Yorkshire Wildlife Park 5k
The Yorkshire Wildlife Park near Doncaster was the venue for a race with a difference. The event took place on Sunday 15th October with a 9am start, this was to allow runners to use the park for the event prior to it been open to the public.
The event was billed as a fun and friendly 5k in the grounds of The Yorkshire Wildlife Park all in support of the Yorkshire Wildlife Park Foundation.
Working with the Yorkshire Wildlife Park team the aim was for runners to have a great fun filled event, contribute to the health and well-being of the community, raise sponsorship and awareness for the Yorkshire Wildlife Park Foundation.
The cost of entry which at first seemed a little steep (£22) was actually great value as not only did that include race entry, a good quality medal, cakes and drinks at the finish it also included a full days admission to the park after the race, this is normally £16. In addition family and supporters benefitted from a discounted entry of £10 each.
Around 1000 people of all abilities turned up for the event with chip timing there was no great rush to get a front row start. The race started in the carpark outside the main entrance before entering the park with a loop around Lion country then exited the park along an access road into a large grass area before re-entering the park passing Giraffes, Baboons, Tigers, Polar Bears and numerous other animals. The course was multi terrain with gravel paths, wooded sections, grass and tarmac paths with one or two slight undulations.
Sheila and myself were the only Harriers at the event but had some North bank company with Andy Tate and Jayne Dale of Beverley AC also running in the event.
I finished in a time of 22.11 and 33rd position, 5th V50 whilst Sheila managed 30.32 and 293rd and 4th W55 with a total number of 914 finishers we were both happy with our efforts on such a course.
After we had recovered we spent the rest of the day in the park with family, so all in all a great day out, well organised by Curlys Athletes and one we will certainly do next year.
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