EVENT ORGANISER’S REPORT 2008

This year’s Great Bakewell Pudding Race took place on Sunday 29 June, kicking off Bakewell Carnival week. 

The turn out was excellent as usual, with 125 in the senior fell run and 100 in the Junior/Fun run The Senior Fell Run is 10.4 km (approximately 6.25 m) and follows paths up through the woods to Ballcross, to the top of Coombs Road, down to the river and then through the showground and back into the Recreation Ground.  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.  

All entrants received a mini Bakewell Pudding as the run is sponsored by the Bakewell Pudding Parlour.  

We were blessed with some excellent weather, despite some very dark clouds at 9.00am and heavy rain later in the day.  Running conditions were very good, with the course being much drier than last year’s mud-bath. 

The Senior Run was won by Phil Winskill of Dark Peak Fellrunners in a time of 39.22, just outside the course record.  In second place was Stuart Bond, followed by veteran and previous winner Kev Lilley, both of Dark Peak.  In fact Dark Peak dominated, taking the first 6 places – thanks for your continued support.   The first woman was Christine Howard of Matlock AC, in a time of 49.21- Christine is a regular inn the Pudding Run, having won the race in the last two years.  The second and third women were Julie Nolan and Jacky Smith, both of Dark Peak. 

In the Junior run, Freddie Reynolds followed his victory in last year’s junior category by winning the Intermediate in a time of 18.55, with Ben Salt in second and Jim Arundale third.  In the Girls Intermediate event, the winner was another regular, Fiona Gilbert in a time of 20.48, followed by Amy Mellor and Emma Erskine.  In the Junior category (12 and under) the winners were Natasha Lindley and Jake Stead.  

As always we had a varied turn-out, with the youngest entrant (and finisher!) being 2 year old Amelia. 

The organisers, John Scott and Joe Oldfield, would like to thank all those helpers who make it work on the day, often in difficult circumstances – without you it wouldn’t happen.  A particular mention to the ladies on the desks (Nicky and Katie Bacon, Jenny Gray, Cheryl Smith and Sue Kelcey), plus all the many marshals and helpers, many from Bakewell Mannerians Rugby Club.  A final thanks to Bakewell Carnival Committee for their assistance in getting set up and providing the PA system and Red Cross for attending to a few bruises and pulled muscles! 

If you represent a local organisation that requires funds, please contact John Scott.  We currently have some money to donate to worthy local causes, so please write or call. 

For details please see the pudding race website at “www.puddingrace.org.uk” or contact John Scott on john.scott@gallifordtry.co.uk or 01629-814217.