A NEW 10km race has been launched to raise vital funds to help injured servicemen and women take part in extreme sporting challenges.
The first Catterick 10k will take place on Sunday, February 16, starting and finishing at the Help for Heroes northern Recovery Centre, Phoenix House in Catterick Garrison.
Organisers hope about 300 people will put on their trainers to raise more than £2,000 to support Team True Spirit, the Help for Heroes endurance events team, set up to aid recovery through sport.
The route will head north along the A6136, and take runners via Sandbeck before turning left onto Hudswell Lane, cutting onto Brokes Lane, and back onto the A6108, though Spring Wood and Throstle Gill on Plumer Road.
Runners will then turn on to Hudswell Road West to head back to the centre.
Mark Airey, strength and conditioning coordinator at Phoenix House, founded Team True Spirit in 2010.
He encourages residents at Phoenix House to take part in Team True Spirit events, many of which raise funds, through sponsorship, for Help for Heroes.
He said: “The aim of the team is to inspire, enable and support wounded, injured and sick servicemen and veterans if they want to do triathlons or other long distance endurance events.
“The Catterick 10k will help raise funds to enable them to take part in Ironman UK in 2014 and the 2015 Enduroman Arch to Arc, which is a triathlon from Marble Arch in London to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
“Fitness is great for motivation and it’s something to focus on for the guys.”
Mr Airey said the idea for the race arose because a lot of service personnel who are supported by Phoenix House enjoy running and wanted to help raise the profile of the Recovery Centre as well as funds for Team True Spirit.
He added: “It is a bumpy and hilly route but it’s fun and we are hoping lots of spectators will come out to watch.”
The Catterick 10k is organised by Epic Events, and race director Paul Atkinson is also a coach for Team True Spirit.
The event is now open for entries and costs £15.
Refreshments will be provided and there is free parking at the centre.
For more information see http://www.epicevents.co.uk/2013-12-17-17-24-53/catterick-10k-sunday-february-16th-2014.html or call Epic Events on 01257-251217.
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