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-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels
