Run Beautiful Blenheim Blenheim Palace on 8^thMay

With the marathon next weekend, plenty of people will be looking for run events, but might not be up to the full marathon. Fun runners, serious runners and time-to-get-fit-before-my-summer-holiday runners are all invited to run 7k in the glorious surroundings of Blenheim Palace on 8^thMay. There is also a 4 mile event for wheelchairs and buggies, and 1 mile for juniors.

The annual run has a loyal following and this is the 15^thyear for the Blenheim 7k, which also has a 1 mile event for juniors and 4 miles for wheelchairs and parents with buggies.

The run takes full advantage of the beautiful location and takes a scenic route around the trails and paths of the Palace, including a spectacular lakeside section. Race entry includes entry to the grounds (usually £14.90), designed by Capability Brown and described as "the finest view in England," participants can enjoy the rest of the day there.

The 7k course is suitable for all ages and abilities. It offers a challenging run for the more experienced, and beautiful surroundings for the beginner or anyone who wants to take a more leisurely pace.

The 4 miles on wheels race was pioneered two years ago by Edward McDonagh who completed the course in 43 minutes. Edward raised £3,670 for the Children's Trust, encouraged by his trainer, Johnathon Watson. Last year, Oxfordshire's running queen, Sophie Carter, brought a team of ‘Pramstriders' to push their babies around the course. She said: "I've been running the class since my daughter Faith was born - it's a great way to keep fit and inspires the others.

"It shows people they can do it and it's good for the little ones as they tend to copy their parents."

Sarah Foster, Managing Partner at Henmans Freeth, chief sponsor of the event, is asking businesses to bring a team and get sponsored, she said: "We are very proud to support the Blenheim 7k fun run for the fourth year in a row. This event helps raise funds for worthwhile charities and this year we specially want to focus on helping raise money for Sobell House hospice which is celebrating its 40^thyear."

(Picture: Kirsty Edmonds)

Sarah Foster, Managing Partner at Henmans Freeth (third from left) training with her team, and Kevin Game, fundraiser for Sobell House (right).

Founded in 1976, Sobell House was one of the earliest NHS hospices to be established, considered by many to be the founder of the modern hospice movement in UK. It provides specialist palliative care to patients and their families at home, in the Oxford hospitals, and in the purpose-built hospice at the Churchill Hospital,

Kevin Game, fundraiser for Sobell House said: Sobell House are really excited to be once again be a part of the Blenheim 7k.
It's an excellent opportunity for our supporters to get active and start raising money for the hospice, without being as daunting as a marathon for example.

It's a great chance for us to get as many people involved and running and fundraising for Sobell House in our 40^thanniversary year, and we want to see as many of the runners in our t-shirts as possible.

The Bosworth Clinic in Cassington has a state-of-the-art facility for the treatment andmanagement of athletes, including many of our top athletes. Clinical Director, Gordon Bosworth. Gordon has worked with member of both winter and summer Olympics teams for Great Britain, including as Chief Physiotherapist to United Kingdom Athletics/British Athletics at the London Olympic Games 2012. The Bosworth clinic has provided Blenheim 7k runners with nutrition advice on the website and two special offers for consultations for runners to ensure that they eat the right things and move the right way to make the most of performance and prevent injuries. For further details seewww.blenheim7k.co.uk/bosworth-clinic

Cothill House School has won the team prize for two years running, Ralf Arneil, teacher at the school, organises the team. He said: ""The Blenheim 7k is a good, challenging course for the boys at Cothill House. With safety in mind, importantly, the course is traffic free and carefully marshalled. We've enjoyed this event very much in the past and are happy to support this event and Sobell House in the future."

All finishers receive a medal and there are trophies for team as well as individual winners. The 7k and 4 mile races are chip timed. Entry is £16 for the 7k and 4 mile races and £10 for the junior 1 mile run. For entry and more details please go to the websitewww.blenheim7k.co.uk

Edward McDonagh

(pictures by Simon Williams)

Emma Gutteridge ran for Sobell House with team Chasney she said "Over £1k was raised by#chasneyfunrunfor Sobell house!!! We had a fab time. Annual event for us now."

ENDS

For photographs and further information and interviews, please contact Sarah Airey at The Buzzworks, emailsarah.airey@thebuzzworks.co.uktel 07855 086447

Interviews can be arranged with teams and individuals running the Blenheim 7k as well as Henmans Freeth, the Bosworth Clinic for nutrition and injury prevention advice, Sobell House and the Spinal Injuries Association.