Wendover Woods, UK – Despite heavy rainfall throughout the day, the skies cleared just in time for the launch of Race the Light, a brand-new trail running event that brought hundreds of runners to Wendover Woods in August.
Organized by local race organizer, Runaway Racing and in partnership with the Chilterns Neuro Centre, the event aimed to raise funds to support people affected by MS, Parkinson’s, and strokes.
The popular event, which was fully booked, saw a capacity crowd of 400 participants donning their running gear to race through the stunning trails of Wendover Woods, raising an impressive £4,000 for the Chilterns Neuro Centre.
Nestled in the beautiful Chiltern Hills and located just a short distance from the Chilterns Neuro Centre, the event united runners of all ages and abilities, offering race options such as 10k or 5k trails and an accessible 1.5k trail suitable for wheelchair users.
The 10k headline race saw impressive performances from the winners:
Men’s Winner: Morgan Maxwell (Hillsborough and Rivelin Running Club) with a time of 40:03
Women’s Winner: Jodie Digby with a time of 46:16
The 5k race also delivered exciting finishes:
Men’s Winner: Harry Metherell (Dacorum Athletics Club) with a time of 23:01
Women’s Winner: Karina Wells (Fordy Runs Running Club) with a time of 28:46
“The success of this event showcases the power of community and how a shared purpose can make a tangible difference in the lives of others,” said Danielle Medd, Fundraising Manager at the Chilterns Neuro Centre. “Funds raised will help us to continue providing life-changing treatments and services to people affected by MS, Parkinson’s, and strokes. We are grateful to everyone who participated in Race the Light and we anticipate this event becoming an annual feature in our fundraising calendar.”
Chris Bradley, Director of Runaway Racing, also expressed his appreciation for the event’s success. “This year’s Race the Light was a true celebration of community spirit, with runners of all abilities coming together to tackle the challenging and hilly course in support of a fantastic local cause. Not only does this event bring people together in a fun and positive way, but it also makes a real difference by raising vital funds for the Chilterns Neuro Centre.”
A special highlight of the event was the 1.5k accessible route, designed for participants with mobility challenges, including wheelchair users, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to take part and push their limits.
“Race the Light was truly inspiring and motivational for me,” said Sam Purvis, a competitor in the accessible route. “As someone who was active and sporty before my brain surgery and stroke, it was tough not being able to play sports. I was thrilled to be able to do something for the Chilterns Neuro Centre and for myself. I was buzzing! It proved to me and others that brain injuries don’t have to stop you.”
The Chilterns Neuro Centre extends its deepest gratitude to major sponsor, Trekinetic, supplier of ultra-light wheelchairs designed for all terrains, and to Runaway Racing, who partnered with the Centre and played a crucial role in the success of the event.
“Trekinetic was proud to support Runaway Racing and the Chilterns Neuro Centre at this year’s Race the Light event,” said Ed Spindle, Commercial Director at Trekinetic. “Accessibility and inclusivity are at the core of our values, and it was fantastic to see participants of all abilities enjoying the course, including those using our Trekinetic all-terrain wheelchairs on the accessible route. Events like this truly showcase the power of community, and we are honored to have been a part of it.”
For full race results, please visit runawayracing.com. To learn more about the Chilterns Neuro Centre and its life-changing work, please visit chilternsneurocentre.org.
This article was distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/