Those who’ve ever asked what lengths some people will go to for a free pint of beer have finally had it confirmed: two (and a bit) miles.

At least, that was the distance over which more than 350 competitors ran in the Derwent Runners’ inaugural Hairy Helmet Relay Race on Friday June 17th.

Despite persistent drizzle and a testing up-hill start, 88 teams had lined up in Darley Park by the time David Denton got the race under way at 7pm.

A route which took in the full length of the picturesque park saw runners double back on themselves and head south to the two rowing clubs.

They then followed the course of the River Derwent on a well-marshaled circuit that circled the cricket field before finishing where they’d begun.

As a fun race rather than just a Fun Run, the Helmet attracted competitors spanning the full spectrum of sporting ability from across the county and beyond.

And with a free pint of Real Ale awaiting every entrant who’d paid their £3 there was no shame in admitting for once that you were ‘only here for the beer’!

North Derbyshire Running Club’s A Team, consisting of Lee Morris, Tim Clayton, Steve Leverton and Rod Smith, were the first to the bar – winning the race in 00:50:08.

A team entered by The Derby Runner in Spondon took the honours in the mixed category with a time of 00:54:44.

The shop’s Jordan Wildrianne deserves special mention after posting a course record of 00:11:08 in running the final leg; throwing down the gauntlet to the faster runners next time.

Derwent Valley Orienteers 3rd team was first home in 00:58:03 in the Veteran Men’s section, with each member running his leg in under 15 minutes.

And Lia Ottoson, Theresa H, Jo Caborn and Gemma of Belper Harriers led the way for the ladies, posting a time of 01:01:06.

Such a well-organised event wouldn’t have been possible without the Derwent Runners committee and their families giving up their time to co-ordinate, promote and staff it.

Members of the Red Cross were on hand to keep every competitor safe and Eden Construction provided a fitting backdrop for the start and finish of the race.

Derby City Council allowed the club to use the park and Race HQ at the Darley Barn, where athlete and aesthete alike enjoyed a post-race barbecue.

It was also there that one and all tucked into two terrific real ales, kindly provided by Rachel Matthews of Derby’s own Dancing Duck Brewery.

With plans already in place to recreate the event next year it should grow in popularity on its way to becoming an annual fixture in the sporting calendar.

And with one of the East Midlands’ most deserving charities set to benefit from the proceeds, there’ll soon be even more reason to raise a glass to the Hairy Helmet!