'That little bit of extra motivation'- Hundreds take on 17th annual Blacksticks Blue 10k in Goosnargh
A rather unsual race took place in Preston over the weekend, in honour of one of the city’s best exports.
Hundreds of people took part in a 10k run over the weekend, organised by one of Preston’s most beloved family businesses.
Nearly 300 runners took part in the 17 annual Blacksticks Blue 10K in Whitechapel, Goosnargh on Sunday with competitors racing not just for a personal best… but for a wedge of Blacksticks Blue from Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses.
Established in 1932, Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses is a fourth generation independent family businesses, particularly renowned for their iconic Blacksticks Blue product.
A total of 277 runners entered this year’s event, which has become a firm fixture in the Lancashire running calendar.
This year’s race saw a new course record set by returning champion Rob Webb, who crossed the finish line in 34:07, while Ellie Kenyon was the first female runner home in 42:57.
The event also welcomed a strong turnout from Burnden Road Runners, who selected the Blacksticks 10K as its final club championship event of the season.
There were sunny, but not too hot, conditions around Whitechapel’s scenic and challenging course, and all 10K finishers received a Blacksticks Blue cheese wedge.
Children taking part in the 1K race were rewarded with a wedge of Mrs Butler’s Lancashire cheese.
The race also raises vital funds for the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) project at the village hall and Whitechapel School.
Matthew Hall, fourth generation owner at Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses, said: “We’re really proud that 17 years on, the Blacksticks Blue 10K is still attracting runners from across Lancashire and beyond. There are more road races in the region than ever now, so the fact people continue to come back to us year after year is really special.
“While our course is known for its beautiful surrounds, it is also known for being a challenging 10K route. I’d like to think the chance to race for a wedge of Blacksticks Blue at the end gives that little bit of extra motivation for the runners!”
Matthew ran the 1K race with his daughter, Winfred, on his shoulders!
He added: “I personally really look forward to this event, it’s a chance to pause and connect with our community and celebrate what we can achieve when we come together."
Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses has confirmed that next year’s Blacksticks Blue 10K will take place on Sunday May 9 2027, continuing the tradition of being held on the second Sunday in May each year.
It has been exciting year for the family business so far- in February, they were visited by King Charles III who offically opened thier new cheese campus, inclusive of a new maturation shed.
This major, generational investment brings all of the Lancashire cheesemaker's production back to their Goosnargh farm, marking a powerful moment of recovery after a major loss two-years ago.
In November 2023, a devastating fire at Butlers’ Longridge office and packing site saw them lose hundreds of tonnes of cheese stock just six weeks before Christmas.
You can read more about the King’s visit here and see pictures from the special occasion here.