Foreword
While pulling together some initial content for the new website, I thought it only appropriate to give fair dues to Richard Patton, who directed the Chasefor around 2 decades, and the rest of the people that made the event a success. Richard has kindly put together some heartfelt words thanking everyone involved, which I include in full below.
I’d like to thank Richard personally for the excellent work he’s done over the years I just hope that we can keep the Chase running to the same high standard.
Simon Choppin
Over the years many people have supported the Hallam Chase.
Thanks go first to the previous organiser, Mike Redman, for keeping up the Hallam Chase history. 20 years ago I simply took on his mantle. Over the last 150 years the event has had many organisers, each passing the baton on to the next. I am very confident that Simon and his team will bring their own skills and new ideas the fore, and the Hallam Chase will continue to evolve and improve.
The event is entwinned with and supported by the Hallam Cricket Club. Each year Richard Storer attends on the night to open the Hallam Chase gate, and makes sure the event goes smoothly. Our histories remain linked together.
John Spencer has created the start list for many years. Far longer than I have been involved. His handwritten handicap list is always a work of art- constructed in the days and nights before the event. He checks out runner’s times and past performances to slot them into running order. The Power of Ten, race reports and phone calls to in-the-know club members all help in the process.
All the early results were managed and organised by Ian and Judy Thomas, who between them had years of experience with race timings. Their help guided me when I took on the role and I hope I did them proud. Ian passed away in 2021.
Malcolm Douthwaite collected information on the Chase over many years, and he helped out/ attended most years. Sadly, he decided stop coming 10 years ago, but his work was detailed and we always appreciated his time and effort.
The event needs qualified and regular officials who know their role and help keep the event ticking along smoothly. Thank you Les Outwin, David Pryce and Keith Binney. Always calm. Always sensible and helpful. Without these hidden pillars the event could not have been run.
Although thankfully we have never needed him, for the past 17 years Martin Steer has turned up each night to provide First Aid cover. He has years of experience and covers a range of sports events- we are just lucky that we haven’t had to test out his skills!
I also want to thank Steve Moran. Each year he helps me put out the course and road signs on the night before the race. On the race evening, he then helps with marshalling before getting the signs all back in again- yet another hidden job that needs doing. Steve has been reliable and supportive over many years.
This event needs manpower to make sure it runs safely. Over the past 2 decades we have had a long list of marshals. Out on the course making the road crossings safe and guiding runners around the route. They are the glue that holds the event together. Marshals have been made up of family and friends, local residents, members of Hallamshire Harriers and Dark Peak Fell Runners. Not everyone can attend every year, but it is always a wonder to behold as my wife, Chaanah, manages to find a person for each location and it all comes together.
We all need someone to keep you on the straight and narrow. Chaanah is that person. I may have been the person standing at the front but she has always been there, organising all the other roles in the background. She shies away from publicity, but it is her passion for running and history that kept the good shop Hallam Chase on track.
Richard Patton