Race Date: Sunday 8th October 2023

The Chelmorton Chase stood out as an alternative to the 10 10 10 (which I have previously run) on the local race calendar. A 26 mile journey towards Buxton is pushing what I would normally call local, but its proximity to Taddington (famed for the recently run: Taddington Lanes Road Race) and its location in the heart of the Peak District was enough to catch my attention. An 11.30am Sunday morning start and on the day registration also greatly helped.

The course is described as a mixed 5 mile route with a strong climb from the start and a downhill finish. Over 80m of the 141m elevation gain is made in the first km, with a high point just before 2.5km. The slippery grassland path (with many, possibly 10, stone step stiles), eventually turned on to a long single track country lane, which later becomes the very puddled limestone “Highstone Lane” farm track (where sometimes the only dry route is to skim the track edge – when the larger puddles can’t be jumped). Of course, running straight through the puddles is an option for the brave! A sharp right hander puts the event back on to a single track country lane, which after a couple of km drops (for the final km) on to Main Street for the finish line.

Additional facts and information:

Chelmorton stands 1100ft up in the Peak District and is the highest villages in Derbyshire.

The route has changed from the original, to avoid a cattle farm.

The race is started by Tracey, Lady of Hollingscough (see the video at:Chelmorton Chase 2023 – results, times and photos – A Village called Chelmorton , including drone footage) who also awards medals to the first 100 finishers as they cross the line.

The male race was won by James Mellor of Rotherham Harriers AC in 30.23. The female race was won by Helen Elmore of DPFR in 38.08. 38 runners in total including 3 Striders. Well done to them

Striders Results: