Popular race day is back in the running!

2 023 will see the 19th running of the Timberhonger 10K, part of Bromsgrove Carnival weekend.

The popular Saturday evening start time slot will make the event the finale for the main carnival day. Over the years, the 1OK has grown from humble beginnings to being a highlight of the Bromsgrove sporting calendar and has raised more than £60,000 for local good causes.

This year’s event on July 15th will be supporting three more worthy charities: Primrose Hospice, the Friends of St John’s Church spire appeal, and the Rose and Daisy Foundation who support families with children in intensive care or who have experienced neonatal loss.

Organisers are hoping to have over 700 runners taking on either the 10K course, the shorter 5K option, or the Children’s Challenge fun run.

Both the 10K and 5K courses present a good challenge for participants and their hills have become infamous but they are much part of the character and fun of the event, indeed the race’s logo incorporates the oak tree that runners can see when working their way up the final hill. Closed to traffic throughout, it’s a beautiful setting on picturesque country lanes, and the carnival atmosphere extends well beyond the start in Sanders Park.

The 5K option was introduced last year and prides itself as having all the best bits of its 10K big brother but in half the distance.

Since 2006, there has also been a Children’s Challenge fun run. Children as young as two have the chance to race round Sanders Park and through the Timberhonger finish line to receive their medal and a well-deserved finisher’s ice cream. They even have chip timing and a race number just like the adult’s race.

Race director Mark Graham has been involved in all 19 years the event has been run. He said: “There always seems to be a special friendly atmosphere on race day. I don’t know if it is the carnival setting, the summer sunshine or our Timberhonger beer but everyone appears to have a good time.”

It is estimated that more than 6,000 people from all backgrounds have run the Timberhonger with a complete range of running experience, each with their own reasons for running. Some are doing their first run, others are experienced club runners. In 2014 two Malawi athletes used the race as a warm up for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow knocking two minutes off the course record. Everyone receives a special Timberhonger medal and gets a big cheer as they come through the finish line.

Entry is via the race website www.timberhonger10k.com