A 9.15 start at Pugney Watersports Park for a Run Up The Hill to Sandal Castle saw over a hundred runners enter the event.  Just over 5K, the short trial was quite demanding, with hills, fields and mud – plenty of mud to contend with. 98 athletes of all ages completed the challenge the youngest only 5 and the dignity of the oldest competitor will remain hidden, but needless to say the 50+ age group was one of the largest contingent of entries, with some of our senior runners in the front pack.  The trail was muddy, bumpy and lumpy, the sun was out, the weather very kind. Participation and smiles for all was the main aim of the event.

Race Up The Hill, is an event inspired by the late Ruth Gorse, a sports enthusiast and teacher from Leeds who always wanted people to have fun and participate in sport.  Ruth had breast cancer very young, but continued to run, play basketball, volleyball and take children’s teams to athletics and a whole manner of other events.  Although Ruth’s life was shortened, her time with us and those that engaged in sport with Ruth was rich with laughter, fun and enjoyment of sport, whether laughing at sporting blunders and trips or being the first to cross the line.  The Race Up The Hill (R.U.T.H.) events will aim to run at no cost or low costs – keeping the costs for participation low so all can get involved.  The inaugural run at Pugneys has raised over £600 for the Yorkshire Cancer Centre, which was amazing since we had a low entry fee and just asked for donations on the day.

The winners on the day were Brendon Wain, with a winning time of 19.22. First lady was Ruth Draisey (25.40),  first 40+ male Scott Kelly, first 40+ lady Michelle Tones,  first male 50+ Dave Hammond, 1^st 50+ lady Elaine Kelly, 1^st under 17 lady Imogen Morely, 1^st under 17 male Stewart Lee.  Other results are available at RaceUpTheHill.com with other winners of younger categories included.

more pictures here RACEUPTHEHILL 2017 and  Results 12th March 2017 Pugneys Sandal Castle RaceUpTheHill

Best regards,

Chris Gorse