Fifteen sunkissed snaps from the final Run for Jo event

Runners came together this morning for the final ever Run for Jo race.

The annual event was set up in memory of murdered MP Jo Cox. This week saw the 10th anniversary of the Barley and Spen MP’s tragic death.

With plenty of sunshine, the emotional event at Oakwell Hall and Country Park attracted huge numbers of competitors and families with plenty of entertainment on offer.

There was the usual 6.5km race, a 2.5km fun run and a race for mascots.

There was also live music, food stalls and games and activities.

Today event was part of a wider event - the Great Get Together - which unites communities to celebrate the values championed by mother-of-two Jo Cox.

Established by married couple Julie Smith and Dave Hawksworth, the race had its first outing in 2017.

It saw 1,500 flock to the park, including comedian and actor Eddie Izzard, while a host of musicians lined the course.

A year later, more people turned up with a big screen showing England’s World Cup game with Panama.

The Covid-19 pandemic meant runners had to complete the 6.5km challenge in their own time before it returned in 2022.

Dave Hawksworth said “After ten years, it is time for a break.

“It takes a lot of organising. It is very rewarding and it makes you feel proud to have done it.

“In some ways it is a shame that the run won’t continue after this but it will evolve and the run legacy will continue. It is rewarding to have something nice to come out of something so absolutely devastating and appalling, and to such a lovely person.

“The legacy of that is having good community events, people getting together and friendships being made as a result of this.”