The University of Birmingham is set to host the annual Bud’s Run and Bash in aid of Parkinson’s UK.

The 5k run takes place on the University’s Edgbaston campus on Saturday 10 October, followed by a Gala Dinner in the University’s Great Hall. Last year’s event raised more than £27,000 for Parkinson’s UK and this year the organisers hope it will be even bigger.

Bud’s Run and Bash was started by former UKA Marathon Coach Bud Baldaro who has been based at the University of Birmingham for over a decade as a middle distance running coach. After a career spanning more than 40 years helping distance and middle-distance runners, Bud was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2009. Determined to use his love of running to help fund research into Parkinson’s disease Bud decided to start the annual fun run.

Bud said: ‘I was overwhelmed by the support we received last year. Athletes past and present travelled from across the world to join us. Thanks to everyone’s hard work, we raised over £27,000 for Parkinson’s UK.

This year Bud will be joined by former Olympic 1500m silver medallist Steve Cram, along with World Championship 1500m silver medallist and University of Birmingham alumna Hannah England.

All money raised at Buds Run and Bash will go towards the support of a new three year research project at the University which hopes to improve the long term benefit of therapies where people with Parkinson’s learn new movements.

  • For further information on Bud’s Run and Bash please visit the budsrun website: www.budsrun.co.uk