Swaledale Marathon Success for Jake and George

Congratulations to Jake Stephenson, former student, and George Baker, in Year 13, who competed in the Swaledale Marathon at the weekend. They both did exceptionally well, battling winds of over 40mph, with Jake coming 2nd, in just 3 hours and 6 minutes and George 44th, in 3 hours and 59 minutes, from around 500 competitors. The Swaledale Marathon is a gruelling off-road course that sets off up Fremington Edge, along to Whaw, in Arkengarthdale, before heading over Great Punchard, a never-ending hill that takes runners and walkers across the moor before descending down Gunnerside Gill where they immediately encounter another steep climb up to Blades. Leading to Surrender Bridge, the final leg hooks around Calva Hill before finishing in Reeth. Competitors have 10 hours to complete the  route and are supported throughout the event by the wonderful volunteers of Swaledale Outdoor Club and Swaledale Mountain Rescue.

It was fantastic to see Mr Randall, Miss Southgate, Mr Coldwell, Izzy Lundberg, as well as many other former students taking part. Well done to everyone who competed as this challenge is not for the faint-hearted!

Jake has just finished his final year and exams studying at the University of York and it is great to hear he is still dedicated to his running. He has recently spent a month in Majorca where he took part in the Mallorca Half Ironman. He had an outstanding result, finishing 12th out of 2628 and 2nd in his age group. Jake and his brother Charlie, in Year 13, took part in the Dave Clark TT cycling challenge a couple of weeks ago. Charlie was 1st in his age group and Jake finished 3rd male. Jake is planning to take some time out to watch the Tour de France and do some travelling before starting a job.

Thank you to Scenic View Gallery in Reeth for their fabulous photographs of Jake and George (first and second images). You can browse more images from the Swaledale Marathon on their image gallery.