Roll up, roll up for this year's Big Dipper Half Marathon which will take place on 15 September with runners once again promised a 'wild and wonderful ride'. Dronfield Running Club invites the bravest of hill-seekers to take on one of the toughest half marathon road races in the country.​

Rolling through the North Derbyshire countryside and the Peak District National Park, the route sees runners tackle 1,675ft of ascent across our stunning and testing course. Starting at The Hyde Park Inn at the aptly named 'hill top' area of Dronfield, the race then heads out through the village of Barlow towards Shillito Woods and then climbs up and through the hamlet of Unthank, before heading back into Barlow and skirting the edge of Holmesfield.

​The race is grueling but efforts on the hills are paid back tenfold in the form of stunning vistas and beautiful Peak District backdrops. And don't expect a sprint finish as there's a sting in the tail as runners finish uphill back to the Hyde Park Inn for well-earned refreshments.

A spokesperson from the club said: "The Big Dipper is Dronfield RC’s flagship event, and it has a fearsome reputation for being very hard. A reputation that is well deserved.

"Back for a third year, while many races are increasing in price, we've reduced entry fees this year to just £20. In order to reduce our costs and carbon footprint, we've stripped the race right back to its very essence; no medals, no gimmicks: just runners versus hills.

"It goes without saying that there will be no personal best times set at this event. Our finish line feedback ranges from 'I’m never doing that ever again!' to 'I really enjoyed it, what a stunning route'!"

If you'd like to know more, visit the Dronfield RC website.

Image: Dronfield RC