Racers to flock to Littlehampton annual 10K

Last year saw about 1,000 runners taking part

The town’s coastline will once again be flooded with fundraisers all hoping to complete the annual Chestnut Tree House 10k Coastal Run on Sunday (September 7).

The 2013 event raised a staggering amount for the Poling-based children’s hospice – the only facility of its kind in the county.

And organisers for this year’s effort are hoping it will be equally as fruitful.

Nicky Ifold, Chestnut Tree House community fundraiser, said: “It costs well over £3 million each year to provide these services, yet less than eight per cent of these costs are funded from central government, which means we rely heavily on the local community, and fundraising events such as the Littlehampton 10k, to raise the funds that we so desperately need.

“Last year, the event raised almost £50,000 for Chestnut Tree House – that’s enough money to cover the cost of all care services, both in the hospice and out in the community for over a whole week. This year, we are hoping to raise over £50,000.”

The starting gun for the race – now in its 11th year – will sound at 9am, from just outside the Stage by the Sea, on the promenade.

The route will see participants initially jogging west through Harbour Park and around The Green, before heading into Sea Road, towards Rustington.

They will make their way through parts of the village and along the coast before turning back, looping around Mewsbrook Park and then running back along Sea Road to the finishing line, next to the Stage by the Sea.

And although there are only a few days left until the runners take to the course, organisers are still encouraging those who haven’t signed up to do so.

The event is open for anyone over the age of 16.

Visit www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/10k or call the events team on 01903 706355 to register over the phone.

On the day registration will be available from 7.30am and will cost £15.

The registration marquee will be located on The Green next to Banjo Road car park

All finishers will receive a medal and goody bag. There is also a trophy for the fastest male and fastest female.

People are also being welcomed to join the event’s army of volunteers. For more details, see www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk