Simon’s Heroes children’s charity, based in Tamworth, held their increasingly popular Abbott Trail Run through Hopwas woods on 29th July. The sell-out event raised over £5500 for the cause and attracted more than 250 runners who completed either a 5k or 10k course along Hopwas canal and through the woods.
Despite the wet and windy conditions, the runners still took to the starting line to make the third annual event a great success. An enthusiastic crowd of supporters attended to cheer the runners on as they set off in the pouring rain. Tamworth Ukulele band played live in the woodland to keep the runners’ spirits high.
Trophies were awarded to the first male and female finishers of each distance. Chris Horton from the Badgers Running Club in Atherstone won the 5K race with a time of 20:44 and Nicki Bowman, also a member of the same club, earned the title of first female for that distance with a time of 28:37. Ashley Baldwin and Louise Southwell won the 10K race with times of 38:05 and 48:04 respectively.
The Abbott Trail was set up in 2016 in memory of Simon’s Heroes charity member Karen Abbott and this year’s race was started by her mother, Barbara Abbott. All competitors received a goody bag and medal upon finishing which were awarded by one of the charity’s latest beneficiaries, Ellie Clover. The event was hosted by Hopwas Social Club which has supported the charity for a number of years by offering free use of its premises for the group’s fitness training and events. Participants and spectators were able to enjoy a post run drink at the club and sample the cake, tombola stalls and BBQ on offer which helped to maximise fundraising.
Craig Smith, Chairman of Simon’s Heroes, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from all the participants, local businesses and individuals whose generosity has helped make this year’s event the most profitable to date. A big thank you to them and to our charity members who did a fantastic job coordinating it all.”
Runner, Laura Jane Ashwood, said: “This was another great event with fab marshals and plenty of encouragement. Chatted to a lovely guy on the way round whose daughter Ellie was in the wheelchair giving out the medals at the finish. Great to see what a difference Simon’s Heroes makes to people’s lives.”
Louise Vernon, who also conquered the course, said: “The Abbott Trail 10K was the toughest 10K I’ve ever done but I’ll be back! That hill beat me the second time, so I want revenge. Perfect weather for it and the marshals were brilliant!”
All monies raised from the event will help to make a difference to local children in need.
Simon’s Heroes would like to thank the following businesses and individuals for their support:
Apollo Chemicals Ltd, Bodnetts Farm Shop, Bookers Tamworth, Barbara Abbott, Canal and River Trust, Central Hub Logistics, Crystal Finance, Chase Chiropractic Clinic, Cliff Lakes, Coton and Hopwas Social Club, Daytona Kart Racing Tamworth, Distinctive Paws, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Ellie Clover, Evelyn Rose Bridal, Healthy Hope at Holland and Barrett, Clive Barker, UK Jet Power, Louisa Parris, Sian Ward, Max Standerwick, MoD, Next Place Property Agents, O’Neill Roofing, PCE Ltd, Peter Henton, Planters, Polesworth Garage, Prontaprint Tamworth, Richard Hardy, Scissor Sisters Atherstone, Stronghold Global, Shire Leasing, Skin and Tonic, Tamworth Ukelele Group, Tarmac, Timewise, The Globe Inn Tamworth, The Office, Utopia Salon, Ultra Running Ltd.
Author: C Bull.
