Over 680 runners and walkers came together at the Bolton Abbey Estate in the Yorkshire Dales to celebrate the summer solstice and make the most of the extra hours of sunlight.

The seventh annual Solstice Saunter took place on Wednesday, June 21, the longest day of the year with people of all ages and abilities running, sauntering or walking a five-mile circular route along the riverside and beautiful woodland trails of the estate in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

Organised by the Airedale Dodgers Running Club, the event raises funds for national healthcare charity Sue Ryder, which runs Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in Oxenhope near Keighley. The charity provides expert palliative care, advice and support for people who are living with a life-limiting condition, as well as supporting their families.

It has been announced this week that this year’s sold-out saunter, sponsored by Ecology Building Society, raised £20,000 for the charity, taking the total raised over the last seven years to around £157,000.

The fastest female runners on the day were Kirsty Wicks, Eliza Taswell-Fryer and Georgia Robinson, while the first three male finishers were Michael Vargas, Martin Fillingham and Richard Herrington.

Everyone who took part, including over 50 people who did the event virtually across the UK, received a bespoke Solstice Saunter medal, featuring a woodland deer.

Andrew Wood, Community Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, said: "The Solstice Saunter is a much-loved event in the local community and we were delighted that this year was another sell-out success. It provides a fun and unique way for people to come together in a beautiful setting and celebrate the arrival of summer, with the added benefit of raising vital funds for a good cause.

"Thank you to our sponsors and volunteers for their fantastic support, and to everyone who pulled on their trainers and running vests and joined us both on the day and virtually. The money raised will ensure we can continue to provide the expert and compassionate care we are so well known for."

Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice is hosting its popular Bronte Sportive event on Sunday 16th July, with bronte-themed routes for cyclists of all abilities. To register, visit: sueryder.org/brontesportive.