Ten years of the 10k
The tenth annual Moor Park 10k and Junior Fun Runs took place at the end of September at Merchant Taylors' School. Sponsored by Stewarts Law LLP, the event attracted one of the largest fields yet and has already raised a record amount - more than £48,000.
The Moor Park 10k has undoubtedly become a highlight in the LJMC year and it's an event to which everyone looks forward.
Our first venture into the field of running in 2002 was extremely low key with just a few members of the team involved beyond the fundraising department.
2011 was a different story with many of the LJMC team there, helping on the tombola, face-painting, serving refreshments, giving out medals, marshalling, providing an invaluable sports massage service for weary runners and, of course, taking part in the race itself.
First time participant was LJMC Research Co-ordinator, Teresa Young. With her extensive IT knowledge,
Teresa has always been responsible for data entry and results at the event. A keen runner, she has optimistically packed her running kit each year but has always been too busy to take part. However, a streamlined team of helpers this year left her free to scramble into her trainers and make
it to the start line, along with 800 other runners.
After a rather damp race in 2010, we were blessed with fine weather, – not too hot for the runners and not too cold for the spectators – perfect!
The ice cream van did good business and displays by the Woodside Morris Men added to the carnival atmosphere as they entertained the crowds between races.
As always, the atmosphere was great, the crowds growing as the time for the 10k drew near. It was lovely to greet runners who come back each year to take part, catch up on news and cheer them on in the race.
The winner of the men's race for the third year in succession was Andrew Lawrence, who completed the course in 34.09 minutes.
The first lady to cross the line was 15-year old Sky Draper who was competing in the main race for the first time following a 100% success record in the Junior Fun Runs over the years. Her winning time was 41.22 minutes which is also a new record for the Under 18s age group.
Our top fundraisers this year are James Cook and his nine-year old son, Ally, who have raised £7,000 – an amazing record amount.
James saw a poster for the 10k when he accompanied his wife, Lyn, to the Cancer Centre for treatment and signed up to take part. "It felt good to be doing something positive," he explained. "I'd seen from the website that someone had raised more than £5,000 last year and I'm really competitive so I had to aim to beat it."
He set up a fundraising page with Justgiving and spread the word far and wide that he and Ally were taking part in the 10k and Under 10s races respectively.
"At that time, not many people knew that Lyn was having treatment," he said. "However, our friends have been magnificent in their support. Everyone wanted to do something to help and sponsoring us was one really good way they could help not just us but also others. It went viral with everyone writing about it on Facebook and several friends also chose to take part with us."
For the Cooks, it turned into a great family day out with lots of friends coming to cheer them on too.
Congratulations and thank you to James, Ally and everyone who has contributed to the record-breaking amount that has been raised through this event this year.
From small beginnings, the Moor Park 10k has grown beyond our wildest imagination. It is now firmly on the local running calendar and, as well as raising more than £330,000 for the LJMC, has helped raise our profile and awareness of our services in the area.
We extend our immense gratitude to everyone who has supported the event over the past ten years and helped to make it such a huge success for the LJMC.
Last updated: April 13, 2012
The eleventh Stewarts Law Moor Park 10k & Junior Fun Runs will take place on Sunday 30th September 2012 at Merchant Taylors' School.
Thank you to everyone who supported the event this year.
This article first appeared in the Autumn 2011 issue of the LJMC newsletter, Open Door.