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13.1 miles. 510m of Climb. You dared to ride.
THE BIG DIPPER
What is it?
The Big Dipper is one of the toughest half marathon road races in the country.
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Taking in the Derbyshire countryside and the Peak District National Park, the route sees runners tackle 510m (1,675ft) of ascent across the course.
Starting near The Hyde Park Inn in Dronfield, The Big Dipper heads out towards Barlow, Shillito Woods and then climb up and through the hamlet of Unthank.
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The course is gruelling, hilly and has a sting in the tail - but completing it puts you in a small, select group of runners.
"The Big Dipper has proven to be one of my favourite half marathons in Peak District"
Piotr Dura
"It was such a great event! Amazing organisation and the best marshals to help get you up the hills! So nice to have an event like this in Dronfield."
Jenn Elizabeth
"It was possibly the best road event I've ever done.
Great route. Quite brute-iful."
Gary Lang
"Such an amazing event. Everyone was out on their doorsteps with encouragement and enthusiasm."
Tim Boorman
Where does the money from The Big Dipper go?
Since the beginning of Dronfield Running Club, we have always wanted to create opportunities for young people to get involved in athletics in our town.
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Profits from The Big Dipper go towards projects such as a community running track to encourage budding athletes.
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Thank you for supporting our event and in turn supporting race winners of the future.
The Route.
The Climb.
Race Sponsors.
Race Info.
Date: 10 September 2023
Start Time: 10:00.
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Numbers with attached chips are to be picked up on the day when registration opens at 08:30. We ask you get to Dronfield in good time and car share where possible.
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The Event Village outside the Hyde Park Inn (S18 1UH) is where registration will be - along with toilets, a bag drop and somewhere for spectators to grab a drink and a bite to eat.
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You CANNOT park near the start line due to road closures. An organised car park is at AMETEK Land (S18 1DJ). You can also park at the rear public car park of the sports centre.
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AMETEK is a 20 minute walk away from the start line. You can see where it is by clicking here.
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We ask you use this car park (there are enough spaces for those travelling into the town) as it is part of our agreement with the local council for hosting the event. Marshals will be on hand to point you in the right direction. Please follow their directions.
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Do not park on the route - as this ruins it for everyone and you won't be able to leave until the very end of the event due to road closures.
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There are three water stations on the route at approximately 3 miles (5k), 7 miles (11km) and 10 miles (16km).
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Prize giving will take place at 12:30.
Every finisher will receive a goodie bag, which will include a race t-shirt, medal and some treats.​
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Results from your chip will be available a short time after the event, along with photos on social media. Make sure you're following us to see them first.​
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There is a three hour and 30 minute cut off for runners.
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With thanks to our supporters...
Entry.
Entry Costs:
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£29.50 (Affiliated Athletes)
£33 (Unaffiliated Athletes)
​All race numbers will require collection on the day of the event.​
Full terms and conditions can be found on our SI Entries booking page.
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​Follow us on social media for the latest news and information.
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Entries for 2023 have closed.
Prize Fund.
There is a £1,300 prize fund. Prizes will be allocated for both male and female categories as per the breakdown below:
Senior
1st - £200
2nd - £100
3rd - £50
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V40 winner - £50
V50 winner - £50
V60 winner - £50
V70 winner - £50
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If you break our course record, there is a £100 prize for both men and women.
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Course records:
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Male: 1:13:57 - Bertie Houghton, Hallamshire Harriers (2022)
Female: 1:28:27 - Abbie Pearse, Steel City Striders (2023)
A single runner may only receive one prize (apart from the course record). For example, a runner receiving one of the senior prizes is not eligible for an age category prize, this would then be awarded to the next placed runner in that age category.
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Results are from our timing company on the day and the race director's decision is final.​
Volunteers.
We anticipate we will need the help of about 100 volunteers to be marshals, bag drop attendants and water station heroes.
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Volunteers would be the first stop for runners who have questions pre-race - or need help and encouragement on the long hill climbs. Your job will be to keep the event running smoothly and help create a great atmosphere.
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On race day, we ask you arrive at about 08:30 to sign in before making your way to your designated marshal point.
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Some of you may have already asked for something specific - like cheering on runners from near where you live on the route. You are likely to be stood down at about 13:30 - but probably a bit earlier.
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We'll make sure you have water and something to eat to keep you going, but bringing a bag of jelly babies will help (and make you popular with your other, nearby marshals!)
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We ask you're over-18, but anyone younger who is roped in by mum and dad will be allocated with them to help on non-critical roles, such as keeping water stations stocked.
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Without volunteers this event would not be possible.
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If you would like to help we'd love to hear from you.
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For more information, please email us at volunteer@thebigdipper.run with VOLUNTEER in the subject line. If you have a specific skill to offer, please let us know too.
Road closures.
For everyone's safety, The Big Dipper operates a road closure on the route in agreement with Derbyshire County Council and the emergency services.
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The following roads are closed between 09:30 and 13:45 on Sunday 10 September.
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Barlow Lees Lane
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Bradley Lane, through Barlow
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Far Lane
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Fox Lane, from Shillito Woods
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Unthank Lane
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Dobbin Lane
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Cowley Lane, from Dobbin Lane to the Hyde Park
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These roads are fully closed to keep runners and volunteers safe, as well as to allow emergency services to still access the route. Please do not drive through the closures as it puts a lot of people at risk.
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We endeavour to open the roads as soon as possible and thank residents for altering their journeys, following the diversions and supporting our charity event.
Please share the road closure news with your neighbours. We appreciate the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.
You can download the official road closure order by clicking below.
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