Thousands of runners are preparing to pull on their trainers on Sunday 19th June for one of East Yorkshire’s most popular charity road races.
The large field is lining up for the Asda Foundation Hull 10K, now in its 7th year and firmly established as a highlight on the city’s sporting calendar. Since its launch in 2010, the event has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for a variety of good causes.
The Hull 10K is organised by Run For All and forms part of the legacy of the late Jane Tomlinson who, despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer, completed a series of gruelling challenges and raised nearly £2m for charity.
The field will include five retained firefighters from Withernsea fire station, who are aiming to get round the course dressed in full kit with breathing apparatus on their backs.
Also set to take part are friends and family of a Hope Rooms, a schoolgirl whose brave battle against cancer touched the hearts of many people. Hope was just 14-years-old when she lost her fight with the disease in March this year. Family, including Hope’s mum Julie, will be taking part on Sunday.
Asda Foundation Senior Manager Julie Ward said: “From people out to achieve a PB to those who tackle the run in fancy dress for their favourite charity, all those taking part are to be applauded. Their efforts will raise a lot of money for many good causes and I wish them all very good luck.”
Among those taking part will be hundreds of businessmen and women competing in the KCOM Hull 10K Corporate Challenge, in which companies, sports clubs and other organisations will be going all out to lift the title of fastest team in the race.
Brendon Smurthwaite, KCOM’s Community Coordinator, said: ““The Hull 10K is a great event and we are delighted once again to support the corporate challenge which adds a bit of spice to the race for companies and organisations. Good luck to all runners taking part and may the best team win.”
With Hull undergoing a series of improvements works after being crowned 2017 UK City of Culture, this year’s run sees a number of changes to the second half of the course.
Runners will now have a short two-way section near the Marina, and an extended section at the northern point will see the field once again pass by Hull’s New Theatre – a fantastic point for spectators and charities to cheer on runners.
Another change to the route will see runners pass the Event Village on Queens Gardens at the 7.5km point, as well as a few hundred metres from the finish line. With the charities based here, family activation and entertainment, the atmosphere in this area is set to be electric.
Event Director Charlie Tatman said: “While the changes are necessary due to the ongoing works, it’s also presented us with a great opportunity to offer our runners something new for 2016.
“We hope people have a fantastic day and achieve their goals, whether that’s just to get round, to smash their PB or to raise money for charity.
“A huge thank you in advance, also, to our amazing volunteers without whom we just couldn’t stage events like the Hull 10K. See you there!”
The Hull 10K is part of the successful Asda Foundation 10K series which includes runs in Lincoln, Nottingham, Burnley, Leeds and York. It is supported by Asda Foundation, KCOM, Hull City Council, MKM Building Supplies, Arco, ViiSana, Hull Daily Mail, Viking FM, Banana Kick, LTS and Aftershokz.
Many of those taking part will be running in aid of one of the event’s partner charities which this year are: Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Hull and East Riding (HER) Breast Friends, Candlelighters, Dove House Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support and Special Stars Foundation, Jerry Green Dogs Rescue and Child Dynamix.
To enter and for more information about Run For All events visit www.runforall.com.
