Runners' lift for British Heart Foundation
Hundreds of runners put on the colour red and raised thousands of pounds for a national heart charity during an annual run through the Wyre Forest at the weekend.
About 500 people gathered at the Wyre Forest Discovery Centre at Callow Hill to take part in the event yesterday, organised by the British Heart Foundation.
Many wearing distinctive red T-shirts, the runners paid their entry fees and raised sponsorship before taking part in either a 5k or a 10k course through the forest.
Early indications show the run raised more than £25,000, according to event organiser Jemma Curran.
Miss Curran said: “The challenge is one of about 40 the charity holds around the country every year.
“It is fantastic to see so much support, not just in the numbers, but also the money raised by each participant. There was also a very wide range of ages took part, making it a fun family event for all. The run is about raising money, but it also encouraging more people to get involved in exercise.”
The run was marshalled by volunteers from the Kidderminster Sea Cadets, who helped direct people along the forest trails, ensuring that no-one got lost along the way.
Miss Curran said: “I’d like to pay a big thank you to all those who helped, without them we wouldn’t be able to hold such a successful race each year.”
The Wyre Forest run is in its seventh year – and organisers have already set a date for next year, March 9.
The British Heart Foundation ran a large campaign last year, where it encouraged people to do 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day.