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Dec
Big turnout for Ripon’s festive run
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Ripon’s post-Christmas running event attracted a bumper turnout yesterday (December 28).
Almost 1,000 people set off from the Hell Wath nature reserve at 11am for the 37th annual Jolly Holly Jog.
Organised by Ripon Runners, the 10-kilometre course took participants up Whitcliffe Lane and into Studley Deer Park before returning to Hell Wath.
Salford Harriers’ Thomas Cornthwaite emerged victorious with a time of 34 minutes and 27 seconds.
Ripon Runners' Rob Harrison was second in 35.00. Laura Thompson of City of York Athletics Club was the first placed woman; Harrogate Harriers' Niamh Robinson was the second woman home in 42.10.
Speaking to the Stray Ferret today, a Ripon Runners spokesperson said:
The atmosphere was incredible, people love this event. Some people came from as far as Rotherham. Lots of people come down just to cheer, too – there were probably at least 200.
There’s a massive loneliness epidemic which is exacerbated during Christmas. The jog gives people a full day to socialise. Although it’s incredibly competitive, a lot of the runners who finish first stay to cheer the rest on.
For every entrant who signed up after December 1, Ripon Runners plants a tree in the area.
Donations to the Salvation Army were also encouraged.
All of the money made from entries goes back into the running of the club and its juniors section.
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