OVER 1,000 people donned their running shoes at the weekend in support of Manorlands.

The Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice staged its third annual Run Bolton Abbey event, around the picturesque estate.

Participants had a choice of four distances – a half-marathon, ten miles, a 10k and a fun run which covered just over two miles. The biggest entry – nearly 500 – was in the 10k.

The trail routes included areas of the estate not normally open to the public.

Sunday’s event coined-in about £30,000.

“We are extremely grateful to the Bolton Abbey estate for allowing us access and giving us exclusive use of parts not usually accessible to people,” said Manorlands Sue Ryder fundraiser, Andrew Wood.

“We were lucky with the weather on the day, but with all the rain we’d had in recent weeks the conditions on some sections were quite difficult – there were a few ‘unofficial’ fords to negotiate!

“However, runners got stuck in and took on the rugged nature of the route – there was a great camaraderie and the feedback was really positive.”

The main sponsor of the event was Skipton-based Midgley Motor Cars, and routes were marshalled by more than 20 volunteers.

Runners set off following a two-minute silence, at 11am.

All finishers received fruit, courtesy of Keelham Farm Shop, and a wooden medal.

First home in the half-marathon was Spencer Shaw, in just over one hour 33 minutes. The winning lady was Anne-Sophie Pierre in 01:47:05. The ten-mile winner was Tim Brook in 01:11:05. Full results of all the runs can be found at racebest.com.

Mr Wood added: “I want to say a huge thank-you to everyone who gave support – the Bolton Abbey estate, our marshals, sponsors and of course the runners.”