Places have been snapped up for the 2022 Belper Rover (Sunday 14 August) which is popular due to its route, camaraderie and beer at the finish. Entrants in this year’s race will have a day to remember as they tackle a 30K multi-terrain course with much to recommend it.   

An event for walkers as well as runners, the Belper Rover provides a challenge over 18 miles of bridleways, footpaths, fields, woods and roads which includes more than a few stiles to climb over. Fully marked with white direction arrows and friendly, efficient marshals at key points such as road crossings to keep everyone moving as they pass through picturesque countryside in and around Belper, Derbyshire. Total elevation is 1800ft. 

Hydration is catered for at two water stations where participants fill their own bottles/flasks or a cup.        

Walkers set off first at 8.30am followed by runners – men at 9.00am then women at 9.03am - via a rolling start from Wyver Lane, close to Belper Meadows Sports Centre which is also the location for the Race HQ. The event finishes at Belper Meadows.

There are prizes for the first three men and women: £100 (1st), £50 (2nd) and £25 (3rd) with a £50 bonus for the first participants to finish under 2 hours. Every finisher receives a bottle of water, medal, memento and something to eat and drink – the latter a bottle of beer from Thornbridge Brewery in Bakewell.      

Be sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast (and the event website and Facebook page) and prepare accordingly.  

Image courtesy of Mark Gibson.