This Sunday (15 August) sees The Belper Rover where runners will take on a tough hilly course 30K in distance. Their industrious efforts will be rewarded with a special Belper Rover Buff along with a medal. 

Last year’s event was organised within Covid rules and to great success. Whilst the situation has improved since then, several measures remain in place to ensure everyone’s safety. This includes a rolling start based upon estimated finishing times. 

(These are part of the 2021 Race Instructions which are available to view on The Belper Rover website). 

Participants follow an attractive, multi-terrain route consisting of footpaths, fields, bridleways, woodland and roads in and around the Derwent Valley in Derbyshire. There are more than a few stiles to climb over and hills to climb up making it a fair old challenge for runners and walkers; however, marshals on the course and the water stations will encourage everyone to the end. 

Entries opened on the 28 March and quickly filled up; such is the thirst for racing after nearly 18 months of lockdowns and restrictions. A relaxation of the rules meant spaces for an extra 40 people and these too have flown off the shelves!  If you organise it they will come...

There are awards and cash prizes for the top three men and women and 1st/2nd/3rd in all age groups. Every finisher receives a buff, medal, water and a voucher for a meal – the latter especially welcome after 18 miles on a far from easy course.      

The weather is looking good for Sunday. Best of luck to everyone involved.

Image courtesy of Mark Lesly Unwin.