The Calke Abbey 10k is a hilly race, run entirely on roads. The roads though are not closed, which did lead to one or two difficult moments when cars and lorries overtaking the runners had to pull in because traffic was coming the opposite way. The roads are country roads and there are no pavements on the first half of the course, when the 550 runners are not spread out. We were also running on the left throughout which meant traffic was coming up behind us, which was against the instinct to run facing the traffic. Everything was well-organised and seem to run smoothly. There were no crowds to speak of on the route, just a few friends and family of runners around the start and finish area. There were plenty of marshals around the course, who were doing their best to encourage runners and help traffic bypass safely. There was one water station just after the half-way point with bottled water. The last 2.5km are along the main drive to Calke Abbey. This drive is fairly narrow as the estate operates a one-way system, meaning that tired runners were having to come off the tarmac and on to uneven ground whenever a car came up behind them, which made it difficult to maintain momentum and wasn't ideal. The end of race goody bag contained a Wagon Wheel, some crisps and sweets, along with a very nicely designed medal. All in all worth doing, but not the safest I've ever felt during a race.

Very hilly, very hard 10k. Mostly on roads around Calke Abbey, so have to watch out for cars.

Really enjoyed the challenge, and the setting of Calke Abbey is fantastic.

Hosted by JackRabbit who are great.

Good turnout from running clubs.

Lots of free parking, and free entry to Calke Abbey for every car.

See you next year!

good event. Unfortunately uses the roads around Calke Abbey and only the main driveway (which remains open) on the site itself, but the area is beautiful and the number of participants is enough to ensure the roads being open isn't an issue (drivers all passed with ample space). 

The route is brutally hilly! Over 500ft of climb on a 10k, but its well spread out and there's a lot of downhill too!

 

all in all, great event, reasonably priced and well organised.