Harrogate’s Helen Price ran for more than 12 hours in temperatures close to 40 degrees to win a prestigious race in the Pyrenees on Saturday.

Ms Price, 52, set off at 6am and crossed the line at about 6.30pm to win the female over-50s category and finish fourth female overall in the Luchon Aneto 40 mile trail run.

She was one of a team of eight runners representing Harrogate International Partnerships, the charity responsible for Harrogate’s town twinning links around the world.

Luchon, which is among the places twinned with Harrogate, hosts an annual trail run through the French Pyrenees with various distance options.

Competing in the 65 km event, Ms Price set off in darkness in woods but was soon under the non-stop glare of the mountain sun, in temperatures ranging from 35 to 38 degrees centigrade.

There were four water stops but it was so hot she also had to get water from mountain streams to stay hydrated as she climbed over 4,000 metres.

Ms Price, a sports massage therapist who is a member of running club Harrogate Harriers, is one of the best fell and mountain runners in the district but even she found it tough. She said:

“The heat was exhausting. I was a bit shaky at the end.”

Two other members of the Harrogate International Partnerships team also finished on the podium.

Caroline Lambert

Caroline Lambert, a former pupil of St Aidan’s Church of England High School in Harrogate, won the 20km female race in a new course record.

Bianca Dyer was the first over-40s female in the 40km race.

North Leeds Fell Runners‘ athlete Martyn Price, who is married to Helen, was fourth in the 45km men’s race. He said:

“The conditions were absolutely brutal. People were dropping like flies.”

Read more:

• Running wild in Nidderdale
• Records broken at today’s Harrogate 10k

There are two indisputable facts about Pateley Bridge: 1 It’s beautiful. 2 It’s hilly. Which makes it the perfect challenge for running.

Trouble is, if you want to avoid the roads and get the authentic Nidderdale cross-country experience you risk getting lost or being garrotted by a low hanging branch.

So the formation of a new trail running group called Pateley Runners presents the perfect opportunity to give it a go.

Trail running, as opposed to road running, is about being close to nature rather than pounding tarmac.

The group, set up by keen runner Si Lawson, is an informal community of runners like the Early Bird Run Crew, which organises regular free jogs around Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Si promised the group would be inclusive and friendly and, better still, free.

Passing former lead mines.

About 25 of us turned up at the bandstand in Pateley at 7pm for the inaugural Tuesday night run. A good proportion were what is generously described in running circles as ‘veterans’.

There is no way out of Pateley that doesn’t involve hills but few are as tough as the climb to Greenhow Hill, the highest place in the Harrogate district, with reputedly the highest parish church in England.

So the first stretch, which began along dungy sheep fields and quiet lanes, opened the lungs but the pace was gentle. It was certainly easier than cycling to Greenhow and there was not an engine to be heard.

Si and two friends took it in turns to lead and bring up the rear and every so often they stopped to regroup. Nobody was left to run alone and we chatted as we jogged.

The notorious Nidderdale microclimate led to a brief downpour but nobody minded. By then we had hit our stride and the whole point of the exercise is to feel alive in nature.

The route we followed.

We passed lead mines, cattle grids and caravan parks before finally heading back down to the river in the muggy damp twilight, brushing off flies, which sparked talk about the best way to repel them. Marmite, garlic and Avon cream were all mentioned.

Stopping to regroup.

We saw Scouts throwing axes in a field before being summoned by the sound of church bells back to the bandstand in the recreation ground at Pateley.

We had covered about six miles in a glorious hour of friendly and relaxed running. It’s hard not to feel happy when you’re in the heart of such countryside but being part of the group enhanced the experience. Si is knowledgeable and welcoming — little wonder the group already has 100 followers on Facebook.

Pateley Runners meets on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday but anyone is welcome to arrange their own runs and invite others.

More details are available here.

Read more:

• New trail running group formed in Pateley Bridge
• Ofsted praises ‘small school with big ambitions’ in Nidderdale

Up to 1,000 people are set to take part in the Run Harrogate 10k this weekend.

The annual race, which goes around Crimple Valley, is Harrogate Harriers‘ premier event of the year.

It starts at Harrogate Sports and Fitness Centre on Hookstone Wood Road at 10am on Sunday and finishes at the same place.

This year’s event, which is sponsored by Knaresborough renewable energy firm Harmony Energy, includes a new kids’ fun run, starting at 9am.

The fun run has a 1.3km run for children in years two to five at school and a 2.6km run for children in years six to nine.

Rudding Lane will be closed from about 9.30am to 11am while the race takes place.

The multi-terrain route is about 70 per cent tarmac road, with the remainder on good footpaths.

