‘Run to Remember’ race unveiled by the Striders
THE Desford Striders are putting the finishing touches to a new date in the Leicestershire running calendar that it is hoped will become a popular and well-supported event – and which comes with special meaning for everyone at Striders.
The maiden ‘Run to Remember’ trail race will take place on the afternoon of Saturday August 13 at Bagworth Heath Woods and Striders are appealing to runners from across the county – and beyond – to join them in a special celebration.
Striders chairman Andy Ball said: “The Run to Remember is exactly that – a chance to run in the memory of family and friends who are sadly no longer with us.
“We were hit very hard as a club last August by the sudden and untimely passing of stalwart member Stuart Hall from a massive stroke and have since lost two more dear friends.
“Nine-year-old Noah Dixey, the son of club member Gemma Dixey, lost his fight against a rare genetic condition, Alagille syndrome, in October and we then sadly marked club member Caroline Humber’s passing after a very long and brave battle with cancer.
“There was a huge outpouring of emotion within the club at these tragic events and we wanted to harness that energy for good in the only way we know, by running.”
The club hopes all runners will choose to wear a specially-designed Run to Remember T-shirt, which has a space on the back for entrants to pin a photo of a loved one or running friend who has passed away. All proceeds (£17 with T-shirt, £10 without) will go to the Striders’ two nominated 2022 charities, the Stroke Association and the Sandcastle Trust.
Andy added: “We don’t want this to be a sad occasion. It’s not a race, but a celebration of the lives of those we have loved, lost and run alongside and we hope everyone who takes part will stay behind afterwards for a picnic to toast their memories.”
Entries for the Run to Remember are now open at evententry.co.uk/Desford-Striders-Run-toRemember. More details about what is planned can be obtained by emailing the club at dsrc.infom@ googlemail.com