The race started on the dot of 10.00am to the chime of the church clock. Church Warden Richard Powell started the race after a bible quote from the Book of Psalms 121 ‘I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help’. With a courageous spirit, 319 runners chased around the 13.2km (400m of ascent) route. All were rewarded with tea and cake at the finish line thanks to the Baslow School PTFA. Andrew Heyes (Dark Peak Fell Runners) set a course record for the new route of 49:03 and his wife Lauren (Hallamshire Harriers) set a new record of 58:10. Christmas will be good for the Heye’s this year as they both won a Chatsworth Christmas Hamper! Local winners were Charlotte Staniland (1:10:13) in her first Baslow Bolt, and Michael Brown (1:08:30) who retained his local win.
The overall winner on his way to victory
This year’s race had a new route designed to avoid the log jam through a tight passage near the start. The new route took runners along Bubnell lane, past Bubnell Farm and across the field to join the original route. This added an extra 1km but did spread open the pack to a greater extent. There was still congestion by a stile causing some runners to climb a wall – a learning point for the race organisers who will arrange a marshal at that point in future years.
At the start
The weather was kind at 11˚C with mostly dry conditions underfoot. Balmy compared with the frosty and snowy conditions of previous years. A bit of mud was evident – but this is a fell race after all. Some consternation was caused when a lead runner diverted from the route with others following. It seems that some flags were badly placed which likely caused the navigational error. The course markers suspect flag movement by walkers in the early hours, or even by the sheep in whose field the flags were placed. However, those marking the course were noted to have visited the Bridge Inn near that spot during their duties. The true reason for the badly signed path junction may never be known. We are relieved to note that the runners who went astray ran further than the required distance, and the mishap led to no change in final positions. The race organisers are again considering an extra marshal point for next year.
The Sweepers finish
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, and the runner providing the best banter (“It is a running race not a Karate competition!” observed one runner to another who was swinging their legs dramatically to warm up).
This year we have raised £4098 for charity. This will be divided between the Baslow School PTFA, the Baslow Church buildings fund, Water Aid and Blythe House Hospice.
Many thanks to all who helped with this year’s event, and to all our runners! We look forward to seeing you again at Baslow Bolt 2025 on 29th November next year.
