Published on: Monday 17 Aug 2020 at 17:00
26th Annual St Clare 10k goes ahead this Autumn
St Clare Hospice is holding its annual 10k race on Sunday, 13th September 2020, with the racing starting at 10:30am. The popular annual sporting event, which is a regular fixture in local running club calendars, celebrates its 26th anniversary this year and had been due to take place in April 2020 but was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.
This year’s event will have additional safety measures in place due to the Covid-19 outbreak to ensure the fundraiser can go ahead safely, including: social distancing measures in the registration area, a rolling start, and disposable chip timers. The event will be run according to the Run Britain Covid-19 road race guidelines which are updated in accordance with government guidelines.
Starting and finishing at the Hospice in Hastingwood, this event is suitable for all abilities – whether new to running, or a regular club runner looking for a new Personal Best. The course is also suitable for wheelchair athletes. Last year, this popular event attracted a record-breaking 400 racers and raised more than £15,000 for the Hospice – a target which St Clare is hoping to beat this year!
Event Organiser, St Clare Challenges and Events Fundraiser Emma Broadbent, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to rearrange our 26th annual 10k Race for September, having postponed it back in April due to coronavirus. We know the event is hugely popular with local running clubs, and many people will be eager to get a timed race under their belts this year – having had so many other organised races cancelled during lockdown. We have done a thorough Covid-19 risk assessment and are taking all the necessary precautions to make sure the event can go ahead safely this autumn.”
“Perhaps you have been using your free time during lockdown to get off the couch and start your running journey – well our event is the perfect chance to put your new found fitness and love of running to the test! The course is perfect for people who are new to jogging, as well as a great route for club runners.”
Emma continued: “It’s easy to see why our race is a popular choice for local runners, with beautiful views enroute. Not only that, but our route along the roads of Hastingwood is UK Athletics affiliated and chip-timed – so it offers the perfect opportunity to get a new PB for the 2020 running season.”
“Many of our local running clubs participate in force each year – with big teams from Harlow Running Club, Bishop’s Stortford Running Club, Ware Joggers and Saffron Striders taking part in 2019. Last year’s wheelchair athlete winner was T54 GB Paralympian and Harlow Athletics Club Wheelchair Athlete Coach, Richard Chiassaro, who completed the course in a time of 25 mins 2 secs. The male runner winner was Martin Westley from Harlow Running Club, in a time of 35 mins 49 secs, which we are hoping can be matched this year.”
The road race is UK Athletics affiliated and chip-timed with trophies up for grabs in the following categories: male, female, seniors, juniors and wheelchair athletes. Medals will be awarded to all runners.
Sign-up today
Advanced registration costs £14 (£12 for affiliated runners). The deadline for sign-ups is 12noon on Thursday 10th September. Please note: on the day sign-ups will not be taking place this year. All participants must be registered in advance.
The registration desk will be open at 9:00am on the day for pre-registered participants only, with the race starting at 10:30am. The event is open to people aged 15 and above.
The race starts and finishes at St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood Road, Hastingwood, Essex, CM17 9JX.
For more information, or to register, click here. Alternatively, please contact Emma Broadbent on 01279 773754 or emma.broadbent@stclarehospice.org.uk
This year’s event has been kindly sponsored by: Handelsbanken (www.handelsbanken.co.uk/en), Tees (www.teeslaw.com) and Mantle (www.mantle.co.uk).