A TOTAL of 750 runners took to the start line at this afternoon’s Hollywood and Wythall Fun Run which was back – bigger and better than ever before.
There were 150 more runners participating this year – across the 5k and 10k races.
There was also the Family Relay where family members took a leg each of the run.
As well as the runs, the event also offers the chance for families to have plenty of fun and take part in activities.
And there was the chance to try a new sports, including tennis, bowls and archery and the opportunity to try adapted versions of tennis and cricket, designed for people with sight loss but adapted for those without sight, giving everyone the opportunity to experience the sport.
Race ambassador Steve Cram attended along with renowned runner Blind Dave.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.The winner of the 10k race, Hayley Carruthers, from Tipton Harriers, said: “I last did this race six years ago and won it – it is really good fun and a great way to get people into running.
“It is a fun run but I’m really enjoying my racing at the moment.
“It felt really warm but it is a 10k so it is going to be tough. It was also nice to meet Steve Cram.”
The race could have been hotter, in reality, with temperatures in Wythall reaching 30°C on Friday and 31°C yesterday.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.But, luckily for the participants, it was around 20°C and the rain held off for the majority of the day.
Alisha Byrne was from David Lloyd fitness centres which sponsored the event.
She said: “At David Lloyd, we are all about family and community.
“The Hollywood and Wythall Fun Run really aligns with our values.
“We are always looking to be involved in the local community and we have four or five clubs within half-an-hour travelling time.
“When we got here, the atmosphere was absolutely buzzing, we’ve met plenty of other vendors we can work with in the future and have given out week-long memberships so it has been fantastic for us.
“We can’t wait to be back again next year.”
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.People whose homes were on the route came out and cheered the runners as they ran past, some rang handbells or bashed pots and pans and children living nearby made motivational signs.
Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.Sara Hewison from Bournville Harriers ran last year and this one.
She said: “The atmosphere was great and there was fantastic support from the local community.
“We have such a good team spirit at Bournville – from beginners to really fast runners and they all enjoyed coming here.
“It’s good to come together as a community with around 30 runners – it’s quite handy for Bournville as it’s only just down the road.”
She added the club held schemes whereby members tried to improve their times and this was one of the events which counted.
And she praised the organisers.
She said: “This is a very well organised event and there’s things you take for granted here that you don’t get at other places – plenty of toilets available, good organsation at the start, a decent goodie bag and everything is really well-signposted.
“It is all really good.”
Did you run the Hollywood and Wythall 5k or 10k or Family Relay? Send us your pictures to: [email protected]
