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All photos courtesy of Craig Linacre Photography My last two races haven't been great - a DNF at Robin Hood (hamstring, pulled out at Wollaton) followed by a cracked elbow out in a 12 mile Menorca trail race (slipped on rock, but managed to finish). Since then the hamstring issue has shifted around to my hip and I’ve been living in the gym trying to keep some degree of fitness. This was my first time running the Bolsover 10k and these issues brought a bit of jeopardy to the show! My right hamstring, hip and calf were all vying for top spot of niggles, plus I was laid up with the man-flu all last week. This left me in a curious mood as we shuffled about in the start pen. Would I end up walking a few miles home? Or could I nurse myself around to the finish? Toss of a coin. Typing this out it’s clear I should have cried off. But I’m a runner, ya know, and I enjoy the atmosphere of being at a race. Among ‘my tribe’ if you like, other people who like the feeling of competing, of pushing themselves. I’d booked the race hoping to really go at it and try and get under 38 (possible, but only at my very peak). Fast forward a few months and the time had become irrelevant. I just wanted to be there, to complete the course and soak up the atmosphere. In terms of logistics, I was lucky to get a lift from Nick, our ever-positive and inspiring club secretary. We had a good chat on the 30 min drive up the M1 to Bolsover where Nick, having run this event many times, knew exactly where to park on the road in. There are car parks in the small town, but loads of folks parked on the entrance road too. Bibs had already been posted out with bag drop labels, so it was a short jog down to the historic castle with no pressure to collect them. Road closures were already in place, or about to be, and it was obvious where to go from all the other folks in running gear. It felt a bit like a mini-Ashby 20 atmosphere to me, and with no pressure on pace, I had no nerves for once and enjoyed the build-up. Over 1,000 people completed the race, so it's a decent-sized event. The castle is a 17th century rebuild on a medieval site and has magnificent views over the countryside (article about the castle here). The race village area inside the castle grounds had a good vibe as we stared at the rolling landscape under a crimson sky. Thankfully, Red Sky in the Morning, Shepherd's Warning was disproven yesterday. A headwind slowed us at times but it stayed dry and mild. Being managed by North Derbyshire Running Club, the organisation was slick. Bag drop and collection were smooth, lots of info was sent beforehand, the marshals were plentiful and encouraging and they even had a full set of pacers with backpack flags. A few other KADS had shown up and I found myself with Ed just in front of the 45 min pacer. I could see Dale a couple of rows ahead. Matt, who finished a fantastic 10th, was off in the far distance, somewhere unseen up ahead. Behind were Iyan (who passed me going very strong a mile or so in), Kerstine (who was pacing a friend) and Nick (who ran a great race after enduring a difficult year). The Bolsover course undulates through countryside lanes (it’s fast, but not as fast as pancake flat Wilne). Some are closed, some half-closed and some of the quieter ones left open to traffic. I didn’t have any issues with vehicles, there was lots of space. I’ve heard unthinking drivers can be an issue on this course, so I kept my wits about me just in case. My calf was my biggest concern, feeling tight and sore. I switched from forefoot to heel striking which seemed to help, and just nursed it round, slowing down on the inclines. I enjoyed the usual mini-battles with the runners around me, but was relieved to get back to the downhill track which heads to the finish arch. A cool place to finish a race, and a good opportunity to give it any remaining pace you might possess. Nick had another appointment afterwards so we didn’t hang around, just enough time to enquire with some of the other KADS and runners from other clubs. We all received a medal but the T shirt was optional. Useful for me as I can’t fit any more in my drawer. Nick picked his shirt up, just a short queue, and we headed off for the half hour trip home. Thanks again for the lift and the company Nick, much appreciated. Would I do Bolsover again? Definitely. Fingers crossed I’ll be match fit and be able to have a hard run at it in December 2026. Full set of KADS results below. Cheers, Jason Buckley  |
