, but hard. Views from Baslow Edge were spectacular on this bright November morning, and, as usual, the cakes supplied by the Baslow School PTFA were plentiful after the course was complete.
A cold crisp start to the race!
The winner in action
Across the fields in Bubnell
The overall winner was Andrew Heyes (Dark Peak Fell Runners / Team GB) in 47:59. This was a shade above his own course record from 2022 (47:13), but still (quite frankly) a superhuman effort averaging 6:17 minutes per mile across this hilly and muddy course. Marshals did report that he ran the lot, and no motor vehicles were involved even in the uphill sections! The battle for first lady was very tight with Hayley Gill (Matlock Athletics) just beating Catherine Williams (Sinfin Running Club) to the line in 1:00:08.
The first three.
First two ladies
First local was retained by local legend Michael Brown in 1:02:50. He reckoned that he was carrying an injury this year, but this wasn’t so apparent to those that watched him sprint across the line.
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 most cheerful runners, the best dressed runner (sheep leggings!), and those that arrived by bike (but without running shoes!).
Many thanks to all who helped with this year’s event, the school and the church and to all our runners! We look forward to seeing you again at Baslow Bolt 2024 on 30th November next year.
