Witches and Wizards conjure up money for charity at 10th Run4Fun event

Hundreds of people took part in Birkett Long’s 10th anniversary Run4Fun in Colchester on Thursday 8 September to help raise thousands of pounds for charity.

With many people entering into the spirit of this year’s Witches and Wizards theme, Castle Park looked more like Hogwarts for the evening as people of all ages donned witches’ hats, magicians’ cloaks and broomsticks to take part in the annual 2.5mile fun run.

Jennie Skingsley, Marketing Manager at organisers Birkett Long solicitors, said: “Our tenth anniversary event proved as successful as ever and although we don’t yet know the exact total raised this year, there were around 400 entrants. 

“We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who came along, not just the runners but also the marshals and all those who watched and cheered the runners on. This is an important event for the community and the firm and we’re always delighted at the response which has meant we’ve been able to contribute more than £65,500 to local Colchester charities.”

All the money raised through the event will be donated  to the Mayor of Colchester’s chosen charities, which this year include Samaritans in Colchester, The Colchester Carers Centre, Phoenix Group Homes, The Essex Community Foundation Fund,  The Soldier’s Charity, The Colchester Scout Band, The Hospice and Children's Home in Malaysia.

Money will also be donated to Birkett Long's charity of the year, Christopher John Holmes' Grassroots Fund.

Prizes for the fastest times and best costumes were also presented on the evening with winners including:

Penny Heap (5 Star Boot Camps) was resplendent in a witch costume (even dyeing her hair green) which won her the Best Fancy Dress prize
Connor Price was fastest male arriving at the finish line in just 14 minutes 12 seconds; Helen Bloomfield was the quickest lady finishing in 16 minutes 25 seconds. Fastest team belonged to 5 Star Boot Camps - Martin Rieksts, Mark Bailey, Carl Saville, Damien Hartshorne.
The top 12s and under were:

Hannah Johnson, 14th Col Brownies - 19:56
Rebecca Warren, 14th Col Brownies - 20:43
Jasmine West, 14th Col Brownies - 22:34
Aaron Marley - 16:17
Thomas Hewes, Keystone - 16:36
Adam Ketley, Allan Chapman & James - 17:54
Jack Wright (missed in error) - 17:07

5 Star Boot Camps were the Largest Organisation Entry with 83 people

All runner times are now available on line at www.birkettlong/run4fun and look out for pictures and videos from the event over the next couple of weeks on the website, via Run4Fun on Twitter @BLRun4Fun and on Facebook by searching ‘Run4Fun’.