Running group picks up paddles for charity

Members of Hambleton Athletics and Running Club have swapped their running shoes for paddles to raise money for charity.

Not running this time – but Dragon Boat Racing!

Runners headed over to North Yorkshire Water Park last weekend to pit themselves against 24 other dragon boat racing teams in a challenge organised by the Rotary Club of Scarborough Cavaliers.

Ditching the usual HARC blue running kit for the green and gold of Dementia Forward, the dragon boaters have managed to raise £1,148 so far.

Chair Gemma Wardle congratulated everyone involved.

She said: “HARC members, friends of the club, and Dementia Forward volunteers worked so well together to support a great cause.

“We had a brilliant day of paddling and laughter.”

Winning the first heat, boat 23 continued to better their times across the challenge – no doubt buoyed by the theme tune of Hawaii Five-O – but unfortunately just missed out on a place in the grand finale.

Losing didn’t matter, though, at such a friendly, well-organised and safe event, and it is testament to all involved that an agreement has been struck to race again next year!

Polly Oldacres agreed, saying: “Getting to paddle in a dragon boat race will go down as one of my top days and was a great opportunity to raise funds for Dementia Forward – a cause very close to my heart.”

Fundraising is still open.

To make a donation, click HARC for Dementia Forward!

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