Ripon runner Rob Harrison has set a new course record at the Ripon Ultra, completing the 35-mile race in four hours and 13 minutes.
The race, organised by Ripon Runners, attracted competitors from across Yorkshire, with runners taking part in both solo and team relay categories.
The circular route starts and finishes in the village of Studley Roger, taking runners through trails, woodland and moorland in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), before a downhill finish through Studley Royal deer park.
Victoria Pang, race director, said:
We had ideal race conditions, especially after last year’s storm. With lots of smiling faces and satisfied runners, a new course record was set by Ripon Runner Rob Harrison, who completed the race in just 4 hours and 13 minutes. Paula Downing of Louth A/C was the first lady back, and the Raw Fitness team took away the Relay first place spot – and they already have their eyes set on the relay course record for next year.
Solo and relay winners
Harrison won the men’s solo race with his record-breaking time, while Paula Downing of Louth A/C was the first woman to finish the solo event.
Raw Fitness took first place in the team relay category, with the team already looking ahead to a potential attempt on the relay course record next year.
Charities benefit from race proceeds
Food for the event was supplied by Caroline Bentham’s Waste Not Wednesday charity team, while Alan Brownlee of AGB Sports Massage Therapies provided post-race massages for runners.
A proportion of the race proceeds was donated to Waste Not Wednesday and the farming charity RABI.
Victoria Pang, race director, said:
We’d like to thank all of the entrants who put so much time into training for this challenge. Secondly, we couldn’t host the Ripon Ultra without our incredible team of volunteers, so we appreciate everyone who gave up so much of their time on the day. We’ve had some lovely feedback about the friendly, community feel of the run – which is exactly what we set out to achieve.
Full results from the 2026 race are available on the Ripon Runners website.
About Ripon Runners
Founded in 1985 by local milkman Cameron Weatherburn, Ripon Runners is an extremely friendly, welcoming club open to runners of all ages, genders and abilities, with a dedicated junior section too. Based at Ripon Rugby Club, the club meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings throughout the year, and hosts regular weekend runs and social events.
To help keep membership fees low, the club also organises the Jolly Holly Jog, Ripon 10 Mile and Ripon Ultra races, which are open to all runners, whether club members or not.
To find out more, visit www.riponrunners.org.uk.