An impressive 435 runners took part in the Chiltern Chase - a run of 5km, 10km and 15km raising over £2,750 for Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire and Ewelme Primary School.
The run on June 12 marked the 16th year of the Chiltern Chase, and the first year of two that Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire will be the chosen charity of the event.
This year, runners who enjoyed picturesque bridleways and rugged trails of the Chiltern Hills, came together to fundraise an amazing £2,750 for the charity - vital funds that will enable Sue Ryder Nurses and care teams to provide expert care and valuable support to patients living with life-limiting conditions and their families.
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Before taking part in their chosen distance, runners pulled on their running shoes and got their blood pumping with a workout.
A vast number of supporters turned up to cheer the runners on, sharing tea and cake whilst taking in the beautiful views of the Chilterns.
Luckily for both the supporters and runners, the day stayed relatively cool, making for an even more enjoyable day for everyone.
A commentator was on hand to reel off the names of the winners, which were Connor Morgan (fastest male) and Holly Curtayne (fastest female) in the 5K race with times of 18.36 and 26.14 respectively. Simon Fraser (fastest male) and Nicola Taylor (fastest female) won the 15K race with times of 57.31 and 1.07.03 respectively.
Speaking on the Chiltern Chase, Meghan Bentley, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire, said, “We are so grateful to all those who took part in the Chiltern Chase this year. Not only is it a fantastic day out for all the family, filled with so much laughter and positivity, but it has raised a huge sum of money to help our Palliative Care Hub carry out their incredible work and provide care to those who desperately need it in South Oxfordshire.”
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Barry Tindall is one of the organisers of the much loved charity running event, and he said a great time was had by all.
He added: “This is our 16th year and it was another great success. We love organising the event and are very pleased to be raising money for the deserving Sue Ryder charity this year and next!
“It was a massive team effort and I would like to thank all our committee members for their support. I would also like to thank all of our sponsors: Rowse Honey, Hazell & Jefferies, Grundon, Chester Rose Ltd, The Shepherds Hut and Stockcroft Farms.
“And finally, other integral cogs in the wheel of the Chiltern Chase: Marcus Harris for compering with panache, Haynes for the loan of equipment, Mat Crook for a fabulous warm up, Richard Davey for making the course navigable, all our volunteer marshals and the lovely ladies of FOES (Friends of Ewelme School) with their cakes and teas. Let’s do it all again in 2023!”
The Chiltern Chase will be back for 2023 – to sign up for next year’s visit chilternchase.org.uk
For more information on Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire visit sueryder.org/southox
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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF
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