60th Dovedale Dash

Sunday 6th November 2016

Spot the Wilmslow runners (no prizes)

http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/dovedale-dash-2016-see-if-you-appear-in-photos-from-the-annual-event/story-29872260-detail/story.html

Nearly 1600 runners (plus groupies) braved the cold and wet weather to take part in the annual Dovedale Dash – a combination of a serious race and a fun run.  These conditions only prevailed during the race.  Beforehand, it had been a beautiful sunny autumn morning, albeit only 4degC in the chill wind.

The event, in it’s 60^th year, is a popular cross-country race of 4¾ miles in the picturesque Dovedale area around the villages of Thorpe and Ilam, near Ashbourne, in the south of the Derbyshire Peak District.

The mass downhill start from the high point on Thorpe Pastures is a mad dash down into Lin Dale with the first patches of shoe sucking-off mud waiting for the unwary.

Most of the multi-terrain course is up and down dale, over muddy fields and along rough paths/tracks, with a bit of road thrown in. It features the exciting and spectacular wildebeest-like crossing of the River Dove at the Stepping Stones beauty spot.  Luckily, for Gail, no crocodiles to contend with.

Apart from Di Bygrave, most runners spurned the queue for the easy crossing on the stepping stones and plunged straight in to the river, dragging themselves, the odd child, and many assorted dogs with them.

The winner (usually Stuart Bond from Dark Peak) finishes in a time of around 30mins, depending on conditions.  I was told this year was a stroll in the park compared to most, providing it hasn’t been cancelled – which seems to happen quite a lot.  I wonder why ?!

It was evident that the vast majority of runners enjoy the Dash as a ‘great’ day out, an unforgettable event with lots of mud and cold wet shoes after wading through the river early on. Some dress up in fancy dress, which adds to the unique atmosphere of the race – or not?  I expect most wished they hadn’t by the time they wound their way through the never-ending finish funnel and verging on hypothermia!

Some people come year after year so they must enjoy it!  Some running clubs even bring a coach load.  Can’t see us doing that anytime soon judging by our very low turnout – well under twenty I reckon.

In spite of the conditions, Tony with some previous experience of the race stormed round to win the Over 60’s race.  But, special mention for the young Bygrave girls – Annabelle (11) paced her dad round to finish 2nd U14, along with their dog.  Though, you wonder who was leading who ?  And, Ava, who won the U8 gold medal in the junior race held before the main race.

Full preliminary full results at : http://www.dovedaledash.co.uk/results.html

Don