Over £55K raised for St Michael’s Hospice following biggest RUN Hereford for a decade
Sold-out event takes Half Marathon, 10K and 5K runners from Castle Green to Rotherwas
The biggest RUN Hereford in a decade has resulted in over £55,000 being raised towards the care provided by St Michael’s Hospice.
More than 1,100 people gathered on Hereford’s Castle Green on Sunday to take part in the latest instalment of the annual running event.
Entries for the Half Marathon and 10K sold out weeks in advance, with the final 5K places snapped up in the days leading up to RUN.
“There aren’t enough words to describe how proud everyone at St Michael’s is of those who took part in RUN, and supporters who dug deep to sponsor them,” said Amy Johnson, Race Director and Lead Events and Community Fundraiser at St Michael’s.
“To see the routes and finish line packed with people cheering on their relatives, friends, neighbours or colleagues – or even people they had never met – was so inspiring.
“I hope those who ran enjoyed the event and, now they’ve got their breath back, have had time to reflect on the enormous impact their effort and dedication will have on families across our community.”
A snapshot of the race
Amy added her thanks to the volunteer marshals who ensured the day was safe and enjoyable for runners and spectators; to event sponsors Hereford Contract Canning, and to residents in Hereford for their patience and understanding during an event which required a number of road closures.
After many years taking place from venues such as Hereford Leisure Centre and the city’s Livestock Market, RUN Hereford moved into Hereford city centre last year with runners setting off from the Castle Green, before making their way to the finish line at the Shell Store in Rotherwas.
“It’s such an amazing experience,” said Nicole Parkin from Hereford Contract Canning. “I think running through the city for the second year just shows how the community comes together.” She added that the support St Michael’s gives families is “an experience that money can’t pay for”.
As well as individual runners, there were plenty of groups taking part, including the 30-strong Donna’s Tribe. It featured past and present members of the Young Farmers movement in Herefordshire, all running in memory of Donna Powell, who spent her final weeks being cared for by St Michael’s.
Their online giving page has collected over £11,000 in donations.
“The support today was outstanding,” said Donna’s son, Phil. “You couldn’t have asked for a better crowd. Not one of us (Donna’s Tribe) is a runner. I’d like to think mum would be happy and proud.”
The £55K figure is likely to rise as more sponsorship funds are received by St Michael’s.