400 runners set for Melmerby as busy month for local races begins

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About 400 people will run on roads around Melmerby on Sunday for the village’s annual 10 kilometre race.

The Melmerby 10k, which started 41 years ago, has become one of the main fixtures on the local running calendar.

The relatively flat route near Ripon attracts serious runners aiming for a personal best time as well as fun runners who enjoy the challenge and want to raise money for good causes.

Proceeds from entry fees are divided between Wath and Melmerby Cricket Club and the Charlie Dallas Lancaster Foundation, a male mental health charity set up in memory of Charlie Dallas, who died by suicide aged 36 in 2020.

Tony Richardson, who succeeded John Burgess as race director this year, explained the race was started by the village hall committee in Melmerby, led by Judith and Keith Blythe, but the cricket club took over about 10 years ago.

As of today (May 1), 391 people have entered. The entry limit is 420 and the deadline for registering has been extended until 10am on Saturday, May 2.

Jack Simpson won last year’s race in a time of 32 minutes 57 seconds. Carla Davies was the first female finisher in 35 minutes 32 seconds.

May is always a busy month on the local running scene. Other events this month include the Ripon 10 mile on May 10, the Burton Leonard 10k on May 17, Rudding Park Race on May 19 and Run Nidderdale 10k trail race on May 23.