REGISTRATIONS for the St Clare Hospice annual 10k road race have gone off with a bang, as the ever popular event has seen over 343 people register already. Race organiser Rosie Brewer from the St Clare Hospice fundraising team said, “We are delighted so many people have signed up, both established club runners and motivated St Clare supporters who want to challenge themselves.

“The annual 10k takes place each year and has a brilliant atmosphere. Each entrant gets a medal, and when they raise £200 or more in sponsorship, they get a personalised blue running vest. Entry is £19 per person, or if you are an affiliated run club member, £17 per person.”

Sara Martin, from Body Fresh Fitness ran the 10k last year with owner Mike Weston, and raised an amazing £2,682! Sara said, “I have run the 10k before in memory of a colleague, Chris Stock, who spent his last days in St Clare. He was only 49 and it really hit home for me as I have just turned 50 myself. His passing made me want to do something meaningful, so instead of running the 10K alone, I invited some friends from Body Fresh Fitness to join me. I ended up with 16 people signing up and running alongside me.

“I’m really looking forward to the day because the people in the gym group truly enjoy coming together for events like 10ks. We cheer each other on, offering support every step of the way, especially when it’s for a great cause like our local charity. Our first event of 2025 is the St. Clare 10k, and we couldn’t be more excited to join other runners and experience the incredible atmosphere.

“Some of the members might be feeling a bit unsure because they’ve never done a running challenge before, and some haven’t even run 1k, let alone 10k. For many, this will be their first time aiming to complete a 10k, making it a personal achievement while also raising funds for St. Clare. In the next few weeks, we’re planning to meet up at the gym on Sunday mornings to run together, like we did last year.

However, the newer runners have been taking part in the Harlow Park Run and going out for solo runs. St Clare Hospice is such a wonderful place; compassionate, peaceful and empathetic. I’d encourage anyone to sign up for such a great cause.”

This is a wheelchair-accessible race, and racers will set off from the hospice in Hastingwood, and cover a 10k paved route before returning to the hospice for celebrations. Secure your place by signing up online.

Run with your heart and not just your legs this April, knowing that every step will make a difference and raise money that directly supports patients and their families with life-limiting illnesses in your community.

You can enter for the event here: stclarehospice.org.uk/stclare10k