Spire Ultra
Saturday 31 October 2020
32.9 miles (53.0 km); 3,986 feet (1,215 m) of ascent (approximate figures although the Chesterfield Round Walk is stated as 34 miles (54.7 km) and the ultra is based on that route with some minor modifications). Some pleasant running through woods and countryside with some rural areas circumnavigating Chesterfield.
The race normally starts and ends at North Wingfield and was due to take place on 9 May 2020. However, due to the Covid pandemic the event was re-scheduled with various safety precautions in place. There was a staggered start from the junction of Belland Lane and the A632 with the finish being at High Ashes Farm. This alteration cut a bit off the length of the route.
Starters: ??
Finishers: 62
Retired: ??
First Man: Kevin Hoult; 4:31:31
First Lady: 17th overall; Megan Elliot: 6:09:03
Ian Challans: 10th; Dark Peak Fell Runners; 5:42:47 (last year – 5:43:25)
Steven Jones: 45th; Dark Peak Fell Runners; 7:33:37 (last year – 6:20:52)
Recent heavy rain had affected the course and we were slithering around in mud. I was over an hour slower than last year due to the pandemic inhibiting training and racing but I was glad to have finished with very little training done in the previous months. Ian Challans was 38 seconds quicker than his race the year before before despite the muddy conditions. He had obviously kept up a good training regime.