Mayor completes 150-mile ‘Loop’ challenge across the East Midlands

Forget running 26.2 miles in under two hours – the Mayor of the East Midlands has completed a marathon challenge of her own.

Just days after Sabastian Sawe smashed the world record at the London Marathon, Mayor Claire Ward crossed the finish line of her 150-mile “Loop” around the region, returning to Buxton to a brass band welcome from pupils at Buxton’s Harpur Hill Primary School and cheers from supporters who joined her along the way.

Mayor Claire said: “Tackling the Loop has been an incredible experience – I’ve seen parts of our region that don’t always make the spotlight and met the people who are driving it forward every day.

“There were moments that really tested me – battling the weather, pushing through tired legs – but crossing the finish line in Buxton made every step and pedal stroke worth it.”

Setting off from Buxton in May 2025, shortly after the first anniversary of her election as the inaugural Mayor of the East Midlands, Mayor Claire challenged herself to walk and cycle a circular 150-mile route around Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire, by the second anniversary of her election in May 2026.

Completing the route in more than 30 stages, the Mayor followed a network of historic waterways and existing public paths – and even jumped on the train for a short section – to finish her circle of the region.

‘The Loop was a celebration of our region’

Mayor Claire said: “I love the idea of The Loop being a real route that will take its place alongside the many beautiful walking and cycling routes in this country. But this was only part of why I wanted to do this. My role is only meaningful because of the people of this region, the places they live in and love, and the things they do to make it great.”

“The Loop, to me, was a celebration of our region, its potential, and the things that EMCCA will continue to invest in and champion. And that is what it has felt like.”

This is the first time an active travel route has been designed to connect the entire East Midlands. The route weaves together cities, towns, waterways, and countryside into one connected journey designed to boost the visitor economy, celebrate local identity, and promote healthier and greener ways of getting around.

Throughout the challenge, the Mayor was joined by residents, community leaders and local organisations to discuss priorities, share ideas and highlight opportunities across the region.

Since setting off last year, the route has taken in locations including Eyam, the Monsal Trail, the Chesterfield Canal, Creswell Crags, Clumber Park, West Bridgford, Attenborough Nature Reserve, Belper and the Derwent Valley, before returning to Buxton.

Click here for more about The Loop.