Although the former Lyke Wake Club was always opposed to making the walk into a race, they did for over 40 years hold an annual race over the route, initially as part of the Osmotherley Village Sports Day and this was the only day of the year when record breaking attempts could be authenticated. For the first 34 years the race was from Ravenscar to Osmotherley, now it is held in the traditional direction, finishing at the Raven Hall Hotel in Ravenscar. Since the closure of the Lyke Wake Club the race is being organised by the same people i.e. Lyke Wake Company Limited on exactly the same basis.

The annual race, open to walkers and runners, is held on a handicap basis, based on previous times and competitor's own estimates.  Starting at the Sheepwash car park (SE 466993) near Osmotherley from about 0400hrs until about 1030hrs.  The presentation of trophies takes place at the Raven Hall Hotel at 1700hrs.

All competitors must be fully aware of the route, and no competitor will be allowed to exceed twelve hours to complete the sixty-six kilometre event.  The route is outlined in the Dalesman publication "Lyke Wake Walk - the official guide" (ISBN 1 85568 1919). In recent years several competitors have had little idea of where they were going or of the severity of the route, therefore competitors will be required to retire at any check-point if marshals are concerned as to their ability to continue and finish within the time limit. 
All competitors must finish by 1700hrs unless agreed otherwise with race marshals.

Apart from the start and finish there are a further seven check-points on the route.  All of these, except the start, supply drinks to competitors, and one check-point almost halfway supplies food.

Transport is available to take competitor's bags, clothing etc from the start to the finish, and also to transport retired competitors.  For logistical reasons this vehicle may not be at the finish until late afternoon, bear this in mind regarding warm clothing for the finish. 2007 was cold and wet, a good example !

Each entrant who completes the race within twelve hours will receive a completion certificate. Several perpetual trophies are awarded and each winner receives a trophy to keep. The trophies are as follows:-  Lyke Wake Shield, to the fastest overall time;  The Margaret & Eric Toyne Memorial Cup, to the fastest overall time for the opposite sex;  The Masterman Rosebowl, to the handicap winner;  The George Ward Rosebowl, to the handicap winner of the opposite sex;  The Ben Hingston Memorial Plate, to the fastest veteran (over 55 years of age);  The Alan Waller Trophy, to the oldest competitor to complete the race;  The Bill Hardcastle Memorial Cup, to the winning team.  The team event is open to teams of six, at least one of which must be of the opposite sex, the winning time is the total time for the fastest four at least one of which must be of the opposite sex.  Notification of teams must be made by the closing date, giving the team name and their members names.

Brief rules are as follows:- (a)Once accepted, there is no cancellation - i.e. we keep your money!  (b)Competitors must adhere to the times and instructions given on their start sheet, this will be sent to them at least ten days before race day, no confirmation of acceptance will be sent before this. (c)Full rules will be shown on the start sheet.

Unless there is a viable number of applications received by early May the event will not take place.  For applications received before 1^st May the entry fee is £10, for those received on or after that date the entry fee is £14.  Of this £1 is donated to Ravenscar Village Hall.  The closing date, which is strictly adhered to, is 21^st June.  That actually means the 21^st, not the 22^nd!!

We are once again selling a commemorative T-shirt, for an additional £6.

Please make cheques payable to:- Lyke Wake Race Committee, and enclose two large s.a.e.
Applications to:-Race Director, Wits End, South Kilvington, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 2NF

THERE IS THE USUAL PROBLEM OF PEOPLE SENDING APPLICATIONS WITH INSUFFICIENT POSTAGE ON THE ENVELOPE.  ROYAL MAIL LEAVE ME A CARD ASKING FOR £1.06 & EXPECT ME TO COLLECT THEM. I DON'T, I GATHER ROYAL MAIL EVENTUALLY SEND THEM BACK TO YOU AFTER ABOUT THREE WEEKS.

ALSO THERE ARE PEOPLE SENDING TOTALLY ILLEGIBLE E-MAIL ADDRESSES ON THE APPLICATION FORMS, I HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT 3--ALL BOUNCED BACK AS UNKNOWN.