KEIGHLEY brewery Timothy Taylor’s is toasting a new partnership.
The historic family-owned company has become a partner sponsor of the Haworth Hobble.
And among those at the first ultramarathon to be backed by the brewer was Jasmin Paris, who received an MBE last year for services to fell and long-distance running.
Jasmin was present to support her husband, who was taking part in the race, but she couldn’t resist running some sections herself with her border collie.
Afterwards, she gave a presentation and participated in a question-and-answer session.
The Haworth Hobble – now in its 44th year – was Jasmin’s first-ever ultramarathon, and sparked her passion for the sport.
It started as a long-distance walking event, but quickly expanded into a 32-mile fell run during the marathon running boom of the 1980s.
Over the decades, many of the UK’s leading fell runners – and competitors from overseas – have taken on the challenge.
This year, Gary Chapman – of Keighley & Craven Athletics Club – who organises the event, arranged for Haworth Brass Band to play part way around the route, and for a bagpiper to entertain.
And volunteers ran feed stations to keep runners fuelled, with Botham’s Landlord fruitcake available at some locations.
A Timothy Taylor’s spokesperson says: “The Haworth Hobble brings competitors and their families from all over the UK and further afield, which benefits the local economy and raises money for good causes.
“The race sells out every year to both avid fell runners and people who are undertaking their first off-road racing event, due to its well-earned friendly reputation.
“Timothy Taylor’s-owned pub The Fleece Inn at Haworth marked the start line for the Hobble – and became a welcome place to rest with a few hard-earned pints of Landlord for many runners after the race! With the brewery acting as race partner sponsor, beery goodies and branded merchandise were waiting at the finish line for group winners. The main prizes for the men’s and women’s race winners were a meal and drinks at The Fleece.”
Keighley & Craven Athletics Club welcomes new members.
The club has one of the most successful junior sections in the UK, for young people aged eight to 18.
They compete locally, regionally and at national level.
For further information, visit kcac.co.uk
