Runners gear up for Eyam Half Marathon

Over the last 20 years ‘the rat race’ has not only become one of the most respected and well-loved road races in the country. It has helped the ‘plague village’ of Eyam raise more than £120,000 largely for cancer charities and local community organisations.

Half Marathon Committee chairman Steve Brown said: “It’s hard to believe this is the 20th running of the race.

“It’s really remarkable that what started as just a small village event has raised so much money and become such a firm favourite on the road racing calendar.”

Well over 300 runners are expected to descend on the Peak District village for the Half Marathon on Sunday, May 19, which takes competitors on a beautiful, but gruelling course involving more than 1,200 ft of ascent.

The race, which starts at 10.30am, is a single loop circuit run entirely on the road surface and passes through the hamlets of Bretton and Abney, skirts around Eyam Moor and returns to Eyam via Sir William Hill.

Last year’s race was won by John Morrissey of the Wigan Phoenix running club in a time of 1:19:36 with the first woman home being local runner Laura Gibson in 1:31.

A 1.3 mile fun run is also being held with all those completing the course receiving a certificate signed by Olympic swimming star Rebecca Adlington.

Steve added: “Each year so many people give their time to make this event happen, as well as supporting us in a range of other fund raising events. The generosity and support of the people of Eyam and the surrounding villages never ceases to amaze me and is what helps to make this event so special.”

You can still enter this year’s special Eyam Half Marathon via the race website at