A popular charity 5K fun run at the University of Birmingham is celebrating its third year with a fresh course, bigger field, and new fundraising goals. “Bud’s Run” has already raised over £40 000 for Parkinson’s UK, and hopes to smash the £50,000 barrier when it’s held again on Sunday the 9th October 2016.
“Bud’s Run” was the brainchild of much-loved athletics coach Bud Baldaro, the former UK Athletics Marathon Coach who’s been based at the University for over a decade. Bud’s encouraged and helped hundreds of distance and middle-distance runners of all standards and ages, in a career spanning over forty years. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2009, Bud’s determined to use his love of running to help fund research into this long-term condition.
Bud said: “It’s exciting to launch the third Bud’s Run on behalf of Parkinson’s UK, and we hope to have 1000 participants involved this year. Please do your best to support us. You’ll find all the details at
www.budsrun.co.uk.”
Luke Gunn, international steeplechaser and Head Athletics Coach at the University of Birmingham, said:
“We’re delighted that Bud’s Run is entering its third year. Last year we were blessed with over 400 entries, but we know we can do even better. The race will move to a new base within the brand new 360 Sports Centre, which will open in September 2016. Bud’s Run will take place in the picturesque campus, and finish under the ever imposing ‘Old Joe’ clock tower. This year’s event will be started by 2013 Triathlon World Champion Non Stanford.”
Luke continued:
“Please come along to support the great man Bud Baldaro in the best way you can. You can do this by running or supporting this fantastic event, which once again hopes to raise bags of cash for Parkinson’s UK. It’s also an excellent chance to catch up with friends.”
Along with the 5K, there will be a fun run for the under 11s, raffle, sports masseur on hand, a sizzling BBQ, and plenty of tea, coffee and cake. Although very much a family fun run, previous Bud’s Runs have attracted athletics stars both past and present. They include world marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe, middle distance legend Steve Cram, and Olympian and 1500m World Championship Silver Medallist Hannah England (currently coached by Bud).
Recently Bud was awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award by “Runner’s World” magazine for his services to the sport. The award was collected by Jane Hansom, who said:
“Bud turned me from a slow plodder into a sub-three hour marathoner, and changed my life in the process. For that I am eternally grateful.”
Aidan Wheeler, Birmingham Store Manager at Up and Running, said: “Up and Running Birmingham is proud to be a supporter of Bud’s Run 2016. As a company we value the contribution the event makes to the local running community, whilst at the same time raising funds and awareness for an important charity, Parkinson’s UK. We are very much looking forward to this year’s event and making it the best Bud’s Run there has been. See you at the start line!”
