Back this Sunday, in person N, the Community Fun Run
WITH JUST three days to go until the Maccabi GB Community Fun Run, we are excited to hear all about it from Maccabi GB head of events and business development, Candice Mendes da Costa.
How long have you been involved with Maccabi GB?
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I joined the Maccabi GB team in February 2019 — and what a fantastic organisation to be a part of! I have been fortunate enough to work on some incredible events, working with a great team as well as with so many charities and organisations within the community.
• How many Fun Runs have you worked at?
The 2019 event was my first — and we are incredibly proud that it was our largest event to date.
We are delighted that we held a virtual event last year – there was no way we could not bring the community a Fun Run — but I cannot express how excited we all are to be back in person on Sunday!
• Will this year’s event be the same as previous Fun Runs?
For those who are seasoned Community Fun Run participants, this year may look a little different from previous years. StoneX Stadium has been playing its role in the country’s recovery, as the usual home of the charity fair is currently an NHS vaccination centre.
The entrances to the venue are different, as well as the routes for the 10km and 5km races.
However what has not changed is that the day will be a true festival of fun and positivity for the whole community.
A true festival of fun and positivity for the whole community’
• Is it too late to sign up for this Sunday’s event?
It is absolutely not too late to sign up as registrations are open on the day. And for this year only, with the generous support of Genesis Philanthropy Group there is 50 per cent off all registration fees. Even more reason to come and join us.
So if you are looking for an excellent family day out this Sunday and fancy challenging yourself to either the 1km, 5km or 10km, while supporting charities from within our community, then come down to the Maccabi GB Community Fun Run this Sunday from 9am.
• Can I watch the event if I am not attending?
You can tune in from wherever you might be. For the first time ever, we will be live streaming the whole day with the help of Simcha Streaming in conjunction with JLP Productions. Throughout the day they will be capturing non-stop content, interviews and live action to ensure no one will miss out. So if you aren’t able to join us, or your family and friends can’t come along and support you on the day, it will be possible to watch all the action online.
• How many charities will be there this year?
This year we are delighted that we have an incredible 76 charities taking part, for which people can raise funds. Charities are the lifeblood of our community and give up so much of their time to support those less fortunate or in supportive need, both in the UK and in Israel.
Each charity will have an exciting and interactive stall in the JLC charity fair, so make sure you have a look around.
• How can the community support the participating charities?
The Maccabi GB Community Fun Run is not only about bringing the community together for a fun-filled day but also about helping the participating charities raise as much money as possible. Since the very first event in 2007, we have helped raise more than £2.2 million for all participating charities.
For those who have already registered, please make sure you continue to fundraise and encourage your friends and family to sponsor you.
If you are registering on the day, there will also be an option when registering to make a donation to your chosen charity.
This year we are again running a Text to Give campaign where proceeds will be split equally among all the participating charities once expenses have been deducted. It is so easy to do and you can even make a donation now while you’re reading this.
To donate £5 text CFR£5 or to donate £10 text CFR£10 to 70143.
Please note texts cost £5 or £10 plus network charge and for Text to Give Terms and Conditions, please go to www.communityfunrun.org • Will there be other activities on the day?
Where do I even begin? This year we will see the return of the family favourite Cloud 9 inflatables, perfect for all the family to enjoy — that even includes the adults.
For those of us who may not yet have made it to a beach this year — don’t worry as UJIA will be bringing the beach to us. Yes, you read that right — there will be a beach with deckchairs, buckets and spades and even matkot (Israel’s beachside ball game) alongside other activities to bring Israel to you on Sunday.
There will also be a mini golf course for people of all ages. I have tried it out — and can confirm it’s great fun, so get ready.
Visitors will also be able to experience the wonder of JW3’s Families and Kids programming on the day. From its much-loved Crafternoon activities, through stories, yoga, disco boogie, and sensory play, everyone can really enjoy this special taste of what JW3 has to offer.
Another attraction will be a Panna tournament, brought to you by Itai Lichenstein.
Panna is a football format where the focus is on defeating your opponent either with goals or by gaining an instant win by performing a nutmeg (playing the ball between your opponent’s legs).
• What food stalls will be there?
It wouldn’t be a Maccabi GB Community Fun Run without the food court and this year we bring you food stalls including Head Room Café from Jami, Uncle Doovy’s Ice Cream Van, Slice Pizza and a delicious BBQ catered by Hebrew Order of David.
• What about Covid-19 guidelines?
We are under the guidance of StoneX Stadium, the venue host, and our collective priority at all times is the health and safety of participants, volunteers, staff, and event partners.
This year the whole event is taking place outside. We will have face masks available for anyone who would prefer to wear one and hand sanitising stations will be available throughout the whole venue.
We want to ensure the community feel comfortable enough to join us on the day.
• Who are the event sponsors/partners for this year’s events?
We have been blown away by the support of all our partners and sponsors for this year’s event which would not have been possible without Genesis Philanthropy Group, CanO Water, CST, Dare2B, Hebrew Order of David, JLC, Jewish Volunteering Network, Simcha Streaming in conjunction with JLP productions, Sabeny, Saracens, Squires Estates, UJIA and our media partner, the JC.
Remember to head on down to StoneX Stadium from 9am on Sunday for the return of the Maccabi GB Community Fun Run. We look forward to seeing you all then!