Pictures John Hopkins
THE sun rose and set on Sunday, September 14, to the determined stride of runners, who together completed a 12-hour ultra-endurance relay challenge for Warrington Youth Zone.
The “One More Lap” event, held at the Cheshire Polo Club, saw teams of runners push their physical and mental limits to raise an estimated £29,000 for the local charity.
From dawn to dusk, teams passed a baton and encouraged each other to complete “just one more lap” around the course. The event was a testament to both endurance and camaraderie, with a supportive atmosphere featuring music, food, and activities for supporters.
Participants were a mix of competitive athletes aiming for the most laps and casual runners and walkers taking on a personal challenge. Every step was a fundraising effort, with teams committing to raise money for Warrington Youth Zone’s vital services.
Despite the weather changing to torrential rain as the day progressed, the event was a great success with over £29k raised toward a target of £32k. Entertainment was provided at halftime by PopVox Choir.
Warrington Youth Zone offers a safe and inspiring space for young people aged 7 to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs, providing over 20 different activities every night of the week.
“The ‘One More Lap’ event perfectly captures the spirit of what we do at the Youth Zone: pushing beyond what you think is possible to create a brighter future,” said a spokesperson for Warrington Youth Zone. “The funds raised today are crucial. They ensure that we can continue to be a place for thousands of young people to go, something to do, and someone to talk to.”
The day had the feel of a running festival, with food stalls, music, and a lively camp area for families and friends to cheer on the participants. Prizes were also awarded for different categories, including most laps and best fancy dress.
The event highlighted that you don’t need to be an elite runner to take part, with the relay format making the ultra-marathon accessible to all abilities.
For anyone interested in supporting Warrington Youth Zone or finding out about future events, information can be found on their website.
