About 900 people will see out the year by taking part in Ripon Runners‘ Jolly Holly Jog 10k tomorrow.

The event, which is being held for the 35th time, is the club’s biggest of the year.

Usually held on a Sunday between Christmas and New Year, it attracts a mixture of seasoned club athletes and casual joggers.

Race director Anneke Imeson said:

“Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or just want to have a scenic jog out, it’s a fab time of year to run off the Christmas excess and prepare for the forthcoming New Year festivities.

“We’re extremely lucky as a club to have the support of the National Trust who are delighted every year to welcome so many runners to run around their stunning deer park as part of our 10k course.”

Starting at Hell Wath Nature Reserve, runners complete a multi-terrain loop through Mackershaw Woods and Studley Royal Deer Park, passing Monty’s bench, which is named in memory of Ripon Runners’ club co-founder and former club president. They then return via Mackershaw with a short section through Hell Wath woods, before approaching the finish line.

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The race fills up fast and this year’s 925 capacity has been reached.

The event raises funds for Upper Nidderdale Food Bank, which is based at St Cuthberts’ Church in Pateley Bridge and entrants are offered the chance to plant a tree. Over 400 saplings were planted last year.

Ripon Runners, which was founded in 1985, hosts various races throughout the year including the Burn Valley Half Marathon, which is a road event in Masham, the Ripon 10 Mile around Studley’s seven bridges, The Round Ripon Ultra, which is a 35-mile solo or team event and the festive Jolly Holly Jog 10k.

Ms Imeson said:

“We’re especially pleased this year as in May we sadly had to cancel our Ripon 10 event which had struggled to get back to regular race numbers post-covid. Many local races suffered and those that did go ahead saw significantly reduced numbers with increased expenses. That said it’s fantastic to see such a high entry this Christmas.

“Without such a positive response from Ripon Runners who step up to marshal, such a hugely successful race would not be possible, so huge kudos to our own club members.”