8th July 2023 Lyke Wake Challenge
A great event held by the Quakers Running Club. A lot of organisational work takes place for many months in the background by Anthony Corbett and Roy Macdougall with some help from April Corbett to allow us to hold this fabulous event. Many many thanks go to the amazing QRC members and also some of our friends who helped to marshal on the day – without the commitment and dedication of these lovely people looking after the runners, we simply could not hold this iconic challenge which has raised many thousands of pounds for charity. We have had so much fantastic feedback on the Lyke Wake Facebook page, by email, verbally when the runner completed the challenge and direct messages which makes us proud of our volunteers and to be part of a great club.
It was made particularly interesting this year with the weather both on the day and leading up to the event. We were a little concerned that after many weeks of no rain that the peaty boggy section wouldn’t be the same if it was just dry and bouncy. As it turned out it was a hot and sunny day which then turned into torrential downpours with the final touch adding in some thunder and lightening. The good news is all of the competitors were accounted for at the end of the day,
If anyone hasn’t heard of the Lyke Wake, it is a linear 40 mile crossing from Osmotherley to Ravenscar that includes all terrains including trail, a little bit of road, moors and hills. There are checkpoints along the way at Carlton Bank, Clay Bank, the Lion Inn, Hamer, Stape, Ellerbeck and Jugger Howe before reaching the finish in the grounds of Raven Hall at Ravenscar. Our volunteers are in small groups at each of these points and they have a great day whilst waiting for each runner to arrive. The runners tell us how amazing the Quakers are with making sure they are ok, giving them snacks, raising their spirits and ensuring they have enough water to see them to the next check point.
We would also like to thank the marshals for their time and the snacks they provided at their checkpoints, Raven Hall for allowing us to have the finish area in their grounds, Raynet for providing the radio communication support, the Lion Inn for allowing us to have the checkpoint area, Sprinters our chosen supplier for Tshirts and first and fastest finishers plaques.
We will update when we have finalised the donations for Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team, Scarborough & Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team and Raynet.
We have already started planning for the 2024 challenge so if you have been inspired to volunteer next year or would like more details on how you can help, please either speak to Anthony, Roy or April, email lykewakerace@gmail.com or send a direct message and we will be happy to answer any questions you have. We would love for more of our members to experience the event whether it be taking part in the challenge itself or being at one of the checkpoints – what a great day it is!