2011 Fun Run attracts more than 300 runners

More than 300 people took part in the eighth annual Blythe Valley Park Charity Fun Run in Solihull. The event included a 500m fun run and 5km and 10km races around the countryside and pathways of the business and country park off junction 4 of the M42 and helped raised funds for two charities. Entry fees collected by joint-organisers Shirley Lions Club and Liberty Property Trust, which manages the park, will go towards boosting Marie Curie’s Big Build Appeal to raise £7 million for a new hospice for the West Midlands. Funds raised are also to be shared with Solihull Leisure Opportunities (SoLO) which provides support to people with learning disabilities to improve their quality of life. The 10km race was won by Richard Dixon in a time of 40 mins 44 secs followed by runner-up Gavin Davies (40-51) and Andy Hall (41-14) in third. Rachel Hatfield (45-39) was fastest woman over the line, while the 5km honours went to Stuart Wischhusen (20-44) and Emma Cakebread (25-25), while Grace Bartlett won the children’s mini fun run. There were also prizes for the youngest competitor, five-year-old Shazad Khan, who took part in the 5km race, oldest runner, 81-year-old Nicki Barter, and best fancy dress winner Joyce Sale. For full race results and times log on to www.shirleylions.co.uk/fundraisingevents.html