You don’t have to run to take part...

Taking part in this year’s Beaverbrooks Blackpool 10k Fun Run doesn’t necessarily mean running from the Hilton to Blackpool Pleasure Beach and back.
PICTURES MARTIN BOSTOCK The 2013 Beaverbrooks Blackpool 10k fun run.PICTURES MARTIN BOSTOCK The 2013 Beaverbrooks Blackpool 10k fun run.
PICTURES MARTIN BOSTOCK The 2013 Beaverbrooks Blackpool 10k fun run.

In fact, for Julie Maden-Wilkinson it doesn’t mean running or walking any great distance at all.

For she will be standing still throughout the event, volunteering her time to cheer on the thousands of runners as they pass her.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Julie has been volunteering at Trinity Hospice, on Low Moor Road, Bispham, since June and decided to further give her time as a marshal for the fun run, which is being organised by the hospice.

“I helped out at the Santa Dash and Santa Cycle events at Christmas, but I know this is going to be so much bigger,” she explained.

“It’s a really good event to support, and I’ll be there on the day shouting my encouragement to everyone who passes me.”

Julie helps out on Trinity’s palliative care reception desk, which gives her a good insight to the amount of work that’s being put in to the annual run event.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

People think they just turn up and run, they don’t realise that months before the girls in the office have been working so hard to make it happen,” she said.

“They’re advertising it, collecting entries, sending out running packs and collecting money. But it’s all worth it.”

Trinity is hoping as many as 3,000 people will take part in this year’s run, which will take place on Sunday, May 11.

Julie added: “I was amazed at the turn-out for the Christmas events so I’m really looking forward to seeing the turn-out to the Fun Run.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’ll just be there to tell the runners that they’re doing a fantastic job and to keep going. It’s such a long way.

“I found the Santa Dash an emotional experience; I don’t know what to expect in May.”

Entries are coming in thick and fast to this year’s event, which is sponsored by Beaverbrooks.

Entry costs go to Trinity Hospice and Brian House children’s hospice, but runners can collect sponsorship for whichever charity they like.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

For information and to take part visit www.blackpoolfunrun.co.uk

This year’s run will take place on Sunday,May 11 along the Promenade in Blackpool.
Organisers at Trinity, on Low Moor Road, Bispham, say they hope this year will see up to 3,0000 people take part, whether they are serious runners or just coming along to give it a try.
The route starts at Blackpool’s Hilton Hotel and goes down to Blackpool Pleasure Beach and back.
Individual and group runners from across the North West are expected to take part and show their support.
The best way to enter the Fun Run, which is sponsored by Beaverbrooks,is online at trinityhospice.co.uk/ events/ blackpool-10k-fun-run.