Runners and walkers of all abilities are invited to take part in the University of Birmingham’s 10th Road Race and Fun Run which takes place on Sunday 15th October in aid of Acorn’s Children’s Hospice in Selly Oak.

An annual event at the University, the race has seen many people of varying standards taking part and last year raised over £6,500 for the charity with a total of £42,000 raised over the last nine years.

The 5K race is likely to attract a good class field of men and women wanting to improve their times from previous races, however, new runners and walkers are welcome to boost the numbers and help raise money for Acorn’s, irrespective of whether it takes 15 minutes or 55 minutes to finish the course. There is a first prize of £100 for both the men’s and women’s sections as well as many other prizes including a veteran’s prize section.

Peter Hinton from the University’s School of Engineering and organiser of the race, says, ‘We hope to see people of all ages taking part and welcome new participants each year. We often have runners in fancy dress which adds to the entertaining atmosphere of the event. We hope to raise £50,000 for our tenth anniversary.'

Almost 50 staff from Barclays Bank, some of whom work for the University's own campus branch, will be taking part in the race and the bank have promised to double the amount of money they raise up to a target of £750.

Anyone can take part from serious athletes to mums, dads, children and senior citizens. The course, around the grounds of the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston Campus, is traffic free and safe for all runners. The 5K race starts at 11.30am and the 2K fun run/walk starts at 12.15pm. Those wishing to take part can ring 0121 414 5329 for further information.

Ends

Notes to Editors

Photocall: Two members of staff from Hospitality and Accommodation Services at the University of Birmingham who are running the road race next Sunday in costume will be dressed as witches for a photocall at 11am on Tuesday 10th October.  This will take place at Chancellor’s Court on the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston Campus.

For further information

Kate Chapple, Press Office, University of Birmingham, 0121 414 2772 or 07789 921164.