A race with a view that has become an annual village event is the Chelmorton Chase. A ‘Fell Race Association’ FRA running event in September which starts outside Primitive Hall on main Street.
Travey, Lady of Hollinsclough flagged the runners away for a dry start. Amongst the September rain storms, sunshine blessed the runners. A local village army of high vis marshals were at every turn, the iconic blue timber arrows marked the route.
Passing the Church Inn pub for the Five Wells track, there is over five hundred feet of ascent and the race covers five mile, climbing high out of the village with spectacular views from the High Stool limestone trail, a fast road decent back to the village before returning down the Main Street.
A chequered flag marked the finish and locals cheered the runners on down Main Street.
Medals were awarded to the first one hundred finishers. The club prize of £100 for the winning team went to Sinfin Running Club of Derby.
Buxton runner, Andy Wilton holds the course record at thirty minutes, thirty one seconds and villager, Ian Hulse holds the locals' record. A double winner for the Dark Peak Running Club was Stuart Bond who also took first place in 2008 and 2010.
From 2010 the Joan Windross Memorial Shield has been presented to the first lady runner across the line. It holds more than a decade of names and is on display in the Church Inn pub. This year it was won by Kathryn Liddiard.
Next years date is set for 28th September – runners mark your diary!
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