Ripon Runners made up for lost time when the Lightwater Valley 10k returned at the weekend after two years off because of covid.
Ted Leahy completed the testing course in 35 minutes and 43 seconds to win the men’s open race, 19 seconds ahead of Ripon Runners clubmate Jamie Baker.
Jamie was outright second in the race and also won the men’s seniors event in a time of 36.02, almost five and a half minutes ahead of the second-placed senior runner.
Ted Leahy, winner of the men’s race and Emily Abbey, who won the women’s race
Other winners from the club, included Ian Harrison in the male veterans 40 race and Lenny Lennox who was the first male veteran over 60 to cross the finishing line.
The outright winner of the women’s race was Emily Abbey of Swaledale Runners in a time of 44 minutes and.37 seconds.
Morag McDowall and Lucy Philpott capped an outstanding day for Ripon Runners by winning the female veterans 55-years old and female veterans seniors categories respectively.
A total of 136 runners completed the race and many more, including junior runners, took part in the 3k event.
The other winner was North Stainley Primary School, which raised much-needed funds from the entry fees paid by runners.
The annual race, over an undulating multi-terrain route, is organised by the charity Friends of North Stainley School and covers a course that passes through the Lightwater estate and the surrounding countryside.
Money raised contributes towards the cost of school trips, technology for pupils, music lessons and sporting activities.
North Stainley Primary School opened in 1871 and is still based in its original building, close to the village church of St Mary’s.
All photographs provided by Tyler Parker Photography.
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