Milton Keynes charity run raises thousands for local NSPCC branch

Together with 747 entries for the half marathon, this brought the total registered to 1,319 – a more than 50 pre cent increase on 2015.

This increase is positively reflected in the funds raised which are expected to be around £40k.

All the money raised will go to help support the work of the NSPCC Schools Service, helping children to understand the types of abuse and how to protect themselves.

This makes the total raised over the last 18 years a staggering £585k.

Both races were ran over a new course, taking in some of the best sights of Milton Keynes, including the Grand Union Canal and Linford Wood.

Additionally, the runners had the challenge of running up the hill in Campbell Park, with the half marathon runners doing it twice – and all the runners were grateful for the NSPCC ‘cheer point’ at the bottom of the hill providing extra encouragement.

Clive Gear, chair of NSPCC Milton Keynes hlf marathon committee, said: “We are delighted at the positive response to the changes we made to this year’s event and I would like to say a special thank you to all our volunteers, both on the day and throughout the year, who made this such a success.

“Without whom, we wouldn’t be able to run this event.

“We are also extremely grateful to our hosts, sponsors and supporters, including the Webber Independent School, Dawsongroup, ICR Leasing, MVad, Results Base, mnfrost business management services, Fyffes, Up & Running, Body Limits, The Parks Trust, and the NSPCC’s community team.”

Jacqui Venters, the local NSPCC community fundraising manager, said: “Attending this event for the first time, I was impressed at the atmosphere.

“The feel of the set up was exciting and vibrant, and the runners all seemed so cheerful – although there were a few daunting looks on the second lap of the hill, but they kept going and we kept cheering.”

“I would like to congratulate Clive and his team, not only for organising such a great event, but for being instrumental in raising such an incredible about of money for the NSPCC.”

The Community Challenge was won by LSE Running Club with Red Thread in second place.