The theme of the running week had a distinctly mountainous feel to it, with forays up Shutlingsloe, Win Hill, Chrome Hill, a vertical climb from Monsal Dale and the steeply wooded hills above the beautiful Chatsworth House.

Monday saw the annual Tideswell Running Club’s Inter Inns 5K, a short but testing sprint from the village over to Litton and back. Some 20 Buxtonians took part, and plaudits go to the ladies for scooping a whole host of prizes. First female home, and first Junior, was Lucy Bednall in a sparkling time of 20.30, and a marvelous 10^th place overall from a field of 115. Mum Jo was second female home, 15^th overall in 21.50, while Tania Wilson was 3^rd female home in 17^th position. Sheila Bradley, meanwhile, was first Female Vet 60 in 39^th place overall, in 24.39. The talented Chris Rushworth was third overall in 18.32, Neil Evans next home for the men in 19^th position, in 22.31, while Pete Bailey was 27^th home in 23.30.

Hope Fell Race summits the fearsome Win Hill, and covers 9.5K with 450 metres of ascent. Almost 300 runners braved the challenge of the climb. Not unexpectedly, Buxton Junior lads shone yet again, with Sam Soles taking 10^th place in 46.16 and close behind was Jacob Winfield, 13^th in 46.52. First Buxton Senior home was Nigel Jeff in 100^th place, in 58.12, while Tania Wilson was 187^th in 66.21. Seven Buxton runners took part.

Thursday saw the 5^th race in the Staffordshire Moorlands Summer Series, a slog all the way up the local landmark of Shutlingsloe, the third highest hill in Cheshire. A short race, some 3.5 miles, the 506 metre summit is naturally going to be a steep climb. Eighteen Buxton runners took part, and Elliot Meylan demonstrated his hill-climbing abilities by taking a fantastic 4^th place overall in 26.42. Chris Rushworth was 22^nd in 30.25, while Martin Thompson was 28^th in 31.09. Katie Rolfe, claiming 2^nd FV40 in the race, finished in 79^th position, in 36.23, while Adele Thornton held her position just ahead of Sheila Bradley, taking 109^th place in 38.36, Bradley finishing in 110^th just three seconds later. Bradley was 1^st FV60.

Tideswell Fell Race is traditionally held during the village’s Wakes Week, and is a firm favourite in the fell racing calendar. While the race is a mere 4.5 miles, it has very steep ascents and descents from the River Wye and Monsal Trail. Eleven Buxton runners took part and, once again the ladies returned with prizes. Amy Wadsworth was 3^rd female (26^th overall from 121 in 33.17), while Sam Willis was 58^th overall and first FV40 in 36.48. Jason Brunnock and Ben Light had a tussle for 6^th and 7^th place, with Brunnock taking the lead by just 20 seconds, finishing in 28.05, Light in 28.25. Jason Bennett was 14^th in 30.47.

Saturday was another hill-climber’s dream – the awesome Chrome Hill, locally known as Dragon’s Back for its distinctive rugged ridge. 700 feet doesn’t sound much of a climb, but over a 4 mile distance, it’s a true test of strength & stamina, and 10 Buxton runners relished the challenge. Nine Buxtonians ran, led home by Nick Jones in a steaming 40.34, followed by Richard Bouglas in 42.42. Tania Wilson was on fire, almost literally given the blazing hot weather, finishing 50^th in 46.43, with Sam Willis racing home in 48.39. Heather Wilshaw was 1^st Junior home in 54.57, 87^th overall. There were 120 runners.

The Helen’s Trust Chatsworth 10K attracts a huge field each year, and 2019 was no different with 836 runners taking part. Ten Buxton runners enjoyed the beautiful views of the stunning parkland before heading steeply uphill through Stand Wood to the lakes at the top and then haring back down again.   Amy Wadsworth, after a warm up at Tideswell, ran her socks off to finish in a brilliant 2^nd female place, 17^th overall in 41.06. Jon Sewell was first Buxton male home in 15^th position, in a cracking time of 40.44. Charlie Narejko managed to slash almost 6 minutes from her 2018 time, demonstrating just how her performances are improving through her grit and determination. She finished in 62 minutes.

A welcome return to the racing world after a lengthy lay-off due to injury was Steve Watson (Vet 55) at the Congleton Parkun. A superb 5^th place in 19.02 shows that he’s back and he means business!