RICHMOND SCHOOL STAFF AND ALUMNI TAKE TOP HONOURS IN SWALEDALE MARATHON
On one of the hottest days of the year so far, a member of staff and a former student took the top two places in the gruelling Swaledale Marathon. Teacher Keith Wigley came first in an amazing 3 hours and 1 minute, followed closely by former student Jake Stephenson, in 3 hours 7 minutes. The Richmond school connection continued, with former teacher Tim Greenwood coming in 4th in 3 hours 25, with George Baker, alumnus, taking 6th place in 3 hours and 28 minutes. Teachers Matt Randall, Jim Coldwell and Helen Southgate, and Kitchen Assistant Melanie May, also took part, being placed 43rd, 110th 130th and 264th respectively from a field of 419 finishers.
The annual Swaledale Marathon passes through some of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale’s finest scenery. The 24-mile course is a fell run/challenge walk event and competitors must navigate themselves and complete the course within 10 hours. It has been organised by Swaledale Outdoor Club since 1979. Conditions underfoot for the 42nd Swaledale Marathon were very dry, after a prolonged spell with no rain. The temperature was in the mid-twenties with little breeze, making it one of the toughest marathons in recent years.
Well done to everyone who took part.