A NEW running festival in aid of Manorlands hospice has got off the mark – and organisers are delighted.

Just over 200 people took part in the Bolton Abbey Trail Festival on Sunday.

And fundraisers at the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice say the feedback has been hugely positive.

“Numbers were slightly lower than we’d hoped for but the weather wasn’t great and that probably deterred some people,” said Andrew Wood, from the fundraising team.

“However, it was a good day and the comments we received from participants were extremely positive.

“People liked the routes and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

“There was a mixture of club and ‘leisure’ runners and a really good atmosphere.

“We hope the event will become an annual fixture, although we might look at moving the date next year to avoid the holidays.”

The festival offered a choice of routes to cater for runners of all abilities.

There were 10k, half-marathon, 15-mile and 20-mile events, which all started at 11am.

And there was a two-mile run in the afternoon.

Chip timing was provided and there was a bespoke medal for each participant.

Keelham Farm Shop supplied fruit at the finish line.

All entrants received a day’s free admission to the Bolton Abbey estate, and free parking.

Other attractions at the event included a bar, bouncy castle, face painting, hot and cold food and drinks.

There was also a sportswear outlet and a physiotherapist was on hand to offer advice and treat any problems.

The festival was sponsored by Midgley Motors and Convenience Hire.

Around £6,000 is expected to be raised for the hospice once all monies have been collected.

“Considering it was a first event we’re pleased with that,” said Mr Wood.

“I would like to say a big thank-you to everyone who gave their support.

“Thanks go to the sponsors and Keelham Farm Shop, to our hosts at Bolton Abbey and to the volunteer marshals – they did a brilliant job keeping runners on the right routes, manning feed stations and helping with the parking.

“And of course thank-you to all who took part.”

Results from the event can be found on the Run for Manorlands Facebook page.

The festival is the latest in a series of running events held to support the hospice.

Bolton Abbey is also host to the annual Solstice Saunter, which this year attracted 700 entrants and raised nearly £20,000.

Results from the event can be found on the Run for Manorlands Facebook page.

The festival is the latest in a series of running events held to support the hospice.

Bolton Abbey is also host to the annual Solstice Saunter, which this year attracted 700 entrants and raised nearly £20,000.

And Run Bolton Abbey is once again being held.

This year it takes place on November 11 and will offer two-mile, 10k, ten-mile and half-marathon routes.

Last year's event attracted 1,600 entrants.

Manorlands supports patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families at the hospice and in the community, across an area covering Craven, Airedale and Wharfedale as well as parts of Bradford.

All services are free to patients and their loved ones, but it costs £9,000 a day to keep the hospice doors open.

Only a small part of the cost is covered by statutory funds. Most of the funds have to be raised through voluntary donations.

To find out how you can support the hospice by taking part in events, visit sueryder.org.

If you are planning to organise your own activity, contact the Manorlands fundraising office on 01535 640430.

Forthcoming events include the popular Bronte Mountain Bike Challenge, on September 16.

It is the 14th running of the event, which starts from Oxenhope Community Centre.

Sponsor is All Terrain Cycles.

Four routes are on offer, catering for different abilities.

The Heathcliff ride covers a 35.1-mile ‘extreme challenge’ route.

Charlotte will follow a 28.4-mile course.

Emily covers 21.9 miles of tracks, trails and minor roads.

The route crosses the moor to Walshaw then loops back towards the start, before taking in a section over Thornton Moor.

Anne completes the line-up, covering 15 miles.

The Heathcliff, Charlotte and Emily rides start at 9am and Anne at 9.30am.

All will finish at the hospice.

Each participant will receive a medal and a hot meal at the finish.

Whilst there is no obligation for entrants to raise additional funds through sponsorship, those who raise £50 or more will be entered into a prize draw to win a bike-related prize courtesy of All Terrain Cycles.

As with last year’s event, team entry for groups of four is available.

Entry for Charlotte, Emily and Heathcliff is £25 for individuals or £80 for teams.

Anne costs £15 for individuals or £30 for family teams of up to five.

For more details, go to sueryder.org/get-involved/events/all-events/2018/september/bronte-mountain-bike-challenge.