Бегуны из Йоркшира совершили путешествие на ирландский остров для участия в живописном парке-ране

Dozens of club runners from North Yorkshire have travelled to take part in one of the world's most scenic parkruns. Ripon Runners swapped their usual Fountains Abbey 5k for the breathtaking Bere Island event, set on a remote island off the coast of County Cork, Ireland. Twenty-seven members made the journey by plane, car and ferry to reach the start line on Bere Island, which has a population of just over 200 people. John Skinner of Ripon Runners said: "We quickly realised that Bere Island is more than just a parkrun – it’s a community event. "It was the first time that we’d all got a ferry to a parkrun, and the locals had kindly arranged a convoy of minibuses to take us to the start of the course. "The event has a fantastic band of volunteers, and there was calmness, friendliness and a relaxed mood throughout." Fortunately, having been preceded by a week of wind and rain, the day of the event itself was blessed with perfect sunny weather. Mr Skinner described the course as a picturesque challenge. He said: "The course itself is one lap, which without doubt can be called ‘undulating and challenging’. "Mind you, it’s not every day that you get to run alongside the Atlantic Ocean in conditions like that. "Every corner produced a 'wow' moment, and an opportunity for another beautiful photo." The trip was part of the club’s growing tradition of parkrun adventures, which began in 2022. Previous outings have included events in Hamsterley Forest, Edinburgh, Dublin and Gdansk. Ripon Runners made the most of their Irish weekend by visiting Dursey and Garnish Islands, Glengarriff and even a Buddhist temple. They also fitted in a social run on Sunday morning. When asked to choose between Fountains Abbey and Bere Island as the most scenic parkrun, Mr Skinner was diplomatic. He said: "In the true spirit of parkrun... there is no winner. "In glorious weather there can be nowhere better than Bere Island, but Fountains has a uniquely beautiful aura on even the most wet and miserable day – so let’s call it an honourable draw. "We’d really like to thank the entire Bere Island parkrun team for making us so welcome, and hosting an event that undoubtedly embodies the true community spirit of parkrun. Read more North Yorkshire National Trust walk named one of the best for Sunday stroll Major UK clothing chain to close its store in North Yorkshire 69 pictures as record number of runners cross the finish line in Darlington 10K 2026 "We’d thoroughly recommend it to everyone." Ripon Runners, founded in 1985 by milkman Cameron Weatherburn, is a friendly club open to all ages and abilities. The club meets at Ripon Rugby Club on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and organises races including the Jolly Holly Jog, Ripon 10 Mile and Ripon Ultra.