The men’s race record is 33 minutes and 29 seconds, set by Marcos Palacios. The women’s record is 42 minutes and 32 seconds, set by local athlete Tam Calder, who has entered this year.

Marcos Palacios

Tam Calder

About 550 people have entered so far. The race capacity is 1,000 so you can enter on the day.

Sue Moul, membership secretary at Harrogate Harriers, said:

“It’s our premier event and we are looking forward to welcoming everybody back to the course.”

All finishers receive a medal and goody bag and there is a £1,500 prize fund.

Entry fee for runners who aren’t affiliated to Harrogate Harriers is £19 if paid in advance.

The kids’ race costs £3 to enter and all proceeds are donated to CALM, the Campaign Against Living Miserably.

A donation from the adult races will go to Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Further details are available here.

A new trail running group has been formed for people who want to get fit while enjoying some of the best scenery in the Harrogate district.

Pateley Runners will stage free off-road runs three times a week around the fields of Nidderdale.

Si Lawson, who is setting up the venture along with two friends, said he hoped it would appeal to local people as well as tourists.

Mr Lawson, who moved from Harrogate to Pateley Bridge last year, likened the group to the Early Bird Run Crew, which was set up as an informal, free running community in 2019 and now organises regular runs in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Trail running involves being close to nature, so those taking part will face the added challenges of rough terrain, cow pats and low hanging branches but also feel the exhilaration of exercising in spectacular scenery. He said:

“Trail running is a different type of running to road running. It’s much more sociable. The intention is to be totally inclusive. Anyone can run with us.”

A post on the We Love Nidderdale Facebook group announcing the venture has received a large response.

Read more:

• Knaresborough, Pateley and Markington could get new electric vehicle charging points
• New owner takes over Harrogate’s former Farrah’s sweet shop

The group will meet at the bandstand in Pateley Bridge every Tuesday night at 7pm as well as on Thursday nights and during the day on Sunday.

Mr Lawson said the Tuesday group would be aimed at everyone, with a view to getting beginners fitter for longer runs later in the week.

He said other local running clubs, including Harrogate Harriers, Nidd Valley Road Runners, Knaresborough Striders and Ripon Runners provided a great service but Pateley Runners would cater exclusively for trail runners.

A scientist who still runs for Harrogate Harriers, he said he was less minded to travel 70 minutes to Harrogate and back to join fellow runners when there was a public footpath outside his house into the heart of Nidderdale.

He plans to set up a Facebook page called Pateley Runners shortly.

This article is sponsored by Kliniken.

Kliniken, Harrogate’s state-of-the-art day surgery clinic, is pioneering new stem cell treatment for a pain-free life.

The clinic has introduced a ground-breaking procedure that uses stem cells to help heal osteoarthritis in the knee to avoid painful knee replacement surgery.

Kliniken is owned and run by Mr Mallappa Kolar, the UK’s leading surgeon on stem cells, and his wife Karuna, and they are delighted to be bringing the life-changing procedure to Yorkshire.

Expertise and experience

Mr Kolar’s expertise in stem cell treatments has helped him pioneer the procedure in a UK-first, aiding patients with often crippling, painful osteoarthritis.

His understanding of how fat stem cells injected into the knee can help those suffering from arthritis has meant he can provide a solution to those in need.

The procedure gives people a chance to lead pain-free lives that seemed previously out of reach.

He said:

“I feel privileged to be able to use my knowledge on fat stem cells to be able to help patients that are unable to live as active and mobile a life as they would love to, due to their arthritis, as the pain prevents this.“

The treatment avoids painful knee surgery.

How it works

Kliniken, is the only location within the UK to offer this specific type of stem cell procedure.

The procedure itself focuses on utilising fat and dental stem cells to aid regeneration within the area affected, through the use of targeted injections at the problem regions and joints.

This can help those suffering on the spectrum of pain. This can range from a mild ache all the way up to those who may be due to have knee replacements using metal, which is a far more invasive form of surgery.

Unlike other procedures available, this pioneering stem cell injection treatment means the body is healing the body, and it does not involve any metal insertion into the patient’s body.

Benefits and results

For those suffering from osteoarthritis, knee pain or perhaps struggling to keep up with hobbies like running or golf due to knee issues then stem cell treatment could be the right thing.

Unfortunately, knee replacements cannot be reversed and most younger people who have to get a replacement are more likely to need a revision later in life which is a major undertaking.

Mr Kolar added:

“Having travelled and worked in the United States and Europe over the years, where this procedure is popular due to its evident success, I am very excited to bring its benefits and results home with me.”

Alan Cryer and Mr Mallappa Kolar talking through the process.

Pain free and happy

64-year-old businessman Alan Cryer from Harrogate suffered from excruciating pain in both his knees. He said:

“I was told by the hospital that I would need two knee replacements in order to deal with the pain. At this point I was having to crawl up the stairs. The impact the pain was having on my life was huge.

