Hundreds turn out for Solstice Saunter

Over 600 people took part in this year’s Solstice Saunter

Over 600 runners and walkers came together at the Bolton Abbey Estate last week to celebrate the summer solstice and make the most of the extra hours of sunlight.

The sixth annual Solstice Saunter took place on Tuesday 21st June – the longest day of the year - with people of all ages and abilities running, sauntering or walking a five-mile circular route along the riverside and beautiful woodland trails of the estate in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

Organised by the Airedale Dodgers Running Club, the event raises funds for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope near Keighley, which provides expert palliative care, advice and support for people who are living with a life-limiting condition, as well as supporting their families.

It has been announced today that this year’s sold-out saunter raised an incredible £17,000 for the hospice, taking the total raised over the last six years to around £137,000.

The event was sponsored by JB Springs of Skipton, alongside new headline sponsor Ecology Building Society, who worked with organisers to make the event completely free of single-use plastic water bottles.

The fastest male runners on the day were Kole Broadfoot-Cox, Joe Baker and Matty Warters, while the first three female finishers were Heather Tuffs, Lisa Hirst and Georgina Robinson.

Everyone who took part, including over 100 people who did the event virtually across the UK, received a bespoke Solstice Saunter medal, featuring a soaring red kite.

Andrew Wood, Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, said: “The Solstice Saunter is a fun and unique way for people to come together in a beautiful setting and celebrate the arrival of summer, with the added benefit of raising vital funds for a good cause.

“Thank you to our sponsors and volunteers for making the event such a success, and to everyone who pulled on their trainers and joined us both on the day and virtually. Every pound raised really does make a difference, and will help us continue to provide more care for more people in our community during the most difficult times of their lives.”

Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice is hosting its Bronte Sportive on Sunday 17 July, with six bronte themed routes for cyclists of all abilities. To register, visit: sueryder.org/brontesportive.  

For more information about Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, visit: sueryder.org/manorlands.

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