Dust down your running shoes and limber up – the countdown to this year’s Run Frimley has begun!
Hundreds of runners have already signed up for Frimley Health Charity’s annual 10km road race and 2.5km fun run on Sunday 1 May.
Now organisers are calling for more people to join the crowds stepping up to the challenge and raising money for a dedicated breast care centre at Frimley Park Hospital.
Whether you are chasing a personal best in the longer race or donning fancy dress over the shorter distance, every penny you raise in sponsorship will boost Frimley Health Charity’s Breast Care Appeal.
The appeal has already raised more than £600,000 in donations from the local community and is on course to reach its £750,000 target by October 2016.
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, will match every pound raised up to £750,000, creating a £1.5m investment for a 3D mammography machine and dedicated unit for the 6,000 people who use the hospital’s breast care services every year.
This year’s Run Frimley, which starts and finishes at the hospital, will include chip timing for both the main 10km race and for under-15s in the 2.5km run.
And as is traditional, fancy dress will be encouraged in the ‘Jungle Book’ themed fun run with prizes for the best costumes.
Sally McLaren, head of fundraising for Frimley Health Charity, said: “In the decade that Run Frimley has been taking place, it has grown every year and is now a firm fixture in the community calendar.
“Every year we are overwhelmed by the number of enthusiastic runners who turn out to support the charity, helping ensure the hospital can continue to provide outstanding care for the community it serves.
“We would also like to thank all our sponsors, whose generous support will cover event costs and ensure all the money raised by this year’s Run Frimley will be used to further improve services at Frimley Park Hospital for breast care patients across the area.”
This year’s principal Run Frimley sponsors are estate agents Vickery & Co, the Lakeside Leisure Group, lawn and garden care firm The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and retailer Costco.
Registration for Run Frimley closes at midday on 27 April. You can sign up online at www.frimleyhealthcharity.org.