Baslow Bolt 2023 report

We’re delighted to share the post-race statement, issued by the organisers of Baslow Bolt:

The 2023 Baslow Bolt fell race was the biggest yet – with an entry limit raised to 400 places this year we saw 336 set off on the morning of 25th November along the 12km route.

The morning was bright and crisp, with a hard frost covering the open ground. As has become the custom, the race began with a bible quote from the running Reverend Mike Gilbert just as the church clock struck 10am.

Muddy puddles on the Bubnell fields had frozen over, so the going was fast, but hard. Views from Baslow Edge were spectacular on this bright November morning, and, as usual, the cakes supplied by the Baslow School PTFA were plentiful after the course was complete.

The overall winner was Andrew Heyes (Dark Peak Fell Runners) in 47:59. This was a shade above his own course record from 2022 (47:13), but still (quite frankly) a superhuman effort averaging 6:17 minutes per mile across this hilly and muddy course.

Marshals did report that he ran the lot, and no motor vehicles were involved even in the uphill sections! The battle for first lady was very tight with Hayley Gill (Matlock Athletics) just beating Catherine Williams (Sinfin Running Club) to the line in 1:00:08.

First local was retained by local legend Michael Brown in 1:02:50. He reckoned that he was carrying an injury this year, but this wasn’t so apparent to those that watched him sprint across the line.

Many thanks to our sponsors including The Outside and Rab who provided prizes, which were given to all age categories, and spot prizes given to the most cheerful runners, the best dressed runners, and those that arrived by bike (but without running shoes!).

This year we have raised £4035 for charity. This will be divided between the Baslow School PTFA, the Baslow Church buildings fund, The Fountains of Life, the Friends of Calcutta Cathedral Relief Service and the Baslow Toddler Group.

Many thanks to all who helped with this year’s event, and to all our runners! We look forward to seeing you again at Baslow Bolt 2024 on 30th November next year.

For more information visit their website