The first Charnwood Hills Race was held at 10.00 a.m. on Sunday January 12 th 1986, from the Martin School, Anstey, entry fee £1.50, entries to Ken Vickers. It was advertised as approx. 12 miles long. The original course was the same as the present one except for in Beacon Hill Country Park. The original course went straight to the summit of Beacon Hill and back, which was shorter than the present route which follows the horse/cycle track around the edge of Beacon Hill Country Park.

About; Ted had a long association with the Bowline and was held in such high esteem that he was made an honorary member. Before he died; Christmas 2011, he had fully endorsed the conception of this race hoping it would be a fun low key event to fit into the busy race calendar.