Summer Solstice Run Great Success
The Wessex Autistic Society Celebrates Summer Solstice Run at Moors Valley
The Wessex Autistic Society recently hosted their fourth annual 8K Summer Solstice Run at Moors Valley Country Park, Ringwood.
Every year the race gets faster and tighter, with more and more loyal supporters turning out to the 8K run that marks the longest day of Summer, all in aid of The Wessex Autistic Society. This year was no exception, with a total of 430 runners pacing across the woodland route at Moors Valley, Ringwood.
The race attracted runners from many different backgrounds, from fun runners to more seasoned athletes who used the occasion for some competitive training. The ‘S-milers’ are a group of female runners who always wear pink for race days. Each of the ladies ran the event last year and hope to be back again next year to continue the fun. Anthea Waters, who coaches the group of ladies commented, “We are all mums and find running to be a great stress relief. We consider ourselves late starters and although we all have varied lives with different commitments, each one of us values our running time for escapism and some quality ‘me’ time. We would encourage anyone to start running”
Liz Cave, who ran the marathon in April this year on behalf of the Society along with her friend Susan Taylor, was one of the entrants who limbered up on June 19th, continuing her support for the Society. Now in its 4th consecutive year, the annual event was supported by NatWest and has been a hit with hundreds of runners from across the south turning out.
All runners of the Summer Solstice received a medal and goody bag at the end of the race, with prizes for the first three male and female finishers, plus a free official race T-shirt to anyone raising £30 or more in sponsorship. The first three male runners were; Peter Rabjohns (1st), Alan Metcalfe (2nd), Dan Price (3rd). The first three female runners were; Janie Chapman (1st), Michelle Pank (2nd) and Rosalind Marsh (3rd). The newly introduced Veteran’s prize deservedly went to Mike Hirst, who having taken a wrong turn near the end of the race lost out on first place and came 7th.
Debbie Anderson, Fundraising and Marketing Manager at The Wessex Autistic Society comments, “The event has so far raised over £4,000 and individual sponsorship continues to flood in. A huge thank you to all who got involved this year, and to the volunteers who helped ensure the race ran smoothly.”
For your chance to keep fit and raise funds for The Wessex Autistic Society the charity will be supporting The Great South Run on 25th October 2009. 15 charity places are available for this 10 mile run through Portsmouth and Southsea. For further information, contact 01202 483360, or fundraising@twas.org.uk
