Octoberfest Fun Run is a smash hit at Whitby School

A record entry of over 170 young athletes entered the annual Octoberfest Fun Run earlier this month.

The annual Octoberfest Fun Run for primary schoolchildren took place on Sunday, October 11 at Whitby School with record entries.

The start of the Year 4 Boys Race at Octoberfest Fun Run.

placeholder image — The start of the Year 4 Boys Race at Octoberfest Fun Run.

In the first four races over 140 runners took part and if you also include the Open Race that figure rises to over 170.

The sunny afternoon added to the enjoyment of it all for the many families who attended.

Harper Thompson and Marnie Wilkinson, both of Ruswarp School, show off their medals for finishing 1st and 2nd in the Year 4 Girls Race. Photo by Amelia Dyson of Elana Belle Photography

All local primary schools were invited to send along runners and many did just that.

Entries came from East Whitby, Stakesby, Airy Hill, West Cliff, Ruswarp, Hawsker, Fylingdales, Lealholm, Castleton, Sleights and Lythe.

Every runner received a ribboned medal and the first two youngsters to finish in each race were presented with a shield by the Whitby Rotary President, Soraya Watson.

Runners were given the opportunity to recruit sponsorship and raise funds for the charity, Operation Smile, which helps children who are born with cleft palate problems.

Finlay Peoples, of Airy Hill School, finishes the race. Photo by Amelia Dyson of Elana Belle Photography

Winners of the main four races were Zac Kariuki (Stakesby), Harper Thompson (Ruswarp), Elodie Hesketh (West Cliff) and Riri Kariuki of Stakesby.

Altogether there were lots of smiling faces to behold.

Mike Stones, organiser of the event said: “We would like to thank Whitby School for once again offering us the use of their playing fields and in particular, Shaun Hopper, Head of P.E., for his great help.

"It has been a pleasure for Whitby Rotary Club to stage such an event as we are proud to be able to encourage the fitness and wellbeing of our youngsters.”