Baslow Bootbash

Grantham Running Club had seven runners taking part in this year’s Baslow Bootbash. The Baslow Boot Bash took place for the first time in the summer of 2005. Following its success on that occasion, it has now become an annual event. The  26+ mile run winds its way through the beautiful scenery of the Peak District National Park. The Baslow Boot Bash raises funds for Baslow Choir, helping it to use professional singers and musicians to enhance its performances. On a day which was pretty good for running, cool at the start and warming up during the morning before a downpour mid-afternoon dampened some of the later finishers.

First home for GRC was their most experienced fell runner having done this particular race almost a dozen times Paul Rushworth was able to take it steady as he prepared to return to the Peak District in September for a race more than twice this distance. Paul nabbed 11^th place in a time of 5:09:21. Not far behind him were Catherine Payne, who was second lady to finish and Robert McArdle in joint 12^th place with a time of 5:21:32. Making it four in the top 20 for our local club was serial marathon man Nick Payne (5:32:46)

Next home was Andrew MacAllister in 6:13:53 with the final runner for the club being Sarah High in 6:52:19 who had stopped to come to the aid of an injured competitor but was still able to finish in the top 50. Mark Hillson had to pull out at the 20 mark with a leg injury.