Today was, what might be, our last chance to run the infamous “Guy Fawkes 10” as we know it. The sale of Ripley Castle (who’s owners have, to date, granted permissions to the race organisers to host the event) means that the route and location may well be moved on to pastures new. This hilly 10 mile run, starting and finishing at Ripley Castle is hosted by Nidd Valley road Runners. Most of the course is on quiet country roads with a couple of sections on well surfaced bridleway.
For quite some years the race has been supported by Up & Running and the race is a famously, super hilly course taking in the stunning countryside of Nidderdale and passing through the villages of Birstwith and Hampsthwaite. After a jaunt back along the woodland path on what is named Hollybank Hell, the race then finishes to a raucous welcome by supporters lining the route into the grounds of the Ripley Castle. The route itself is a largely scenic one, travelling along country lanes, yet distinctively challenging with 4 hills and very little flat, each so severe they are even given names. With an entry limit of 1000 runners, the race sells out year on year (this year being no exceptionsince Marc & Julie Steele bagged the very last two places!) and can be traced back as far as 2006. Ripley Castle has been the home of the Ingleby family for twenty six generations and Sir Thomas and Lady Ingleby and their five children have continued the tradition up to today. Did we mention this was a hilly 10 mile run? And that the hills have names? The three climbs of note are quirkily named – ‘Birstwith Brute’, ‘Swincliffe Swine’ and ‘For Fawkes Sake’ with the route up to the finish being newly named Hollybank Hell, the scenery along the route though is stunning. It boasts a total ascent of 360 metres. The start is in the shadow of the stunning Castle, for the finish, participants run uphill with the help of the cheering crowds and into the stunning courtyard. Finishers are always rewarded with the famous goodie bag containing, Yorkshire tea, Taylors coffee and an array of chocolates, sweets and in addition a long sleeved technical tee-shirt (an optional choice for participants this year). Finally, there’s the customary visit to Ripley Stores for bacon, egg, sausage, spam (or all 4!) and other delights of the breakfast table were enjoyed by the team afterwards! Sadly, very few of the team were fully fit for this years race, sporting an injury of kind or another this year. Leading the team home in a leisurely 1:33:55 was Marc Steele followed by Martin Steele (first timer!) 1:38:09; Annie Kisluk 1:39:26; Julie Steele 1:43:22; Barbara Stow 2:03:19; Linda Bussey 2:15:02 and Garry Ellison 2:15:03. Well done team and a massive ‘thank yu’ to our brilliant support crew!
