Chelmorton Chase

Race Date: Sunday 29th September 2024

Race Report by Kathy Liddiard

Chelmorton Chase is a 5 mile mixed terrain race which starts and finishes in front of the primitive hall in the village of Chelmorton, one of the highest villages in Derbyshire.

Despite growing up in the village, I have never run the route, so opted for this low-key race as an alternative to the Sheffield 10K being run on the same day. £7 entry on the day was quick and easy, and the race started promptly at 11:30am.

The route itself starts with a climb of over 80m in the first kilometre through the village, past the Church Inn pub and up a rocky trail to The Rakes. This levels out (by comparison) with some lumps, bumps and stone step stiles to overcome through a series of grassy fields. At the highest point at 2.5km, you turn right and drop down the field to join the lanes. From this point forward, the course is largely run on tarmac (except for Highstone Lane which is a stoney farm track). My choice of footwear was reconsidered on a number of occasions. I’d opted for fell shoes, which were great over the fields, but felt like bricks on the tarmac! Perhaps trail shoes would have offered a better middle ground.

Kathy enjoying some downhill

After navigating the standing puddles on Highstone Lane, another right turn takes you back on to smooth tarmac for the final few kilometres. Here, the descent down Pippenwell Road near matches the ascent at the start, and allows for some serious speed to be built for the final push through the village back to primitive hall.

The proceedings are led by Lady Tracey Hollinsclough, equipped with her F1 style checkered flag to set off the runners and welcome them back, along with plenty of cheers!

At the finish, water and medals were provided. Once all runners were back, the results were swiftly processed and winners were presented with prizes. This included a framed certificate which had their race photo from the course – a nice touch and something a bit different. The first club team (consisting of 4 runners) wins one hundred pounds.

1st lady Kathy with Lady Tracey Hollinsclough

For the first female, they are also presented with a special extra – the Joan Windross memorial shield. This holds more than a decade of names for female winners and is on display in the Church Inn pub in the village.

Team SCS: Will, Nicky & Kathy at the finish

There were 27 finishers in total, with 3 striders in attendance. Well done to all!

First across the line was Luke Beresford (Sinfin Running Club) in 31:57. First female was me (Steel City Striders) in 37:32. Sinfin Running Club were the winners of the club team prize.

Striders Results

P Name Cat Cat P Time
7 Kathy Liddiard FS 1 37:32
16 Will Day MV40 10 41:58
18 Nicky Rafferty FV40 2 43:11

Full results can be found on chelmorton.net

Will on a hill

Nicky running quickly

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