More than 700 people took part in a special celebration at Fountains Abbey earlier this month as the weekly parkrun marked its 500th run.
Held on Saturday 19th July, the milestone event attracted a record turnout of 701 runners, joggers and walkers, making it the busiest parkrun in the event’s 11-year history.
Set in the stunning grounds of the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal near Ripon, the event has become a fixture in the weekend routines of thousands of locals and visitors.
Since its launch in March 2014, more than 34,000 individuals have taken part, completing over 174,000 runs and covering more than 870,000 kilometres.
The course itself is a two-lap loop through the historic estate, passing the medieval abbey ruins, ornamental lakes and tree-lined paths.
It’s considered one of the most scenic parkrun locations in the UK, with many tourists describing it as a “bucket-list” event.
The milestone event saw people travelling from across Yorkshire and beyond to join the celebrations, with cakes, t-shirts and plenty of applause for those reaching their own personal goals.
As always, the event was made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers.
A total of 69 people gave up their time to help manage the 500th run, acting as marshals, timekeepers, barcode scanners and more.
In total, more than 1,700 volunteers have supported Fountains Abbey parkrun over the years, completing upwards of 12,500 volunteer shifts.
Fountains Abbey parkrun stalwart Lyn Silver said:
“Thankfully the rain held off and it was a great day to parkrun then have some delicious cake made by the very talented HG1 Cake Couture to celebrate the 500th event.
“Well done to all participants, many of whom gained PBs, may be partly due to numerous Ripon Runners volunteering in pacing roles today - so thanks to them.”
With the 500 mark now reached, organisers say they’re looking forward to welcoming new faces throughout the summer, with themed events and community milestones already in the works.
Fountains Abbey parkrun takes place every Saturday at 9am and is completely free to attend. Participants just need to register online and bring a scannable parkrun barcode.
More information can be found at www.parkrun.org.uk/fountainsabbey.
Harrogate MP joins volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels
'Cruel and controlling': Harrogate man jailed after years of abuse
Harrogate Brewing Co win awards for region's best beer
Ripon pub owners named national winners of community award
Knaresborough pubs to host premiere of festive film shot in the town
Air ambulance rescue teenager after horror quad bike crash near Pateley Bridge
Country estate set to be powered by solar energy
Harrogate law firm retains top-tier recognition in UK legal guides
Your Harrogate to launch Lewis Capaldi ticket giveaway during Stray Bonfire
Harrogate strongman set to compete for British title
Calls for Yorkshire Water Chief to resign following "immoral and unjustifiable" offshore payments
Long-established Harrogate tech shop set to move to bigger premises
Warnings after confirmation of bird flu in North Yorkshire
First look at Harewood House's Bridgerton-inspired Christmas
Harrogate's most festive pub to return this month
Ripon hotel scoops two national awards following public vote
Remembrance Sunday: Events, parades and road closures
Harrogate care residents race wheelchairs in support of Meals on Wheels
Harrogate stay and play café announces 'heartbreaking' closure
Newly refurbished pub near Knaresborough named among best in UK
