83 pictures as runners tackle unique 2020 Sawston Fun Run
Even a global pandemic couldn’t stop the 35th Sawston Fun Run from being held – but it was like no other before it.
This year, 100 registered entrants pledged to raise at least £100 for the local charities and organisations that the Rotary Club of Cambridge Sawston has chosen to support this year.
These charities include the Sawston Village College Minibus Appeal, Sawston Sports Centre, Sawston Let’s Run Girls, Duxford Primary School, and Cambridge Aid – and the final total is set to be more than £22,000.
Gerry Holloway, Sawston Fun Run and Walk co-ordinator, said: “Thank you to everybody for taking part and for the enormous amount of money that they’ve managed to raise so far.
“It was a huge success under very difficult circumstances.”
The race, originally due to be held this year on May 3, featured a short route (4k) and a longer route (7.4k).
Happily, the routes were the same as usual, albeit with a smaller number of participants. “Obviously, we had a Covid risk assessment plan all set up,” explained Gerry.
“We gave everyone temperature checks as they came in, we got them to sign up for track and trace, and we made sure that they were socially distanced as far as possible all the way round. We released the runners at 10-second intervals.
“It was different – an experience – but everybody I’ve spoken to since said they were really pleased that we hadn’t given up; that we’d made the effort to do the fun run.
“It’s raised a huge amount of money over the years. We’re getting towards half a million pounds now.”
Michael Hodskinson , who suffered serious injuries in a cycling accident last year, was taking part to raise funds for Spinal Research and the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
He said: “In the past, before my accident, I’ve run Sawston Fun Run on several occasions and it's a great community event.
“This year was obviously very different and the start was staggered to help maintain social distancing.
“In spite of this, it still retained the strong community spirit and volunteers did a brilliant job of marshalling the route.
“The run was extremely tough but I managed to cover the distance, though definitely not in style!
“Despite the wet weather, there was fantastic support from the local community and my neighbours lined the route cheering us on - that really helped keep me going.
“With such amazing support, so far we have raised more than £3,300 for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, Spinal Research and the Rotary Club.”
He added: “These causes have really resonated with people and the donations have continued to come in after the event.”
Tony Collett, another of the organisers, said they all wanted to ensure that the largest community event in South Cambridgeshire – one of the region’s original fun runs – went ahead, adding: “The reason we’ve done it is to show resilience.
“We normally attract about 1,100 entrants and 3,000 spectators and we wanted to show our resilience against the virus.
“That’s why we did it, we thought ‘We ain’t going to be beaten’.”
The organisers would also like to thank the event sponsor, The Cambridge Building Society, and commercial sponsors, Adams Harrison solicitors, Adcock Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Central England
Co-op, Gibbs Denley Financial & Investment Advisers, Morgan Sindall, Sawston Parish Council and Vindis.
Donate online at virginmoneygiving.com/fund/sawstonfunrun2020.
Look out for a picture special from the Sawston Fun Run and London Marathon 2020 in this week’s Cambridge Independent, in the shops from October 7-13.
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