York running group takes up the challenge to outrun an ambulance

The Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) Charity has joined forces with York Knavesmire Harriers to re-launch a fundraising initiative which challenges participants to outrun the mileage an ambulance travels during an average 12-hour shift*.

The charity is encouraging members of the public to take on the challenge where they can run, walk, swim, scoot, hand-cycle, or use any form of self-propelled movement. The distance chosen can be matched to the typical mileage covered by emergency ambulance crews in various locations across Yorkshire which ranges from 19 miles to 126 miles.  

Leading the appeal for support is keen runner Alison Cockerill, Head of People Strategy at Yorkshire Ambulance Service and long-time member of York Knavesmire Harriers, a club with over 300 members.

Alison said: “This is such a fun way to start to improve your fitness at a distance and rate that is manageable for you and just in time for summer! With Easter and the holidays upon us, it’s a great activity for parents to get children and teenagers involved in too. You don’t have to outrun the distance of a local ambulance; you can pick any location across Yorkshire.  

“I’d encourage everyone to give it a go – get outdoors in the sunshine and get active which is tremendously beneficial for both your physical and mental health and wellbeing.”

Coach and Run Leader at the club, Ellie Wilkinson, added: “We’re really pleased to support this challenge and the YAS Charity. If you or your family have ever needed the services of Yorkshire Ambulance Service, this is a great way to give back. You can always come along to your local parkrun to complete your miles and in doing so you will be surrounded by a community of runners who motivate and champion each other.”  

Participants have the flexibility to set their own timeframe of up to three months for completing the challenge, and need to surpass the chosen distance by at least one mile. The funds raised will support the welfare of Yorkshire Ambulance Service staff and volunteers, as well as helping with the delivery of community-based initiatives such as basic first aid training and the Achieve programme for people needing additional assistance to succeed and improve their lives.

Head of the YAS Charity Carey Taylor added: “The YAS Charity relies on the support and generosity of members of the public to fund a range of worthwhile initiatives.  

“Our ambulance staff and volunteers really are going the extra mile to keep us all safe. Help us go the extra mile for them and the communities they serve by taking on the ‘Outrun an Ambulance’ challenge which is designed to suit all people and all abilities. You don’t need to complete it in one go, and you could take part as a team with each individual covering part of the distance.”

As participants prepare for their challenge, we recommend speaking to their GP first if they have not exercised for some time or have any medical conditions or concerns. For further guidance visit www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise.

Visit www.outrunanambulance.co.uk to find out more information and set up a personal fundraising page.  Participants are encouraged to share pictures of themselves completing the challenge on the YAS Charity Facebook page using hashtag #icanoutrunanambulance.