Blakedown Bolt 2008
10Km Race

(Friday 20th June 2008, starting at 7.15pm)

UK Athletics Permit 10349

Are You Ready?

STOP PRESS! The 2008 race is now 66% full! At this stage last year we had only just started taking entries, so this is fantastic news. But, if you're thinking of entering, don't hang about. Last year, regretfully we had to turn away many would-be Bolters. If you include a LEGIBLE email address on your completed application form we will confirm whether you have a place.

The inaugural Blakedown Bolt in June 2007 was hailed as a great success and has put our Worcestershire village firmly on the running map!

The date for 2008 has been set – it’s Friday 20^th June, and the race will start once again from Blakedown Sports Field at 7.15pm.

Please don’t delay in sending off your entry – in 2007 all places were sold out a month before the event. This year we have strong indications from several clubs that they will choose our event as one of their club runs, which we’re delighted about. It will, of course, mean extra demand for places.

There are two ways to enter: either print out, fill in and send off an application form with your cheque, or enter on-line at www.runnersworld.co.uk, where you can pay by credit card (you have to pay a small extra premium to Runners World for this service.)

This year we've teamed up with sports-log.com to bring you a virtual flyover of the Blakedown Bolt. See the course at www.sports-log.com/blakedown. Sports log is the latest GPS sports performance analysis device, and Blakedown Bolt entrants qualify for a 10% discount on the price.

I would like to congratulate you and your team on a fantastic run last night. It was extremely well organised with supportive and friendly marshals. Well done to everyone. Despite the rain it was a very enjoyable evening.

Just a short note to say thanks for a well-organised race. It was a cracking run and a lovely, varied course - the mud was part of the experience. I was glad that some of the paths had been mown down, as the previous week it was very slow wet running through long grass! Thanks again.
Louise Weber
PS the rest of the family had a great time on the bouncy castle and enjoying a beer!

I would like to pass on my congratulations and thanks to everyone who made the Bolt possible. It was a well-organised and friendly event. The race route was superb and I will definitely be back next year. The atmosphere was great, before, after and during the event, it was a treat to have a BBQ and a beer tent as it made spectating by my husband a pleasure instead of his usual wait. Well done to everyone.

The Bolt course is nice and varied, with a few hills and stiles along the way. Apart from some very short sections on quiet country roads, it’s almost entirely traffic free. You’ll be running through beautiful Worcestershire countryside, taking in farmland and woodland, making a loop around Mount Segg. We can promise you some superb views and heaps of variety! The course in 2007 was very muddy in places, thanks to the deluge of rain in the week before the event. Strangely this seemed to add to the enjoyment for many entrants! We make no promises for mud in 2008!

A map of the course is available by clicking on the link, but bear in mind we are still making (small) revisions to the course as we seek to improve and refine.

Race results for all runners will be posted here on the village website as soon as we can crunch the numbers!

Profits from the race will go directly to Churchill & Blakedown Sports and Recreation Club, which has an ongoing major fundraising campaign to rebuild the sports pavilion in Blakedown Village. The current building is more than 30 years old, and is most definitely in need of replacement.

Everyone who completed the 2007 Bolt received our unique Blakedown Bolt memento. Rather than giving out bog-standard medals, once again in 2008 we’re opting for chunky bolts complete with fully functioning nuts. These were chosen to reflect the traditional local forging and tool-making industry that began here in the 1700’s.

And by popular demand, a Licensed Bar, refreshments and BBQ will be available at Blakedown Sports Field from 6.30pm and after the race. Come and join the party!

Accompanying children will enjoy trying out the fantastic newly refurbished playground next to the sports field.

Further race information

Places for the Blakedown Bolt 2008 will be strictly limited to 300. Prizes will be awarded in various categories, and all finishers will receive a Blakedown Bolt memento.

Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd man, 1st, 2nd, 3rd woman, 1st male veteran (40+ and 50+), 1st female veteran (35+ and 45+).

Prize giving at the finish of the race at approximately 8.30pm

Assembly: Blakedown Sports Field, off Birmingham Road, in good time for a 7.15pm start

Grid Ref OS Explorer 219, Ref 882 786

Public transport to Blakedown

The village is on the railway line between Birmingham and Worcester and well served by trains. The station is approximately 3 minutes away from the start of the race.

Check train times on www.nationalrail.co.uk

Parking There is limited free parking at various locations in Blakedown. Full details will be provided with race information. We would like to encourage runners and supporters to share lifts or use public transport where possible.

Changing and toilets limited changing facilities at the Sports Club on Blakedown Sports Field (profits from the race go towards its refurbishment!) Toilets available
No disabled facilities at the Club

Sustainability We are aiming to be as eco-friendly as possible by encouraging lift-sharing and the use use of public transport. We also pledge to recycle all the bottles, cans and waste paper at the event itself. All Blakedown Bolt leaflets are printed on paper from FSM certified sustainable sources.

To help you all find or offer lifts, or even just to chat about the Blakedown Bolt, we have set up a Blakedown Bolt Forum area. Just Register with the forum and you're off!

All profits to Churchill & Blakedown Sports and Recreation Club

UK Athletics Permit applied for

Race Route
The route begins with a lap of the sports field, then heads SW between Forge Pool and Ladies Pool. It includes short sections on quiet country lanes, but is predominantly along scenic woodland and field paths and circumnavigates Mount Segg. There are a few stiles to add some spice! Finishes back at Blakedown Sports Field. No dogs or cycles! Please obey Marshals and take extra care at road crossings (but bear in mind we are still making small changes to improve the flow of the course).

See full map of route here

Entry Fees (in advance)
£7.00 Affiliated Club Runners/£9 Unaffiliated
Entries on the day, if places available: £9.00 affiliated, £11.00 unaffiliated

Please note that all entrants must be at least 16 years old on the day of the race.

Download & Print an Entry Form

You may need Adobe Reader to open the Entry Form, available from