Record number of runners yomp through the park (From Knutsford Guardian)

Record number of runners yomp through the park

6:20pm Friday 4th January 2013 in News

A RECORD 1,000 runners flooded through Tatton Park in December to take part in this year’s Tatton Yule Yomp.

The annual 10k event was started by Olympic torch bearer James Whittaker, and has quickly become a popular feature in the calendar of racers and fun runners alike.

As well as serious athletes, the race featured a variety of Santas, fairies, reindeers and fast-moving Christmas gifts.

In wintry and muddy conditions participants ran through field and stream to collect their fully-deserved medals.

The sounds of the Bostock Brass band at the finishing line reminded everyone that the festive season had arrived.

Undeterred by the weather, first place was claimed by 2011 winner Malcolm Fowler (Wilmslow Running Club) in a new course record of 36:26.

Katie Geelan (Bury Athletic Running Club) returned to the top ladies spot in 43:21, having won in 2010.

Other notable runners included four times Tatton Yule Yomp vet 60 winner Tony Hulme (46:41), ladies vet 60 winner Rosemary Rogers (49:12) and vet 70 winner John Riley (51:02).

Bury AC took the top running club trophy, and the award for non-running teams went to the Trotters.

This was also an event for children, who ran three laps around the cross-country course at Egerton Youth Club.

In a keenly-contested race, Olivia Keen romped home in first place.

Most importantly, the yomp will hit another high spot this year with more than £17,000 anticipated to go to four local charities – Egerton Youth Club, The David Lewis Centre, East Cheshire Hospice and Crossroads Care Cheshire East.

For all those who want to take part, next year’s Tatton Yule Yomp is on Sunday December 8. Entries will open in August.