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DARE TO RIDE?
dronfield running club invites the bravest of hill-seekers to take on one of the toughest half marathon road races in the country.
rolling through the North Derbyshire countryside and the Peak District National Park, the route sees runners tackle 1,675ft of ascent across our stunning and testing course.
there will be no Personal best times.
the route.
Starting at The Hyde Park Inn at the aptly named 'hill top' area of Dronfield, The Big Dipper heads out through the village of Barlow towards Shillito Woods and then climbs up and through the hamlet of Unthank, before heading back into barlow and skirting the edge of holmesfield.
THE RACE TAKES PLACE ON CLOSED ROADS SURROUNDED BY STUNNING COUNTRYSIDE VISTAS and beautiful countryside.
expecting a sprint finish? think again. there's a sting in the tail AS RUNNERS HEAD uphill back to the hyde park INN for a well earned refreshment.
RACE SPONSORS
RACE INFORMATION
SUNDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER 2024 | 10:00 AM
£20 (Affiliated Athletes)
£22 (Unaffiliated Athletes)
We know cost is the biggest factor for you when thinking about signing up for events, which is why we've dropped our prices from previous years.
designed COMMEMORATIVE t-shirt'S ARE AN OPTIONAL EXTRA for £10 AND CAN BE selected DURING check out.
Entries on the day are available for an additional cost. All race numbers will require collection on the day of the event. Full terms and conditions can be found on the RaceBest website.
Prize Fund.
there is a £100 prize for both men and women WHO BREAK OUR COURSE RECORD.
Course records: Male: 1:13:57 - Bertie Houghton, Hallamshire Harriers (2022) | Female: 1:28:27 - Abbie Pearse, Steel City Striders (2023)
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.
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.
On race day, we ask you arrive at about 08:30 to sign in before making your way to your designated marshal point.
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.
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!)
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.
Without volunteers this event would not be possible.
If you would like to help we'd love to hear from you.
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.
IMPORTANT INFO.
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.
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.
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.
AMETEK is a 20 minute walk away from the start line. You can see where it is by clicking here.
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.
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.
There are three water stations on the route at approximately 3 miles (5k), 7 miles (11km) and 10 miles (16km).
If you pre-ordered a t-shirt, these can be picked up at the end of the race.
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.
There is a three hour and 30 minute cut off for runners.
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.
Please plan for the following roads to be closed between 09:30 and 13:45 on Sunday 15 September 2024.
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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
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.
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.
YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE FULL ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE, WITH MAPS, BY CLICKING HERE
DARE TO RIDE The Big Dipper?
Sunday 15th September 2024