The Butterfly Effect – Purple Emperor

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at The Butterfly Effect – Purple Emperor, hosted by Rasselbock Running on Sunday, August 9th, 2026, in the beautiful Shipley Country Park, Heanor, Derbyshire. This vibrant event not only celebrates the enchanting beauty of butterflies but also pays homage to the rich history of the park, which dates back to the Doomsday Book in 1086. Participants can look forward to a series of exciting race distances, where they can earn stunning medals that showcase the striking Purple Emperor butterfly, known for its elusive nature and dazzling colors. Join us for a day filled with nature, camaraderie, and a chance to contribute to the conservation of these marvelous creatures while adding to your Rasselbock collection. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of butterflies and the stunning landscapes of Derbyshire!

Welcome to Shipley Country Park in Derbyshire, an area steeped in history and was even mentioned in the Doomsday Book back in 1086! The land has been part of a stately home, hunting lodge, and, as always in this area, a coal mine. We’ll be putting on a series of events celebrating the butterflies (and sometimes moths) from around the world! Hopefully, you can join us and add the medals to your Rasselbock collection. The next in the butterfly series is all about the breathtaking Purple Emperor, usually found in south and centeral England milling around treetops before ocasionally heading down to ground level for sustenance. These vivid colours have been on a decline in recent years and are hard to spot as they’re so rarely down at eye level. We want to show off these purple wings and imortalise them in a spectacular medal!