Half Marathon
The Gaddesby Half Marathon was first held in 2000 over a course devised by Jeff Bodycott. Jeff organised the whole event in the first year and even ran the race itself. In subsequent years Jeff led a team of villagers who became the Gaddesby Gallopers.
The half marathon route did a short circuit of the bottom part of Gaddesby then went onto Ashby Folville and Twyford before a three mile climb to Burrough-on-the-Hill. Just before Burrough the course went left down towards Great Dalby. After a circuit of Great Dalby it went back to Ashby Folville and then Gaddesby.
The race was first held in May 2000 when it was won by Andy Horsey in a time of 1:18:00. The first lady finisher crossed the line in a time of 1:45:00.
The race was held in successive years until 2006.
The course record is 1h14m07s set by Mike Munday in winning the 2003 event. The fastest Lady was Beth Eburne of Hinckley RC in 1:24:42 (2005).
Each year there were a number of walkers who also completed the half marathon circuit setting off an hour before the runners.
10km Run
The 10km race was run in years from 2001. The course took the runners up through the village to Pasture Lane then back down Paske Avenue, Park Hill and Main Street before following the Half Marathon route for a mile. The 10km course then split off to Barsby and then left down the hill towards Ashby Folville. Just before the Ashby the runners turned left again and climbed Gee’s Hill towards Great Dalby. At the top of the hill they turn left back along Pasture Lane and keep turning left until they reach Gaddesby. The course finished in the field opposite the pub.
The run is over a measured 10km distance. The ascent of Gee’s Hill was quite challenging and there were hills at the start of the course and up to Barsby. The course record was set in 2002 by Chris Southam in 35:17s. The record for the fastest lady is held by Nicky Nealon in 41:34 (2002).