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Hardwick 10k – 17th July

Race report by Martin Downham

CAN YOU BEAT THE HARDWICK HILL? They ask.

On what felt like the muggiest day of the year, we gathered (again) in Pilsley for the start of this epic evening (BEAT THE HILL) 10k climb.

Having again waited too long to submit an entry, I found the event had sold out. So it was via the waiting list that I again managed to secure a last minute entry to this classic running event. A downside of this lack of forward planning is that you MAY NOT get your chosen T-Shirt – on this occasion, I did!

Photo:  Craig Linacre

 

This out and back road race has a “W shaped” altitude profile. The mid point summit is reached at the end of a long steep climb to Hardwick Hall (which, along with the M1 Motorway is visible at various points beyond the village). Part of the pleasure of this event is running down the same steep hill on the way back. It’s on the hill that you can cheer on the other runners, both on the way up and down. There is however still a lot of steady gradual climbing to go to get back to the village. The cattle grids on the road are safely covered for the duration of the race. All the roads are closed and well marshalled. Support from locals through the village and at the pubs we passed was as always impressive and greatly appreciated. There was a real party atmosphere to soak up on the final push for the finish.

Photo:  Craig Linacre

Some Event History
Cyril Leason, (a keen club runner), who had the original idea (for this race) worked with his friend Tom Hulatt of Tibshelf (who competed in the race where Roger Bannister broke the 4-minute mile) on his idea when they both attended a Slim Whitman concert at Sheffield City Hall.
Slim was a famous country and western singer – back in the day – who was also known for his yodeling abilities. Not so sure if Slim was a runner?

Tom thought it was a brilliant idea and agreed with Cyril that they would ask Slim to be Patron of the race, after the show. Slim (who died in 2013) agreed to this and has been associated with the race ever since.

32 runners entered the first race in 1981. The 2025 event (as in 2024) was capped at 650 and sold out before the cut-off.

Photo:  Craig Linacre

Event Summary:
Race permit: (ARC) 24/0393. Certified accurate 10 km course
Sponsored Charity – This year’s race charity is Ashgate Hospice (in 2024 it was The Children’s Hospital Charity). Other charities are involved and supported.
Course – closed roads
Car parks available near the start in Pilsley
£16 / £18 – Chip timed
Start Time  7:30pm

REGISTRATION at: Elm Centre, next to Pilsley Primary School, S45 8EH

 

Photo:  Craig Linacre

 

The official course record is 31:33 by Samuel Moakes, Sutton in Ashfield Harriers & AC, and 38:19 by Hayley Gill, Matlock AC (chip timings).
 
Prizes for first 3 men and women. There is a first men’s team prize (4 runners) and first ladies’ team (3 runners). There are also prizes in the age categories (first vets 40/50/60/70, men and women). The first Pilsley resident male and female also win prizes. A £100 prize is available to beat the course records
 
The year, all competitors had a choice of a grey or (VERY) pink commemorative T-Shirt (collected before the race! Unless you’re a late entry). 

 

My Strava total elevation: 174m
 
Our thanks go to the organisers, marshals and local support to make this a very enjoyable and successful event. Thanks!
 

Sadly, no SCS runners won any prizes this year. Unfortunately, not all SCS finishers could be gathered for a pre or post race picture (but thanks to those pictured)

Photo: Martin Downham

 

Striders Results:
Position Name Time Age Category
93 Jake Woodall 50.03 SM
106 Martin Downham 50.55 M60
154 Karen Clark 53.47 F60 (3rd)
200 Nick Ibbotson 56.43 SM
233 Lauren Thacker 58.27 SF
236 Sarah Percival 58.45 F40
260 Rhya Irwin 59.56 SF

The race was won by Samual Mokes from Unsanctioned Athletics in 31.53.  First female was Emma Peace from Vegan Runners in 43.20.

Full results: here
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