On what felt like the hottest (and muggiest) day of the year, we all gathered in Pilsley for the start of this epic 10k hill climb.

There is a lot of history in this local event. 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 2024 event was capped at 650 and sold out before the cut-off. As my knees don’t like long fast downhills I decided not to enter this event, but had a late re-think (on the basis that it’s a great route) and joined the waiting list in the week before the event. In no time at all, I was offered a place and ended up here

The race is basically W shaped (all road) there and back., The mid point is reached at the top steep climb up to the entrance of Hardwick Hall. All roads were closed for this event and support from locals through the village was impressive. There was a real party atmosphere to soak up on the final drive for the finish. There was also a lot of support on the BIG hill and at the pub at the bottom of the hill.