Runners follow path to fundraising glory
EMMA CURRY
HUNDREDS of runners will kick-start the New Year with a 10k run to raise money for charity.
The fourth annual East Lancashire Hospice 10k will be held on Sunday, January 15.
Runners will set off from Gaskell Motor Bodies, Alan Ramsbottom Way, Great Harwood, at 11am, following foot and cyclepaths, old railway lines and canal towpaths on a route which organiser and keen runner Nick Gaskell says ‘picks up areas people won’t have explored’.
Nick added that the run was launched to fill a gap in the running calendar at this time of year and to raise crucial funds for the hospice, which provides care for people with lifelimiting illnesses.
He said: “There wasn’t anything in that locality for people to take part in.
“The hospice’s biggest event is the Starlight Walk but they don’t have anything this time of year.”
This year will be the fourth one so far and Nick said it has gradually grown over the years.
He added: “It’s a really great route, on the old rail- way which is a cycle path now, through Cutwood Park in Rishton and back along the canal.
“Last year we had 500 entries and around 430 people ran on the day. If we can get something similar this year that would be great.
“We usually raise about £8,000 to £10,000 for the hospice.
“It’s a really important local cause, everyone knows someone who has had experience there.
“They are a very good team to work with, and it’s well organised.”
Entry to the 10k race costs £12 in advance or £15 on the day and includes a T-shirt, medal and chip timing.
Gaskell Motor Bodies will act as a base for runners and there will be refreshments and changing areas available.
Nick, who will be running in the race himself, for the second year in a row, said: “It’s a team effort, we all muck in and help. The garage opens as part of the base camp and there are coffee stalls, a bacon butty stall, changing, and chip timing.”
There will also be a junior race on the day, which will start ahead of the main event at around 10.15am.
The 2km race will be open to all ages, but under-eights must run with an adult, and entry costs £3 on the day.
If you are interested in taking part in the East Lancashire Hospice 10k, visit eastlancshospice.org. uk/east-lancashire-hospice-10k.