Charities to get a bonus from runners

The windfall will be handed out by the organisers of the race at Bognor Hotham Rotary Club.

Spokesman John Holman said: “Over £5,000 will collectively be added to the cheques that will shortly be making their way to these chosen good causes, including the club’s charity partner for 2012, the Sussex Snowdrop Trust.”

The bonus has arisen from the long-standing charity scheme run by the Rotarians.

They pledge to use some of the race’s surplus funds to top up the amount raised by runners in the race who use its official sponsorship form. This year’s surplus exceeded £10,000.

A total of 41 runners in last May’s event took part in the scheme and raised £7,000 between them for 20 charities.

“The Rotary club has decided to uplift the sponsorship money raised by an amazing 75 per cent this year in recognition of the effects that the recession is having on charity donations generally,” said Mr Holman.

The remaining fund will be available to help other good causes, whether at home or overseas, as they arise in the coming year.

He said: “This shows that the Bognor 10k is not only a major community event for the town.

“It is also a valuable source of charitable donations over a wide spectrum.”