his year’s Bakewell Pudding Race took place on Sunday 25 June, with a great turn-out. The weather for the race was perhaps a bit hot and humid for running, as many runners told us afterwards, but the course was dry and the crossing of the river at the end is a great way to cool down!
The turnout was good, with around 260 in total for the two runs. There were 214 participants in the Fell run, many of them experienced club runners, with 45 in the Junior/Fun run. The Fell Run is 10.4 km (approximately 6.25 m) and follows paths up through the woods above Bakewell to Ballcross, back through the woods, to the top of Coombs Road, down to the River Wye, with runners crossing the river back onto the Recreation Ground, giving a much-needed refreshing “dip” just before the finish.
The Senior Run was won by Jonathan Crickmore of Dark Peak FR in a time of 39:41, William Longden of Buxton AC came in second with a time of 40:50, followed by Greg Hopkinson. The course record is 38:01, set in 2019, but that and humidity meant that the record was unlikely to beaten. Jonathan was also first to the “top of the hill” at Ballcross. The first woman (fourth overall) was Lauren McNeil (Hallamshire Harriers) in a great time of 42:10. She beat Laura Robertson (Dark Peak FR) and Hannah Tyldesley (unattached), with times of 49.58 and 50:29 respectively.
The Junior/Fun run is 4.2km (approx. 2.5 miles) and follows part of the Monsal Trail before coming back along the river to the Recreation Ground. Joel Tidmarsh won in a time of 18:02, followed by Ben Halson and Jamie Hunt, who was the first junior home in a time of 19.34. The first girl was Erin Colebrook who finished in in second place (20:15).
All finishers received an excellent Bakewell Pudding from the Original Bakewell Pudding Shop. Once again, the organisers, John Scott and Joe Oldfield, would like to thank all those helpers who make it work on the day and to Bakewell Carnival Committee for their assistance. All the money we make goes to local good causes, so thank you for your support. This is the last year that we are organising the run, after nearly 20 years, so it will be under “new management” next year, so this is a final thanks to all those who have helped us and taken part over the years.
For details and full results, please see the race website at “www.bakewellpuddingrace.co.uk” or contact John Scott on jrsco@btinternet.com. We are also on Facebook.