Latest news in Yorkshire: May 01, 2018 11:33:22 AM
A record 1100 runners yesterday (30 April 2018) raised over £6200 to help save endangered animals in the wildest of all charity fun runs at the award-winning Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
Many of the runners decided to dress up as various animals to add colour to the run as they unleashed their inner animal selves to take part in the Run for Wildlife 5K race at the innovative park.
There was even a junior fun run around the pathways of Lion Country for children aged from four to eleven.
Sponsorship and entry donations will help the Yorkshire Wildlife Park Foundation, which supports animal conservation and welfare projects around the world.
YWPF Trustee Cheryl Williams said: “It was a marvellous day and a record number of runners.’
“Everyone had so much fun and the money raised will allows us to fund even more of the vital projects YWPF supports all over the globe. I can’t thank everyone so much for their support.
“But if you missed it, it isn’t too late. The next Run For Wildlife will be held on October 14th and applications open soon!”
YWP’s unique collection of some of the world’s most beautiful and at risk species, including Amur Leopards and Tigers, the country’s only Polar Bears and Meerkats, made a memorable route for the runners.
Ms Williams added:” The race really is special and runners loved the unique opportunity to see the animals on a charity run. The whole day had a brilliant atmosphere and many of the runners stayed on to enjoy a day at the Park afterwards.”
The success of the charity run comes days just after Curly’s Athletes, the local sports organisation that organised the Run For Wildlife, was awarded a prestigious gold award at the National Running Awards for the organising the best 5KM race in the whole of the UK.
"We were thrilled at news of this well-deserved award and we are proud to be recognised for having the best 5K race nationally.” said Ms Williams. “We can't thank Curly’s enough and all those that took part for helping raise so much money for the important conservation projects we support."
Jonathan Frary, manager of Curly’s Athletes, added:"A huge thank you to the YWP team who have worked hard with us to make this event a great experience for runners and spectators.”
The park also celebrated on Sunday the final day of the 30 day Run For Wildlife Virtual Run on Sunday with nearly 150 participants including overseas participants from over 12 different countries taking on the challenge to walk, jog or run their way to reach 30K to raise funds for Project Polar – a programme for polar bear conservation and welfare.
The next Run For Wildlife is on 14th Oct and applications for the race can be found here: https://www.yorkshirewildlifepark.com/events/
Yorkshire Photography[catlist name=Latest News]