Grindleford Gallop

Saturday March 8th.

Saturday started very cool in Grindleford. we were debating long sleeves tops and hats when the race set off. It was a quick blast to the first of many stiles. Jon and I managed to stay in contact with Andy for about the first 30 minutes then somehow we lost him when we climbed up the fields to Eyam. Once through Eyam we moved into the white peak proper, limestone walls and more stiles. It was very cloudy at this stage and several runners lost their way in the mist. Jon overtook me whilst I retied my laces for the third time (I should know better – school boy error). I tried to catch him but he was totally focussed on 7 min/ miles. We passed Hassop Railway station at quite a pace, I nearly caught Jon up the hill out of Bakewell, but again he got the better of me. Once in Chatsworth Park, I was chasing Jon all the way to Baslow, I was tiring. The final climb up the gritstone edge, it was now lovely and warm and  I again got within sight of Jon, but he shot off once on the ridge. Oh well next year….

Special thanks to Ian Gilliver for popping up many places round the course and cheering us on

 Ian