Being organised by ex-military and in the stunning location of Pippingford Park Manor it was always going to be a tough, but achievable event. As well as the 10k, there was also a 5k version and for those that couldn’t be there in person a virtual option allowing participations from around the world and connected through a live stream from the in-person event.
As with other trail running events participants braved the typical January weather, as well as mud, hills, rivers and for some the resident wildlife, to gain a sense of achievement for a job well done. But the run wasn’t the only element of the event, it was also about embracing an alcohol-free January with the run symbolising the end of the month. Inspirational talks after the run helped inspire people to continue staying dry into February and beyond. It was the start of a new journey for all those involved!
Robin Plowman, Community and Challenge Events Manager at Alcohol Change UK, who ran the event said: “Yesterday's Dry January® 10k was BRILLIANT! It was tough and muddy, but it was so much fun! A massive THANK YOU to Ollie and the Breakpoint team, the event sponsors, volunteers and of course the amazing participants. We cannot wait for 2025, watch this space for more details on next years event.”
Robin wasn’t the only one to thoroughly enjoy the Dry January® 10k, lots of other runners had a fantastic time also:
"It was really good fun. An interesting course through mud and a river!!! Definitely up for it again next year!"
"Today was so much fun!"
“Dry January® culminating in a 10k run organised by Ollie Ollerton and his outstanding BreakPoint team. It was a tough muddy wet course but in beautiful countryside! Funds were raised for a small charity, Alcohol Change UK that provide exceptional support to many! The talks were inspiring & it was the best day.”
“What a brilliant way to spend Sunday, awesome event. Thank you Ollie, Dean, Laura and the team for organising this. Met so many fantastic inspirational people, well done to everyone.”
“So glad I did this event. Having never done anything like this before I am really happy I managed to finish fantastic day met some amazing people.”
“Thoroughly enjoyed this event and all of the positivity it embodied. I met old friends and spoke with some truly inspirational people too. Thank-you to Ollie and all who created and supported it.”
“What a way to spend a sober Sunday! I used to hate Sundays. Always told myself it was because I associated it with being driven back to boarding school on a Sunday evening. Another alcohol related drink enabling lie I now know. Today was bloody brilliant. The run was tough and the event was really welcoming and had a unique intimacy to it. I hope it gathers momentum and is repeated, but to be able to be at the first one and to meet those individuals who’ve changed my life for the better in every way possible was pure magic. Keep going people.”
“Please make this an annual event?! Loved it, what an atmosphere.”
