Charity in call for athletes

Royal British Legion Industries is calling on 10k runners in Kent to help raise money to mark the charity’s 100th anniversary.

People are being asked to sign up and take part in RBLI’s first mass participation running event while raising crucial funds for ex-service personnel.

The charity is looking to raise money for its work supporting military veterans and people with disabilities and participants on the 10k will be able to run alongside entrants in the RBLI Zenith24, an ultra-marathon with participants running for 24-hours straight.

The event is being held at the 2,500 acre Hole Park estate in Rolvenden on June 22/23.

It is being organised and marshalled by Tri Spirit Events, based in Ashford, and the course will be torchlit during the night to assist the ultra-runners

RBLI chief executive Steve Sherry CMG OBE, said: “Royal British Legion Industries has been established for 100 years this year, providing crucial accommodation and welfare support to thousands of armed forces veterans during that time.

“In celebration of this momentous year, we wanted to offer people of all abilities the opportunity to take on the most ultimate of challenges, both as individuals and teams.

“We know there are people who are eager to take on a challenge and we really want them to come out and help us to improve the lives of thousands of people every year.

“The money raised will go towards funding our Centenary Village and support the next 100 years of our work.”

Royal British Legion Industries, based in Aylesford, is a separate charity from Royal British Legion but has a shared ethos of supporting the Armed Forces community. The RBLI Zenith 24 is open to entries from individuals, pairs, or as teams of up to eight people, who will compete alongside runners of all abilities who are invited to participate in the 10k.

The event will have a party atmosphere and free camping for competitors and spectators is available from Friday to Monday. To sign up and take part in the RBLI Zenith 24, visit: https://www.trispiritevents. com/events/zenith24/