3 Sep 2018 Community

Hundreds hit the trail for Kirkwood Hospice

Over 200 people dusted off their trainers and took on Sunday's 5 and 10k race at Kirkwood Hospice's 2018 Trail Run.

On Sunday morning, crowds turned out in force at Leeds Road Playing Fields to race in Kirkwood's seventh annual Trail Run event, and raise thousands for the Dalton-based Hospice.

Click here to view the full results.

The dry but warm September's morning made the perfect conditions for those taking on their first ever 5 or 10k race, or those looking to beat a personal best.

Amongst the crowds was Dan Booth, of Slaithwaite, who was running his first 10k in memory of his Dad, Eddie Booth, friend, Rick Garner and father-in-law, Stephen Laws. Cheering him on were wife, Leighanne, and daughter, Martha.

Leighanne, Martha and Dan Booth

 

Dan said: "My father-in-law spent time in Kirkwood this time last year after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. My Dad had throat cancer and passed away in 2001 and my friend, Rick, had a brain tumour for a number of years but it finally got the better of him in 2013.

"My Dad was never in a Hospice and never wanted help from any community nurses. But from my experience with my father-in-law I have seen how much a Hospice helps. Not just for the patient, but for the whole family too.

"My father-in-law had been in a lot of pain but they were able to manage his symptoms and regulate his medication at Kirkwood so that he was comfortable enough to spend the last few weeks in his own home, where he was still supported by Kirkwood's Community Team.

"From my experience with my father-in-law I have seen how much a Hospice helps. Not just for the patient, but for the whole family too." Dan Booth

"Last year I was already training for a 5k run. When Stephen was diagnosed, I knew I wanted to do something for Kirkwood, and now I am running in everybody's memories."

Also in attendance was Kirkwood Ambassador, Andy Wright, who was running as part of his mission to cover 5,000 miles in five years for Kirkwood Hospice. Taking on the 10k route, Sunday's race was warming Andy up for the Great North Run and York Marathon races later this year.

After a lively Zumba warm-up delivered by Kirklees Active Leisure, the piston sounded at 10:30am and the 5 and 10k runners were off.

First to cross the line was 5k runner Zak Masterson with a time of 23:52, closely followed by Jenny Corbett at 28:40. First for the 10k men was Simon Courtney with an impressive time of 34:45.

In an amazing effort, the first 10k woman to cross the line was thirteen-year-old Isabelle Richardson with a time of 44:48 in her first ever 10k race.

The event was set up in 2012 by founder John Philpott, and friend Vicki Davenport, as a way to celebrate the life of John’s late wife and Vicki’s best friend, Joanne.

This year, John was joined by all four of his children as well as his Granddaughter, Annabelle, to mark the life of someone special.

John said: "This is the seventh year of the Trail Run and it's absolutely fantastic every year. There's so many people here that have been involved with me, the family, Joanne and The Holmfirth Harriers for many years. It's a real team effort and we all couldn't do it without each other."

For a full list of race times from the day, please click here.To view all photography from the day, visit Mark Flynn Photography's website.

Kirkwood Hospice would like to thank event sponsors Pink Link and Longley Farm for making the 2018 Trail Run possible.

Special thanks also go to: John Philpott, Jo Auty, Tim Cock and all of the event committee, Mark Flynn Photography, Kirklees Active Leisure Centre, Cannonball, Dene Townend, Mark Rattigan, Medivent and all Kirkwood Hospice volunteers.