See York Run York Farewell Challenge

18th April 2026

Today was a very special one at the See York Run York Farewell Challenge on the Knavesmire. This was the final SYRY event, and what a way to celebrate everything Sandra, the team, and this brilliant running community have created. The weather was perfect, the atmosphere was full of smiles, chat, encouragement, and support, and it felt like a proper farewell to an event team that has meant a lot to so many runners.

The challenge was simple in format but big in heart: a 5.88km circuit where runners could complete anything from a single lap to as many as possible in 7 hours. Some runners went on to complete 8 and 9 laps, taking on ultra distance, which was amazing to witness. For me, the goal was to complete 6 laps to take me beyond 100 miles at SYRY events over the past year, with the bigger aim of reaching 7 laps for marathon distance. I kept things steady early on, held pace well through the first 4 laps, then had to dig in as the legs started to tire.

The aid station stops were a real boost, not just for the drinks and snacks, but for the camaraderie and banter that kept everyone going. Sarah was amazing too. She set out thinking she might do a couple of laps and ended up running her furthest distance yet with 4 laps. Then, after a break with tea and cake, she came back out and joined me for my final lap. That made the finish even more special. We even squeezed in a stop at Little Yorkshire Coffee Co. for a Yorvale ice cream on the final lap, which felt like the perfect way to enjoy such a warm and memorable day.

I finished 7 laps, marathon distance, in 6 hours 27 minutes and loved every minute of it. It felt like the perfect way to say thank you to See York Run York, who were there when I completed my first ever marathon distance and have been part of so many great memories since. Massive thanks to Sandra, the whole SYRY team, all the volunteers, and every runner who made this final event so memorable. Wishing you all the very best, and I hope to see many of you again at future races.