Volunteers unite to host axed ultramarathon

Volunteers worked "around the clock" to put on a coast-to-coast ultramarathon after the original race was axed.

Runners expressed dismay after the Northern Traverse - a 186-mile (300km) route from St Bees, in Cumbria to Robin Hood's Bay in Yorkshire - was among several races cancelled after events company Ourea stopped trading in March.

In response, runners Kitty-Leigh Oxley and David Keane "ignited a massive response from volunteers" and "turned the impossible into reality" to get 72 athletes runners over the start line last Saturday.

Oxley said the pair were inspired to make fellow runners "feel like rock stars and to help them finish what they started".

Ourea Events said all of its races were impacted, which included the Northern Traverse, Lakes Traverse, Dales Traverse and Moors Traverse, and the firm had operated at a loss since the pandemic.

The BBC previously contacted Ourea for a response, but a statement from the firm said trying to continue risked "increasing the overall debt owed to creditors, participants and suppliers".

Oxley, 38, and Keane, 30, were "total strangers who came with together with a shared vision" and set up the Community Traverse to ensure runners "who otherwise had nothing" could take part in the race, Oxley said.

"People would have continued on with the race regardless - they invest a lot of money and time in it," Oxley said, adding: "Our main priority was provide a safety net, which would include safe haven, provision and support.

"As it grew, sponsors saw what we were doing and believed in us, which meant we were able to provide above and beyond what was originally expected."

Oxley said sponsors and volunteers "stepped forward with phenomenal effort" with helping with bag drops and tracking which helped facilitate the event.

"I'm especially proud to have seen an inclusive environment that feels balanced and healthy," the co-organiser added.

The Community Traverse did not charge runners, but people contributed on a voluntary basis which involved bringing baked treats and cooking hot food.

Eva Kriki had planned to run the Northern Traverse with three other runners and said the "shock and disappointment was immense" when the event was cancelled.

She said the team "signed up immediately" when they found out about the Community Traverse, which "took care of every detail".

"Starting the event by picking up a pebble from St Bees was a moment filled with excitement," the 38-year-old said.

"That same pebble stayed in my pocket for the entire journey, all the way to Robin Hood's Bay," she said.

At the finish line, Kriki said there was "relief, joy and a touch of melancholy that such a beautiful experience had come to an end".

Ben Morris said he was "in disbelief" when he received an email saying all the Traverse races had been cancelled in March.

Morris, who had booked time off work, was planning on doing it self-supported until he found out about the Community Traverse.

"Out of the ashes of a negative thing came outstanding support from volunteers and fellow runners," he said.

The 42-year-old said he had been waiting "since the pandemic to see that finish line at Robin Hood's Bay".

"I'm super glad I did it this way," Morris, who is from Ely, said.

"It was so meaningful."

Sophie Hatfield, who finished the race on Wednesday, described it as a "fantastic route".

The 36-year-old said it was "exciting to see the Community Traverse build momentum in a matter of days", adding the "hours of work the team put in was extraordinary".

"While everyone had their own journey and goals, what made this event special was the community spirit and camaraderie, and all the volunteers supporting everyone out there," she added.

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