Go the extra mile for Gloucestershire's only in-patient palliative care unit and take on this year's Run Cheltenham challenge, running one mile, 10k or a half marathon for Sue Ryder this September 2023.
From regular runners to complete beginners, participants can get their heart rates up by running one of the three distances — with Sue Ryder encouraging local people to sign up as a charity entry and fundraise for Leckhampton Court Hospice at this year's event.
Racing into town on Sunday 3 September 2023, Run Cheltenham offers courses for runners of all ages and abilities, with the option to sign up for the full half marathon, taking in the Regency town centre; 10k; or the community mile around Cheltenham Racecourse, which is ideal for first-timers or families.
As the event's official charity partner, Run Cheltenham is a massive fundraiser for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, enabling the charity to continue providing expert care and support to families going through the most difficult time in their lives.
One rookie runner, Richard Baldwin from Gloucester, took on the Run Cheltenham challenge last year — running the 2022 half marathon in memory of his mum, who was cared for by Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice before she passed away.
'No words will ever represent how grateful my family and I are for the care and support that Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice gave to my mum, to make her as comfortable as possible in her last few days. Naturally, I wanted to find a way to show my gratitude and I wanted to raise money for Sue Ryder by doing something I have never done before: a half marathon,' he explained.
'When it came down to training, I initially thought I
would have to come up with my own plan, but when I signed up there were two
training plans sent through from Sue Ryder – one was for anyone and for first
timers and one for more dedicated runners. I had only ever run a 10k, but with the
training plans along with the support the crowd gave with their cheering,
clapping and signs — my favourite said "push to go faster!" — I was able to make
it to the finish line, which was such a relief.
'I found the last two miles gruelling — they say a photo tells a thousand words and it really does on my face as I cross the finish line in my official finisher's photo. You can see the relief on my face. Afterwards I had such a huge sense of achievement. After crossing the finish line, it was great to see the camaraderie of fellow runners coming together over some refreshments.
'It was amazing to see how many people came together to spur everyone on. I also had all the well wishes of the many people who had donated and knowing they were all behind me was a great feeling!'
Baldwin raised an incredible £1,030 for Sue Ryder — and he enjoyed Run Cheltenham so much that he's signed up again to take part in the 2023 race!
For those keen to hit the ground running, Sue Ryder's charity places cost 50 per cent less than the standard entry fees for Run Cheltenham, priced at £5 for the community mile, £15 for the 10k and £20 for the half marathon.
With 200 Sue Ryder runners taking on the challenge, anyone who feels inspired to join the team will get a special Sue Ryder running vest or T-shirt, as well as training tips and advice from the charity's professional coach, Nick, and all the resources they need to help them meet their fundraising target.
Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice is also holding its popular running club in the lead up to the event, with fortnightly Thursday evening sessions led by Battle Bootcamp coach, Mark Day. There's no need to book — simply pull on your trainers and turn up at the hospice to join in!
Fundraisers can sign up to Run Cheltenham in aid of Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice via sueryder.org/run-cheltenham.