“I did not want to go on like this, but I did not want metal knees, so I began to research – but struggled to find any alternatives within the UK.

“As fate would have it, Mallappa was right here in the UK, and on my doorstep too! After the surgery I had no pain whatsoever – I could literally have walked out of the theatre had I been allowed.”

Roughly a week after surgery Mr Cryer went look for his crutches and ended up walking the whole way through his house without them. He added:

“After two weeks walking, I did a walk I’ve done before and knew I’d normally be in pain so took a walking stick – which I didn’t need. By week three I was walking down slopes without any pain at all.

“I am now so confident, and even help my grandson off the floor when he falls! I could not be more grateful for the life I can now lead, pain free and happy.”

Alan has subsequently booked and undergone the same procedure for his other knee and is recovering well.

Please call us on 01423 206388 or visit our website at kliniken.co.uk for more information.

A new project is bringing together fitness, socialising and giving time to the community in Harrogate.

Community Fit will see a group of volunteers get together for a short, social run to a location where they will help out with a project for an hour before running back again.

Organisations to benefit could include charities, schools, community groups or environmental organisations.

Anna Glazier from HADCA said:

“Community Fit ticks all the boxes – being active, socialising, helping others – all of which can improve your sense of wellbeing.

“We aim to be accessible to people who may not yet be regularly active, as well as to committed runners who would like to incorporate something a little bit different into their weekly training.”

Read more:

• Charity Corner: the Starbeck charity that puts mental health at the forefront
• Paris proposal for Starbeck nurses on charity bike ride across Europe

Two trial events have already been held, which saw more than 16 hours of help given by volunteers to the Pinewoods Conservation Group and Artizan Cafe and Creative Space across two evenings.

The new project is a collaboration between North Yorkshire Spot and Harrogate and District Community Action (HADCA) which each have a member of staff dedicated to organising it. They said runners at the trial events loved the energy and enthusiasm of the group, as well as how much they could achieve in just an hour when working together.

The first meeting of the group takes place on Wednesday, June 15 at 5.45pm. The group will run around 1-2 miles from Community House on East Parade in Harrogate, returning by around 8pm after the work is complete.

New participants are welcome and do not have to be fast or experienced runners – the journeys will be at a social pace. To register to attend, visit the Community Fit website or find the group on Facebook or Instagram.

Cancer Research UK is inviting people to take part in Race for Life in Harrogate on Sunday, July 10.

Women, men and children can choose to enter 3k, 5k and 10k events in the town that all start from The Stray.

There is also a chance to take part in obstacle courses Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids.

Race for Life was cancelled in 2020 due to covid but returned to Harrogate in September last year.

Money raised from the event helps scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Read More:

• Ripon chef’s arctic marathon to raise funds for suicidal young people

• Harrogate disability charity explains why some crossings don’t beep

Siobhan Byrne, Race for Life spokesperson for Harrogate, said:

“Our Race for Life events are open to all. For some people, the Race for Life is literally a walk in the park. Slow and steady still wins. For others, it’s a jog. Others may opt to push themselves harder, taking up the challenge of the 10k distance and even pushing for a new personal best time.

“But what is for certain is we’re looking forward to welcoming people of all ages and abilities. Race for Life Harrogate will be fun, emotional, colourful, uplifting and an unforgettable event this year.”  

Anyone who signs up between Monday April 4 and Monday April 18 can claim a 30% off the entry fee as part of a special sale by using the code EASTER30.

Besides the entry fee, competitors will be asked for £50 minimum sponsorship.

To sign up, visit raceforlife.org.

We have been bathed in glorious sunshine this week and it feels amazing to get outside and feel the sun on our skin again.

While our sunny disposition may change with the weather, it’s always good to make the most of it while you can – and that includes exercising outdoors.

Because, let’s face it, the treadmill and weights areas just don’t have the same appeal when it’s warm outside.

If you’ve only ever really worked out at a gym, however, you might be wondering how to make your sweat session an al fresco experience.

From wild swimming and cycling to bootcamps and running, here are six outdoor workouts across the Harrogate district to get you out in the sunshine this spring and summer:

Outdoor fitness sessions with Set the Tone Fitness – Ripon and Knaresborough

A Set the Tone outdoor fitness session.

Head fitness coach Stu Clark and his team run outdoor sessions across Ripon and Knaresborough.

You can expect a mixture of cardio and non-cardio exercises and activities, along with fun warm-ups, team and pair work, accompanied by some “excellent tunes”.

The sessions are suitable for all levels of fitness.

