Wensleydale Wander 2024 Report

The Wensleydale Wander was held on Saturday 13^th April 2024. Organised by Wensleydale Rotary this event has been running for over twenty years.  With a choice of two circular walks through Wensleydale, one a 23 mile challenge and a shorter one of 12 miles, both starting and finishing in Leyburn the event has become an established event attracting both runners and walkers. Many runners use the event as preparation for events such as the London Marathon. The success of the event is very much down to the support given by very many members of the Leyburn community as well as club members. Thanks too to Wensleydale School in providing the base for the event, without which it would be impossible to run the event.

Communication between the checkpoints was provided by Raynet-UK which is the UK's national voluntary communications service provided for the community by licensed radio amateurs. The support of the Wensleydale School in providing a base for the event is invaluable.

Registration for the event took place at Wensleydale School and both groups were set on their way by club President Mr David Spashett from Grove Square in Leyburn

This years event was well supported with 433 entries and 391 runners and walkers starting the event showing a good increase on last year. The weather was good for both, the recent windy weather had helped to make the route much drier and easier than was anticipated earlier in the week after the rains we had at the start of the month. The weather on the day was dry in the morning but there was some rain in the afternoon but visibility on the whole was good so entrants could take in the great views. The fastest male for the short route was Mathew Ansell on 1 hour and 29 minutes. The fastest female on the short route was Julia Morgan on 1 hour and 45 minutes.

For the majority of walkers, with time to have a relaxed and sociable walk, while enjoying the views, this was another great day. The finish line for both groups was at Wensleydale School where the excellent home made soups and cakes were very much appreciated by everyone.

The event raised over £5500, which will be divided between our principal charity Yorkshire Air Ambulance and our other local charIties. A presentation was made of an initial £2000 during the event to Tessa Klemz, regional fundraising manager North and East for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, however following the event the final amount Wensleydale Rotary was able to present to the charity was £2750.

if you wish to see the list of finishers place and time, click on Results.