Halfgallathon at the Lathkil Hotel, Over Haddon

Halfgallathon in action

This has nothing whatsoever to do with coffee, but it is charitable and great fun so easily warrants a place in these pages. Saturday 6th June (3pm) sees the annual “Halfgallathon” at the Lathkil Hotel in Over Haddon, a village just outside Bakewell in Derbyshire. Having supported this event each year – mainly by taking part in the race itself – I’m gutted that I can’t make it along this time. So really, the next best thing I can do is encourage others to go along and help to raise some money.

Actual participation in the race should only be done after a great deal of thought and preparation as it’s not for the weak willed or faint hearted. The unsubtle mix of fancy dress, running and a half gallon of beer (that’s 4 pints, getting warmer and less appetising as each lap goes by) brings endless hilarity for the spectators. A BBQ, raffle and spectacular views all add to the appeal.

For those interested, here are two of the events most important rules lifted straight from the historic Halfgallathon Rules.

8) THERE WILL BE NO SPILLAGE.

9) Spillage is defined as the wilful or excessive avoidance of swallowing whilst in the act of pouring, or the deliberate or accidental causing of a vessel, either full or partially so, to be unbalanced such that its contents are made external to said vessel and are thus rendered undrinkable.