Baslow Bolt

Conditions were pretty grim with multiple emails from the organisers in advance wanting runners of the tricky state of the course. However this didn’t stop 10 hardy MAC’s from taking it on.

Registration was at St Anne’s school with most of the 400 runners squeezing themselves into the tiny school hall to shelter from the elements before the race. The start is in the slightly unusual location of a church yard with the speedsters jostling for position at the front of the narrow the start line. Myself, Roy, Nick, Sally and David observed from a little further back as Greg and Simon shot off. Once out of the churchyard a few more obstacles had us stop starting for a bit before Nick and Sally could also be seen striding out into the distance.

The organisers weren’t lying when they said the course was going to be even more challenging than usual this year. The fields were sodden, the mud was churned, the rocks were slippy and the puddles were deep and plentiful! Runners were well and truly in the trenches but this just added to the fun and gave visitors to the area an authentic Derbyshire winter welcome. A number of runners, MAC’s included took a tumble and got some war wounds to take home for their efforts, Caroline Robertson also got herself an impressive mud bath.

The climb up to Baslow Edge was lung busting as always and the stretch along the top had to be taken with care given the conditions underfoot and fog at the greater altitude. The views of the Dark and White Peak just visible.

A fast descent gave the opportunity for those who enjoy this more than the climbs to stretch out and gain some last minute places. Others were holding on to their knees in anticipation of the finish! A warm welcome was received back at the school with cake and hot drinks aplenty.

Greg Hopkinson darted round and was rewarded with 4th place overall. Not far behind was Ben Meakin. Simon Hoggart was next followed by Nick Gant. Darren Spibey and Sally Hale came in one behind the other and with just 6 seconds between them. Next up was David Howarth, Caroline Robertson and Roy Austin received a cheer and applause from his club mates as he rounded off the MAC efforts for the day.

Well done also to Lisa de le Mare who was running with friends from Sole Mates.

Kudos to all the MAC’s who made it out to enjoy the weather on a brilliant course. Results here