The Solstice Saunter, organised by the Airedale Dodgers Running Club can no longer take place at Bolton Abbey on the longest day 2020 due to coronavirus restrictions.

In its place, the club has created a virtual 5K Solstice Saunter on the day the event would have been held (Saturday 20 June 2020).

Participants can run, saunter or walk a 5K route of their choice. They must start any time after sunrise and must finish before sunset at which gives everyone a window of 17 hours 5 minutes and 32 seconds to do it in.

All those who take part will receive the much sought-after Solstice Saunter Medal 2020 and their time (if they wish) will be recorded on the virtual event leader board.

So sign up now to celebrate the Solstice in a different way for 2020 and support the care that Sue Ryder Manorlands and Wheatfields Hospices provide for people when it matters.

Please see our FAQ section which may answer any further questions you may have.

Partners

The Solstice Saunter is organised by the Airedale Dodgers, in support of Sue Ryder Manorlands and Wheatfields Hospices.

We are grateful for our sponsor JB Springs for their support.

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FAQs

- What is Airedale Dodgers?

This is a running club based at Airedale Hospital, it has members from most professions including doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, physiotherapists and many others who just enjoy running. (We just run for fun; the ‘Dodgers’ bit refers to us dodging out of the way of faster runners!)

- How does this event support Sue Ryder?

The virtual Solstice Saunter is organised entirely by volunteers, therefore once the cost of the medals is deducted from your entry fee, all the rest goes to Sue Ryder Manorlands and Wheatfields Hospices.

- I’ve already entered the Solstice Saunter, what do I need to do?

You should have already received an e-mail you with your options. If you can’t find the email, please contact manorlands.fundraising@sueryder.org or wheatfields.fundraising@sueryder.org

- Do I have to fundraise?

If you can, that is great and a sponsor form and link to Justgiving to setup your own fundraising page will be attached to your participant pack, but there is no obligation to raise additional funds.

- Do I have to be fit?

Not particularly, if you have any doubt seek medial advice. You can run or walk the distance, if you do feel uncomfortable please stop. Don’t take any risks.

- Do I have to prove I’ve completed the 5K?

Just tell us you’ve done it, we’ll believe you.

- I’m a runner and would like to compete for the overall prize with others?

Yes, you can, throughout the hours of daylight our leader board (posted on the ‘Solstice Saunter’ facebook page and the ‘Run for Manorlands’ facebook group will display the 5K times that we have been sent.

If you would like to compete, you should send an email to sauntermanorlands2020@gmail.com with your name, gender, Date of Birth, (running club and regular ParkRun if applicable) and your time with some proof e.g. a Strava print or a photo of your watch.

There’s a (small) prize for the fastest of the whole day (think of the kudos!). So, come on you ParkRunners, let’s see you out there with your new personal best!

- Can I compete against my running club friends?

You can, if you send us your clubs name, we’ll include it in the results. Or you could send us the name of your regular parkrun.

- Can I run the 5k more than once?

If you’re a competitive runner and feel you can do better then do another 5k and send us your time. We will post the last time we receive from you.

- Is there an age limit?

No but children under 11 should be supervised by an adult in a public area.

- ParkRuns are 5k, can we use the same courses?

You can but please be considerate and observe social distancing with other park users.

- Can I take photographs?

Please take photos of your own family and send them to us, we’ll post them on the Solstice Saunter facebook page and there is a small prize for the funniest.

- Can people take part from outside the area and abroad?

You can do this anywhere, we already have an entry from Brighton! Remember though wherever you are in the world it has to be done within the Bolton Abbey sunrise and sunset times.

- The sunrise and sunset times are incorrect for where I am?

These are the correct times for Bolton Abbey, there are national variations.

- Do I have to run/walk on the road?

You can do the 5k wherever you want, running machine, back garden, park, canal towpath, anywhere so long as you follow social distancing guidelines.

- Can I do the distance on a bike/roller skates?

No, with the exception of a wheelchair this is a foot race/walk. Medial wheelchairs are allowed, mobility scooters are not.

- If the whole family take part, does this mean we all get a medal?

It’s one entry, one medal, so make sure you register everyone to receive one medal per entrant.

- What happens if you get more entries than medals?

We will order more medals; believe us, if you’ve entered and completed the 5k you will get a medal.

- Is this going to be an annual event?

Goodness we hope not, next year we really want to be back at Bolton Abbey and in the sunshine!

- When does the virtual event finish?

All participants must start their 5K at a time that will allow them to finish by sunset at 9:42pm. Those competing must send their results in by 10pm. We will accept notification that the event has been completed up to the 10am on 22nd June 2020.

What's the refund policy?

Refunds will not be offered unless the event is cancelled. Tickets are non-transferable. If you can no longer make the event, please get in contact to let us know.