The Summer Solstice Stride – 90-Mile Fundraising Run Culminates in Celebratory Gala Dinner
Over three days in the gruelling June heat the Headmaster, Dan Harrison, and a cohort of staff runners from the School ran an astonishing 90 miles from York to Sedbergh, retracing the steps of the School’s founder Roger Lupton who walked the route 500 years ago.
We caught up with one of the running team, Associate Director of Development Ben Collins, to find out more about this symbolic fundraising challenge.
Tell us about the route: why was it chosen, and what were some of its challenges and highlights?
The route was inspired by the pilgrimage that Roger Lupton made 500 years ago, when he walked from Sedbergh to York to be ordained as an acolyte – a person able to assist in services and clerical duties. We aimed to retrace his steps but in reverse. Obviously the lay of the land has changed somewhat over the last 500 years! So we adjusted the route to make our course running-friendly, scenic and safe.
As a team we were raising money for the Roger Lupton Scholarship and Bursary Scheme, so running in Roger Lupton’s footsteps felt especially meaningful and fitting. Along the way, the Headmaster carried a scroll with a message from King Charles III congratulating the School on its 500th, and a prayer from the Archbishop of York.
The main challenge was the sun, which blazed down on us over all three days and was energy sapping. Regular refuels were essential and made easy thanks to our brilliant support team who doled out iced towels and ice lollies from the support vehicle!
Each day we had planned a wild swimming spot to cool off – undoubtedly daily highlights. Day 1, the River Nidd near Knaresborough; Day 2, the River Wharfe near Grassington; and Day 3, the River Dee just outside of Dent.
How did you keep yourself going?
Camaraderie within the team! We all brought different characteristics to the mix. Humour, optimism, determination, focus…
On the hill ascents, we sang classic Sedbergh hymns to maintain the momentum: Hills of the North, Rejoice; Jerusalem; I Vow to Thee My Country; and of course, the School song, Winder.
Organisation was key. The route was meticulously planned so we always knew exactly where we needed to be and when. Our generous sponsors also ensured we had all the essential gear. Thanks to current parent Brett Bannister, Managing Director of SportShoes.com, and friend of the School Ben Mounsey, Senior Marketing Executive at SportsShoes.com, who supplied Sedbergh-branded running kit; and OS Charlie Simpson-Daniel (SH 2000-08), Chief Executive Officer at The Hero’s Journey, who kept us fuelled with vital food and nutrition.
A special shoutout to Flor Zappulla- Annett, one of the running team members, a hockey coach who is also a fitness instructor and conditioning expert. At the end of each day she provided recovery treatments and leg massages to keep us going.
Finally, the knowledge that we were raising money for the transformational work of the Roger Lupton Scholarship and Bursary Scheme was a constant source of motivation. The real-time messages of support and donations coming in along the way gave us a real boost.
Describe a standout moment from the three days.
The scenery was incredible throughout the entire three days, but the stretch from Grassington to Buckden was particularly stunning. We followed the Dales Way and the River Wharfe. Think All Creatures Great and Small… open fells, winding rivers, farmers gathering hay in the fields. Bucolic!
What did it feel like as you ran into Sedbergh after 90 miles?
Running into the Cloisters on the third day, with the walkers who were invited to join us for the final stretch, was a wonderful communal experience. All five of us all finished as a team. There was just time for a quick power nap before the evening’s festivities.
The Gala Dinner
The gala dinner was a beautiful celebration held in a marquee on Busk Holme, with views across to the School and the summit of Winder behind. Over 100 guests joined us – a lovely mix of Old Sedberghians, parents, staff, and friends. The evening was relaxed and summery. A storm brewed in the distance but thankfully never arrived, so this didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.
The marquee looked stunning, decorated with wildflowers and lined with photo boards of the runners. Guests enjoyed a delicious meal – lamb, mushroom Wellington, and a proper Lancashire Mess for pudding. Despite having just run 90 miles, the Headmaster delivered a brilliant speech that captured the spirit of the event perfectly.
A torchlit procession up to Winder had been planned but had to be postponed due to the thunder and lightning forecast.
How much money was raised and what will it go towards?
We’re thrilled to share that over £20,000 was raised in support of the vital work of the Roger Lupton Scholarship and Bursary Scheme. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed so generously!
L-R: Mark Norman, Ben Collins, Dick Gorst, Flor Zappulla-Annett, Dan Harrison
If you didn’t get chance to make a donation and you would like to, you can still do so HERE.