Report by Chris Gillott
267 runners lined up for the annual Eyam Fell Race (6.4 miles, 1100ft ascent) on a warm Tuesday evening. The race starts with fairly steady 500ft climb up The Nook and onto Bretton Moor, taking in a mix of terrain including stony trails, road (passing the Barrel Inn), grass and open heather moorland with some stunning scenery, before working it’s way back down towards the village. There is a dramatic downhill section through woodland (which was made more challenging with the fading light) before the final push to the finish. Eyam Brewery were on hand with some fine ales to provide much needed refreshments afterwards.
For Wirksworth, Mark Crawshaw was first home, in 40th place with a time of 51.24, followed by Lewis Glover (80th) 54.26, Chris Gillott (99th) 57.07, Elaine Stone (184th) 1.06.52, and Claire Eardley (232nd) 1.15.55.
1st place went to Max Wainwright of Dark Peak in 39.52, and first female Hattie Archer in 42.53 (8th overall) also of Dark Peak.