Octoberfest 2026

Octoberfest 2026

The annual Octoberfest Fun Run for primary schoolchildren took place on Sunday the 11^th at Whitby School with record entries. In the first 4 races over 140 runners took part and if you also include the Open Race that figure rises to over 170. The sunny afternoon added to the enjoyment of it all for the many families who attended.

All local primary schools were invited to send along runners and many did just that. Entries came from East Whitby, Stakesby, Airy Hill, West Cliff, Ruswarp, Hawsker, Fylingdales, Castleton and Lythe. Every runner received a ribboned medal and the first 2 to finish in each race were presented with a shield by the Whitby Rotary President, Soraya Watson.

Runners were given the opportunity to recruit sponsorship and raise funds for the charity, Operation Smile, which helps children who are born with cleft palate problems.

Winners of the main 4 races were Zac Kariuki ( Stakesby ),  Harper Thompson ( Ruswarp ), Elodie Hesketh ( West Cliff ) and Riri Kariuki of  Stakesby. Altogether there were lots of smiling faces to behold.

Mike Stones, organiser of the event said, “We would like to thank Whitby School for once again offering us the use of their playing fields and in particular, Shaun Hopper, Head of P.E., for his great help. It has been a pleasure for Whitby Rotary Club to stage such an event as we are proud to be able to encourage the fitness and wellbeing of our youngsters.”