Hosted by Airedale Dodgers on behalf of Sue Ryder, the Solstice Saunter is a 5 mile fundraising event on the trails of the breathtaking Bolton Abbey Estate. The event is always timed for the evening of the Summer Solstice, this year falling on Wednesday 21st June. The 9th Staging of this event this year reverted back to it’s original route; a circular 5 miles that starts from the Cavendish Pavilion car park and runs a clockwise loop up through the Strid Wood to Barden Bridge, then back along the road to the finish line where it started. The route goes along tarmac and gravel paths with a short section on grass, several hilly parts make for a real challenge and with an extremely hot, sunny evening thrown in came an assortment of flies! Fortunately though, the route offers a large percentage of shade through the wooded areas of the Estate. Held at the event’s traditional home, the stunning Bolton Abbey Estate, a welcome site for 685 runners and walkers!
Eccleshill 9 runners out in the blue and white for Race 6 of the club’s Summer championships. Another chance to gain valuable points on the table. Finishers received a fabulous bespoke Solstice Saunter medal, a can of Erdinger (alcohol free) and a Jammy Dodger; a select few were also able to pick a refreshing and very welcome ice pop!!
Leading the team home was Gemma Illingworth in 46:26 closely followed by Vicky Cousins 49:21, Julie Steele 50:59, Jackie Bywater 52:14, Martin Steele 52:21, Sarah Rawlings 54:09, Linda Bussey 55:54, Sarah Myers 57:31 and Sue Gregson 71:49. A massive ‘Well done’ Team and big thanks to our support crew!
