The Wensleydale Wander was held on Saturday 13th April 2024. Organised by Wensleydale Rotary this event has been running for over twenty years. With a choice of two circular walks through Wensleydale, one a 23 mile challenge and a shorter one of 12 miles, both starting and finishing in Leyburn the event has become an established event attracting both runners and walkers. Many runners use the event as preparation for events such as the London Marathon. The success of the event is very much down to the support given by very many members of the Leyburn community as well as club members. Thanks too to Wensleydale School in providing the base for the event, without which it would be impossible to run the event.
Communication between the checkpoints was provided by Raynet-UK which is the UK's national voluntary communications service provided for the community by licensed radio amateurs. The support of the Wensleydale School in providing a base for the event is invaluable.
Registration for the event took place at Wensleydale School and both groups were set on their way by club President Mr David Spashett from Grove Square in Leyburn
This years event was well supported with 433 entries and 391 runners and walkers starting the event showing a good increase on last year. The weather was good for both, the recent windy weather had helped to make the route much drier and easier than was anticipated earlier in the week after the rains we had at the start of the month. The weather on the day was dry in the morning but there was some rain in the afternoon but visibility on the whole was good so entrants could take in the great views. The fastest male for the short route was Mathew Ansell on 1 hour and 29 minutes. The fastest female on the short route was Julia Morgan on 1 hour and 45 minutes.
For the majority of walkers, with time to have a relaxed and sociable walk, while enjoying the views, this was another great day. The finish line for both groups was at Wensleydale School where the excellent home made soups and cakes were very much appreciated by everyone.
The event raised over £5500, which will be divided between our principal charity Yorkshire Air Ambulance and our other local charIties. A presentation was made of an initial £2000 during the event to Tessa Klemz, regional fundraising manager North and East for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, however following the event the final amount Wensleydale Rotary was able to present to the charity was £2750.
if you wish to see the list of finishers place and time, click on Results.
more A much improved turnout of 346 runners and walkers showed that we are finally recovering from the effects of the Covid lock downs.
more Despite reduced numbers due to Covid, 225 Walkers and Runners took part in ideal conditions to enjoy the magnificent views.
more Wensleydale Rotary Club's Annual Wensleydale Wander returned to the dale yesterday. It was a friendly and sociable walk through The Dale in aid of our usual charities. The principal charity for the event is Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
more There was a record entry of over 500 this year, with conditions that were excellent for running, though cold for the walkers, and very cold for the marshals!
more There was a record entry of 471 walkers and runners, with 403 actually taking part on the day
more The 2017 Wander was again blessed with perfect weather, even better than last year, and enjoyed by 352 walkers and runners.
more The 2016 Wander was blessed with perfect weather, enjoyed by 309 walkers and runners.
more This year's Wensleydale Wander was again well supported and the weather was kind apart from a strong westerly wind, particularly on the higher ground.
more This year's Wander was the coldest yet, which may explain why there were the largest number of non-starters!
more There were 305 entries for this year's Wensleydale Wander despite the recent weather, and they were rewarded by a glorious sunny day.
more There were 400 entries for this year's Wander- a record!
more This year's Wander was again a big success, with over 300 entries and lots of sunshine!
more There was a record turnout for the 2010 Wensleydale Wander, with 315 walking or running the routes, and only one having to drop out near the end of the 22 mile version.
more This year's Wensleydale Wander was again a big success with over 230 entrants walking or running either the 22 or 12-mile routes
back This popular Walk/Run was back to normal in 2023, so we hope to see many new entrants in 2024, as well as our regulars, some of whom have been coming for 20 years or more! This year, we are again supporting Yorkshire Air Ambulance.