THE REGION’S longest running charity Fun Run, the Knowle Fun Run, now in its 33rd year, is welcoming runners new and old from near and far for this year’s run on Sunday, May 15.
With nearly 1,000 runners already entered, the popularity of this great local five-mile run around Knowle continues as strong as ever.
“This year we have made a conscious decision to focus on the ‘local community’ and after years of welcoming celebrity starters from Jasper Carrott in 2001 through many different Midlands news, weather & radio presenters and other well-known Solihull personalities we have invited Martin Murphy the Principal of Arden Academy to do the honours, starting the races and awarding the prizes,” said the Lion’s Fun Run co-ordinator Richard Buckley.
Mr Murphy added: “I’m delighted to be able to support our local Fun Run raising so much money for local charities.
“Unfortunately, my running days are over for the moment – I recently received a replacement knee which is restricting my speed.”
The Fun Run has evolved over the years and these days boasts four mini runs around the playing fields for the five to nine-years-olds, with free t-shirts for all entries, as well as 20 trophies and prizes for Junior, Secondary, Adult, Veteran, Super-veterans, a local residents trophy and team trophies for teams of four.
Richard added: “The great thing about our Fun Run is the way everyone gets behind the Lions to ensure that every pound of runners’ entry fee, donation and sponsorship raised will go to our nominated charities, who this year are the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, Lily Mae Foundation, Solihull Bereavement Counselling Service as well as Lions local causes.
“We are really grateful to over 30 local businesses who have again sponsored our Fun Run, and as many again who advertise in our programme who cover all the costs before anyone enters.”
The Knowle Fun Run relies on a small group of dedicated Lions, backed up by over a hundred marshals and other helpers from local groups and charities, who give all their time and energy free of charge to ensure this annual fundraiser continues for everyone.
“We would really welcome a few more residents to join our team if we are to ensure the KFR has a long future ahead,” added RIchard.
Visit www.knowlefunrun.org.uk to enter and for more information.
