Held in honour of Jo Cox, the family fun day, established by married couple Dave Hawksworth and Julie Smith, has been an annual fixture in the local calendar since its first outing at Birstall’s Oakwell Hall and Country Park in 2017, 12 months after the much-loved Batley and Spen MP was killed.
This year’s run, ten years on from Jo’s death, was the last-ever in its current form.
“It was a fantastic day and people really enjoyed it,” Julie told the Reporter Series. “It was the best turnout ever, the weather was perfect as it stayed dry all day, and we had so many helpers.
“People were commenting how nice the atmosphere was and how everyone was so positive, friendly, nice and helpful.”
Dave added: “It couldn’t have gone better. There were a mixture of feelings at the end. Relief that it was over, but joy at how good it had been and what a brilliant final tribute it was.
“There was also pride in that we have done it, and amazement that it has been ten years now. It has flown by. We put so much into it and it feels very rewarding to have done it, but it also feels like it is the right time to stop after the tenth anniversary.”
The event saw the usual 6.5km race, a 2.5km fun run and a race for mascots, which provided a fitting ending.
Julie revealed: “The winning mascot was an owl who knocked over the representative of our headline sponsor GMB! He was flattened and there was a pile up.
“It was the perfect way to sign off. It was absolutely hilarious.”
Thanking everybody who has helped to support the Run For Jo over the last ten years, Julie added:
“I’d like to say eternal thanks to everyone who has volunteered, all the sponsors and all the participants. It’s been great to see everyone coming together and there’s been a real feeling of community around the event.
“People have taken it to their hearts and I’d like to thank everyone for all their hard work that they have put in to make it as successful as it has been.”
And while this was the end of the Run For Jo, the Oakwell Hall Parkrun team has confirmed that it is planning “something special” for 2027 to continue Jo Cox’s legacy.
Take a look at these fabulous photos from the final ever Run For Jo, courtesy of Gerard Binks.
