Our special correspondent reports from the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster.

Race Date: Sunday 25th April 2026

We arrived around 7.30 for an 8:30 start with plenty of cars already queuing to get in but things kept moving steadily being well marshalled with lots of parking available and all very close to the start/finish. However, the start was slightly delayed (10 mins) as cars were still coming in. Number packs had to be picked up on either Saturday or on the morning of race but this was no problem and again very well organised. Each pack contained number, pins, and a wristband for entry back into the park later.

The first mile was a loop around the carpark, then off into the park with a combination of gravel paths, tarmac and grass. Lots of dust kicked up near the entrance which wasn’t so pleasant but didn’t last too long whilst running through the park and seeing the animals was fun. But then, just before halfway with a large audience of Baboons, (Flange? Whoop?) I managed to trip on an uneven path and my face hit the floor causing broken teeth, swollen lip, and various other cuts and bruises. Other runners kindly came to my aid, but a marshal and a medic were very quickly on the scene. I decided not to continue and got a free ride on the bus of shame (a big golf cart).

I soon realised just how chilly it was sitting in the cart in just a vest and shorts, but the marshal found me a foil blanket to keep me warm for what felt like a very long ride around the rest of the course following the last two ladies. I was taken very good care of when we eventually got back to the medical tent. They even gave me a medal for being a brave girl and I did manage to spend a few hours in the park seeing the animals which was lovely if a little painful.

I would do the race again, maybe taking a bit more care on the uneven paths, and investing in crash helmet but my overriding feeling of the race as a whole is positive, mainly due to how well organised it was and the care that was taken of me. I’m very grateful for that.

I’ve had an x-ray and need to go back when the swollen lip has cleared up to find out how much it will cost to have the tooth fixed. The week after the race, the Race Director contacted me to see how I was and offered me a free entry for next years event which was a nice thing to do.