5 Macs at Sunday’s Dovedale Big Daddy Fell Race
12.5 miles and 4800ft of elevation
On Sunday, 1st February 2026, the Dovedale Big Daddy race lived up to its name, Mud, Mist and slippery Limestone made for a tough 20.4km course with 1,400m of ascent, taking runners on a rollercoaster of nine climbs through the Manifold and Dovedale valleys.
The race kicked off from Ilam Primary School. Being a partially marked course, there were a number of unmarked sections allowing some to take a thornier route. The last few miles packed a punch, culminating in steep climbs up Flagpole Hill, Thorpe Cloud and Bunster Hill (a couple of times!).
Dark Peak took the crown with Finlay Grant a new course record knocking 12 minutes of last year’s time!!
For Mac Rich Bradbury led the team home in 26th in 2h:39 next back Ben Meakin 35th in 2:51, John Thorpe in 46th in 3:01, Adam Ford 90th in 3:37 and for the Ladies Rachel Perry 23rd Lady in 3:52,
Over the 4 Limestone Series races
Richard Bradbury took the V50 title
Mick Moorhouse claimed the V70 title
John Thorpe was 2nd V40
