They came, they ran, they sweated! The British Summer was on full power for the
2010 Blakedown Bolt, and those of us spectating and marshaling were exhausted
just watching. Once again we had a sell out field - the reputation of our event
makes us proud. We've tried to take on board runners' comments wherever possible
to improve and make the event a pleasure for all. If we could only find a way of
getting rid of the early bottle-neck leaving the field, we'd feel we'd really cracked it.
There were a lot of familiar faces at the start line, but a good showing of
newcomers as well. Quite a few previous winners turned out to defend their
past successes, and some of them managed it rather well ...
Overall, finish times were somewhat slower than last year - and the energy-sapping
heat may give us the reason why. Fantastic to see Dean Hill of Tipton Harriers scoop
the Mens 1st prize (he came second in 2009). And congratulations to Simon Link of
Dudley and Stourbridge Harriers who grabbed the 2nd spot, an improvement on
his 3rd place in both 2008 and 2007. Here's betting Simon will be back next year,
more determined than ever! Third mens placing went to Ben Danvers of
Kidderminster and Stourport AC, another Bolt regular who was 2008's first across the line.
In the Ladies race, the late withdrawal of last year's winner Marianne Hennesman
left a gap which many were only to ready to try and fill. First place was taken
by Sarah Armstrong of Amazing Feet, with Kidderminster and Stourport's
Charlotte Whorton in 2nd. Lousie Massey, also of Amazing Feet was close
behind and took the 3rd prize.
Notable repeat performances came from local runners Alex Morgan and Jill Hall.
They'd returned their respective fastest Villagers' trophies from last year,
only to win them back again this time round. Well done to both, and Jill,
we'll make sure to spell your name correctly on the plaque this time!
Full results of all prize categories are below, and do look out for the Race Report
which will be appearing in a future edition of Runners World magazine.
They sent a journalist and photographer to cover our event, and we're looking
forward to reading their article.
Our fourth annual event is
taking place on what we hope will be a lovely midsummer
evening.
If you're feeling energetic enough to enter the 10km
run, you can download an entry form from www.blakedownvillage.co.uk
or pick one up in the Post Office.
The race, as always, is
filling up fast.
As we go to press, half the places have been
taken, so don't wait too long!
This is a community
event, and we rely on dozens of volunteers to help us on the
evening of the event.
If you could spare a few hours to
marshal
(basically just making sure the runners take the right
turning, and giving them lots of encouragement)
we'd love to hear
from you, even if you've never done anything like this before.
And we need people to help serve on the BBQ and refreshments at
the sports field.
Please contact Vicky Swindells on 01562
701265 if you can help.
All profits from the Blakedown
Bolt go to the fund for rebuilding the sports pavilion.
Blakedown Bolt 2010
10Km Race
(Friday 25th June 2010, starting at 7.15pm)
Please Note This is a Change of Date from that originally notified
Run under UK Athletics Rules license applied for
Download your application form for 2010 race
here and return it with your entry fee to
The Race Director 10 Forge Lane, Blakedown,
Kidderminster, DY10 3JF
OK, the wraps are off, and we’re opening
up the entries for the 4th Blakedown Bolt.
Since 2007, we’ve built on our success each
year, and as always predict another sell-out
event. Our numbers are limited to 300, a decision
we’ve taken in order to keep the friendly
atmosphere of the Bolt.
The date for 2010 has been set – it’s Friday 25th June, and the race will start once again
from
Blakedown Sports Field at 7.15pm.
We have changed the date from the one originally planned because of a direct clash with an England World Cup match
Please don’t delay in sending off your entry
– in previous years we had to stop taking
entries
a good month before race day – you have been
warned!
There are two ways to enter: either download
an application form from this site, print
out, fill in and send it
off to our Race Director 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.)
Here are some of the comments we received
after previous races:
‘The route offered enough tests with plenty
of variety ... well worth making the visit
from Wales. Have to say what a refreshing change and
novel gift the bolt made at the end!’ John Sterry, Chepstow
‘A fantastic run ... extremely well organised
with supportive and friendly marshals.’ Ellie Hooper, Amazing Feet
‘Well-organised race ... a cracking run and
a lovely, varied course ... the rest of the
family had a great time on the
bouncy castle and enjoying a beer.’ Louise Weber ‘The atmosphere was great, before, after
and during the event ... a treat to have
a BBQ and a beer tent.’
Jane Rowlands,Hereford
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!
Because of the rural, cross-country nature
of the route, we do a HUGE amount of work
on the course in the days
leading up to the event.Bear this in mind if you do a trial run beforehand
– and rest assured that on race day
it will be beautifully pruned and trimmed!
You should also be aware that we have a water
crossing at 7km,
so don’t bring your best running shoes.
A map of the course is available by clicking
on the link, but bear in mind we might yet
make minor 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. The rebuild has now received planning permission,
and it’s hoped work will start in 2010.
Everyone who completed the previous three
Bolts received our unique Blakedown Bolt
memento.
Rather than giving out bog-standard medals,
once again in 2010 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 refurbished playground next
to the sports field.
Places for the Blakedown Bolt 2010 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+).
Also there are prizes for the 1st local man and woman.
There are two Team Prizes – 1st team with four men over the finish line,
and 1st team with four women home.
We love some healthy competition!
Prize giving at the finish of the race at
approximately 8.30pm
Assembly: Blakedown Sports Field, off Birmingham Road,
in good time for a 7.15 pm 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.
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
Race HQ at
the Sports Club
Drinks One water station during the course and one
at the finish
Please note that all entrants must be at
least 16 years old on the day of the race.
Thanks to all our sponsors who make this
event possible.
Download & Print an Entry Form
You may need Adobe Reader to open the Entry
Form, available from:
The Blakedown Bolt is grateful to therunningbug.co.uk
for help in promoting the event. Have
a look at their great website, packed with
advice, training tips and experiences:
We are also grateful to 'www.runningdiary.co.uk which has helped publicise the Blakedown Bolt
-
this is a great website where you can register
for free alerts whenever an event comes up
that matches your criteria'
