This iconic race has been on the go for over 40 years and yet continues to be one of the 'must do' events in Derbyshire. The Hardwick 10K's name is fairly apt as it does have a couple of climbs, but this just adds to the challenge and feeling of accomplishment post run.

This year's race will take place on 18 July, it is a summertime, Thursday evening race with a start time of 7.30pm. The event starts and finishes at Pilsley Primary School near Chesterfield but the star of the show is Hardwick Hill – a steep, lung-burning climb up to National Trust Hardwick Hall and Estate that is equally hard on the legs!

The race also features a steep downhill run to the Hardwick Inn then a climb up to Tibshelf Road before the final downhill 1K to a rapturous welcome from Pilsley villagers.

The event may have been around since 1981, but it was in 2016 that the course was amended to a 10K distance. The event is now regularly a sell-out and a tradition of being involved with a charity has resulted in donations being made to Weston Park Cancer Charity, Macmillan at the Royal Hospital, Ashgate Hospice and Blue Bell Wood Charities. This year's charity is The Children's Hospital Charity.

Water will be available at start and finish as well as points along the route, there will also be additional refreshments available for spectators. Every finisher gets a unique 'dry run' commemorative t-shirt.

Course records for the 10K distance are 31:33 for the men, achieved by Samuel Moakes of Sutton in Ashfield Harriers & AC and 38:19 recorded by Matlock AC's Hayley Gill.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Hardwick 10K website.

Image: Hardwick 10K Facebook