THE GRINDLEFORD GALLOP

Over 500 people, from all over the UK, will meet in the small village of Grindleford early on Saturday 10th March 2007 to take part in a race known as The Grindleford Gallop, generously sponsored by peakdistrictonline.co.uk.

It is the tenth anniversary of The Grindleford Gallop, an event open to both runners and walkers. It covers a distance of 21 miles over a variety of terrain and through some of the most beautiful countryside in the Peak District.

Starting from Grindleford Pavillion the route goes via Froggatt village, Eyam, Great Longstone, Hassop, Chatsworth, Edensor village, Baslow, Curbar Gap and Froggatt Edges before ending back at Grindleford Pavillion where the returning competitors are treated to hot soup and bread.

Money raised from the event is in aid of Grindleford Primary School and the event is organised by Grindleford Parents, Teachers and Friends Association (PTA). However, to carry off an event like this has required a contribution from almost everyone in the village and they have all risen to the challenge!

With villagers baking about 1500 pieces of flapjack, cake and biscuits and the requirement to provide hot and cold drinks, soup and bread for each of our 400+ competitors – the catering effort alone has been substantial. Luckily Cathy and Duncan at The Sir William, Grindleford have generously offered to make a hearty home-made soup – no small donation when you are cooking for 400+!

In addition villagers will be leaping out of their beds early on Saturday morning, whatever the weather, marshalling the route, registering and timing the runners, organising car parking, issuing certificates, t-shirts, cheering those crossing the finishing line…the list goes on!

Jacquie Conacher, Headmistress at Grindleford Primary School, said:

“The Grindleford Gallop is a fantastic event organised by our vibrant and pro-active PTA with the help of local businesses and residents. They raise significant sums of money for the school and this requires much effort on their part. As a rural school with significant budgetary constraints, these additional funds enable us to improve our facilities, equipment and the learning environment for the children of Grindleford Primary School. Last year’s event enabled a significant contribution to the creation of a state of the art ICT suite. This amazing facility is of direct benefit to every single child in our school. The community spirit in Grindleford is very impressive all year round, but is especially heart-warming to see everyone rally together to organise an event on this scale!”

James Dobson, of Peak District Online said:

“We are delighted and proud to be sponsoring The Grindleford Gallop 2007. Peakdistrictonline.co.uk provides an ever-increasing and comprehensive collection of resources devoted to promoting the delights of The Peak District. This event is a great example of just one reason to visit the Peak District and people come from all over the country to take part in The Gallop. Those people have made use of peakdistrictonline.co.uk to find places to eat and places to stay while they are visiting our area. This event is run voluntarily by lots of our neighbours and we are delighted to support them. In our opinion, The Grindleford Gallop and Peak District Online is a great partnership!”

Notes to Editors

· Full route description – available from www.grindlefordgallop.co.uk

· Previous course records – available from www.grindlefordgallop.co.uk