Get your running ‘Boots’ on for returning marathon

ONE of the area’s most challenging running races is bouncing back this month, after having to remain on the starting blocks throughout the pandemic.

The 10th Leaden Boot challenge can finally set off for its 26.2mile route on Sunday, May 22 – and more than 300 runners are expected to take part.

The marathon event attracts participants from across the country, and walkers from the ages of 14 to 80 will embrace the challenge of completing the gruelling but picturesque course within 12 hours.

Starting in its home village of Alstonefield, the runners will head to Ilam and then up to Calton, Grindon, Ecton, Sheen, and Hartington to finish back in Alstonefield.

Previous record holders have completed the race in just four hours 20 minutes, and the slowest successful runner came home in 11 hours 45 minutes.

The event is run by more than 70 volunteers, who provide a hot meal and cake for every runner after the event, and help to raise around £5,000 for local good causes. So far the event has raised more than £25,000.

Jon Lane, chairman of the Leaden Boot organising committee said: “It is wonderful to be able to bring the Leaden

Boot back after missing two years.

“We thank the volunteers and landowners who make this event possible, and all the local people in the villages through the route.

“Many of the entrants come back year after year so we look forward to seeing friendly familiar faces as well as many new ones.”

Anyone wanting to apply for a late entry, or any charities wanting to apply for support, are asked to email: admin@leadenboot.org.uk