Stu said:

“There’s nothing better than breathing in the fresh air and feeling the sun on your back while you’re doing squats or a one-minute plank.

“It makes you feel alive. There’s something about being in amongst nature and hearing those sounds that brings peace and calm.

“You can forget your other pressures and focus on enjoying the outdoors – even if that involves getting a bit of a sweat on and doing more star jumps than you thought possible.

“The sessions and are great fun. After all, laughter is great for your stress levels and may lower blood pressure.”

Parkrun – Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon

A parkrun in Harrogate from 2015.

Parkrun sees runners of all abilities take part in a 5km run every Saturday morning.

It holds three events in the Harrogate district: on The Stray in Harrogate, at Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough and at Fountains Abbey in Ripon.

It offers an opportunity for all the local community, regardless of age or gender, to come together on a regular basis to enjoy the beautiful green spaces and get physically active at the same time – and best of all, it’s free!

Read more:

• Harrogate district set to become health destination in echo of Victorian past
• Four wellness retreats in the Harrogate district to re-energise mind, body and soul

Wild swimming – various locations

Ben Pitts tests the waters at Janet’s Foss in Malhamdale.

Wild – or outdoor – swimming has enjoyed increased popularity in recent years, with more and more people even braving the elements and swimming throughout the seasons.

If winter swimming sounds a little on the chilly side, then luckily late spring and early summer is a more favourable time to start.

Wild swimmer Ben Pitts, from Harrogate, said:

“I started back in 2019 with a friend from work. For some reason we decided November would be a great time to start, so there was actually frost in the shaded part around the lake. I’m pretty sure we were only in there for a minute, but that was long enough.

“I wanted to get into it after reading about the benefits of it in one of Ross Edgley’s books.

“The mental clarity you get from being in the cold and the rush of energy once you’re out are fantastic, so it’s not hard to see why more people are getting into it with everything that has been going on. It also increases your white blood cell count, which helps your immune system.”

Swimming outdoors is a great way to stay fit and connect with nature, but some basic safety precautions must be taken.

When it comes to locations, a good place to start is here.

Cycling with The Personal Cyclist, Harrogate area

Head outside on a bike with confidence – even if you don’t know where to start.

If you’re anything like me and you love the idea of heading out on a bike, but have no idea where to start, The Personal Cyclist offers cycling confidence coaching and personalised guided cycling tours in and around Harrogate.

Founder Kate Auld said:

“Cycling outdoors with the wind in your hair is one of the best ways to see the world, get close to nature and get a cracking workout in the process.

“You can’t check your phone and just ‘switch off’, you have to really engage with your surroundings and that’s what makes it magic.

“Often people who haven’t ridden for years just need a little extra support to cycle safely and socially. It’s a myth that you need to have all the gear (or go fast) to reap the benefits of cycling outside.”

Ready Steady Mums walking group – Harrogate

Ready Steady Mums brings new parents together once a week to walk together.

In Harrogate, simply going for a weekly walk around The Stray has been a lifeline for dozens of new parents, who bring their babies along to get out of the house and make friends at what can be a very isolating time.

Formed in 2016, the volunteer-run group offers “friendship, support, cake, fresh air and fitness” and meets at St Mark’s Church, just off Leeds Road, at 10am every Friday.

It is free to attend and there is no need to book. I’ve heard amazing things about the homemade cakes!

Bootcamps with Lauren Randall Fitness – Harrogate

Bootcampers get stuck in at “The Ranch”, just outside Pannal.

Personal trainer Lauren coaches at the biggest outdoor gym space in the area, just outside Pannal, complete with a full gym rig and plenty of kit – perfect for adult PE.

Sessions at “The Ranch” are 45 minutes and focus on everything from weight lifting technique to cardio endurance to sport specific training, catering for all levels of fitness.

Lauren said:

“Research continues to prove that being outdoors and around nature improves mental health, lowers blood pressure, improves mood and relieves stress.

“Combine that with the endorphin release and plethora of benefits of exercising and you can’t go wrong.

“The winter weather can make it more challenging to get outside, but you’ll soon notice a surge in outdoor activities and better moods.”

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.

Read more:

• Families savour the Sights and Sounds of Ripon
• History-making former Mayor of Ripon publishes his memoirs for charity

Rudding Park Hotel in Harrogate is launching a 10km multi-terrain race to raise money for the Queen’s platinum jubilee initiative to plant more trees.

The Rudding ParkRace, as it will be known, will take participants through 300 acres of parkland.

Profits from the race will be donated to The Queen’s Green Canopy, an initiative that encourages people to plant a tree in honour of the jubilee.

The race will be held on Tuesday, May 10 and the 18th century hotel will act as a backdrop for the finish line.

Simon Mackaness, owner of Rudding Park, said: