Leaden Boot Challenge
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Leaden Boot Challenge
The Leaden Boot Challenge is a 26.2-mile walk/run event with 4,800 feet of ascent and descent. It starts and finishes in Alstonefield, a village in the Peak District National Park. The route is elliptical and goes through Milldale, over Baley Hill, into Nabs Dale, across the Dove at Ilam Rock, climbs to Aires Cottage, descends Bunster Hill, past Ilam Hall, through Musden Woods, up to Slade House Farm, past Throwley Hall, through Grindon, across the Manifold at Wetton Mill, over Ecton Hill, Hulme End, Sheen, around Sheen Hill, across the River Dove at Pilsbury, Hartington, Beresford Dale, and Narrow Dale before returning to Alstonefield.
The event begins at 09:00 from Alstonefield Village Hall, with a 12-hour maximum time limit (finish by 21:00). There are six manned checkpoints and two unmanned checkpoints, spaced approximately 4 miles apart. Each manned checkpoint provides water, squash, snacks, first aid, and communications. Hot breakfast rolls are sold at the start. Locally made hot food and cakes are provided at the finish, included in the entry fee. Participants who retire will be transported back to the start.
Certificates and cloth badges are given to those who complete the challenge. The current record for completion is 4 hours and 12 minutes, set in 2019. The event was originally created to raise funds to repair the lead roof of St. Peter's Church. It now raises money for local community causes and has donated over £45,000 to date. Dogs are not allowed to accompany participants. Grants for local causes are available, with applications accepted between April 1st and May 31st. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
