The cold & wet weather could not put a dampener on Knowle and Dorridge Lions Club’s 30th Knowle Fun Run in May.
Once again over 2000 runners, including 250 Mini Runners entered for what has become probably Solihull’s biggest charity fundraiser. The Club broke all previous records this year by raising over £40,000 which was shared between Marie Curie, St Basil’s and AgeUK with the Club holding back 30% of funds raised for local and Lions determined causes.
For the 30th Fun Run main sponsor Hunters estate agents provided a commemorative ’30 years of running for charity’ mug to go with the traditional certificate of appreciation, bottled water, biscuit bar and t-shirt for the mini runners.
The Club boasts that all the costs of staging the event are covered by generous local sponsors, in cash and in kind and that every £ of entry fee as well as donations and sponsorship collected will go to charity. This year many teams of runners also raised approaching £20,000 for their own designated charities.
Each year the Club seeks a well-known personality to start the races and award the prizes. Over the years Jasper Carrott, Bev Bevan, Don Maclean, Phil Upton, and a cast of Midlands TV newsreaders have given up their time. This year it was Nick Owen from Midlands Today who stepped up to the mark.
Unusually this year’s 5 mile Fun Run was won by a 16 year old runner who showed up all the adults who normally take home the first of the many prizes and trophies on offer for individual and teams of runners.
Organising the event every year has raised the Club’s profile tremendously over the years but still puts a big strain on our Clubs resources says Club President & MC John Heard. ‘As soon as we have thanked everyone for one Fun Run, the team are putting together plans for the next year. On the day we rely heavily on help from the local Scouts, beneficiary charities, Round Table, Shirley Lions and over 100 marshals for the road closures. Having such a well-regarded event in our calendar has made the club attractive for would-be amateur fundraisers to want to join. Our numbers have gradually increased to 35 in recent years, although our average age remains stubbornly well above 60. It has also directly lead to at least 5 other Fun Runs in the immediate area.
On Sunday 7 July Knowle & Dorridge Lions will be organising their Heart of England Walk & Bike Ride at Baddesley Clinton NT House where Swords of Chivalry will also be adding to the entertainment. Why not join them.