Return of Northallerton 10k confirmed

The much-anticipated event, which attracts crowds of spectators and scores of runners, had to be cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions.

With last year’s disappointed participants automatically entered for the 2022 event, Northallerton 10k has quickly reached its capacity of 1,000 runners.

Entry fees and additional monies raised will be donated to Northallerton-based Pendragon Community Trust, which provides support to those with learning disabilities, together with their families and carers. Its specialist centre provides a range of sensory experiences as well as therapeutic and developmental opportunities.

Simon Bailes Peugeot, which has dealerships in Northallerton, Stockton, and Guisborough, has been the main sponsor for each of the five years the Northallerton 10k has been held since its launch in 2016 and this year it has two members of staff – finance director Sally Bowen and digital marketing executive Oliver Walters – taking part for the first time.

Sally Bowen and Oliver Walters of Simon Bailes Peugeot with Jules Downes (centre) at the Pendragon Multi-Sensory Centre in Northallerton

This year’s race starts at the Town Hall on the High Street on Sunday, May 29 at 10am.

Race director Thomas Kerfoot said: “It’s fantastic to be able to stage the Northallerton 10k after an absence of two years. The fact it is already sold out underlines just how much it’s valued, and people are looking forward to welcoming it back.

“More importantly it will raise valuable funds for the Pendragon Trust, which itself has faced a challenging time during the pandemic due to a lack of fundraising opportunities.

“I’d like to thank Simon Bailes Peugeot for its continued backing as a main sponsor, together with the widespread support of other local businesses.”

Jules Downes, Pendragon Community Trust’s centre and development manager, added: “The Northallerton 10k is our biggest fundraiser of the year and as a charity we rely heavily on community support, so the fact that it was postponed for two years had a major impact on the centre. The 10k means everything to us.”

Simon Bailes said: “As a business with deep roots in the community, I’m pleased to continue our long association with Northallerton 10k as a main sponsor and to ensure that it remains a resounding success.

“It’s an occasion that brings the town and the wider area together and involves people of all ages and abilities, while raising funds for a very worthwhile cause, and I’m sure this year’s event will be the best yet.”