Chailey Heritage leads the way with running event

Scheduled for Sunday, July 4 at Borde Hill Garden, north of Haywards Heath, the event is set to be one of the south east’s first fully Covid-19 compliant mass participation events.

Joy Dyson, the charity’s community and events fundraiser, said: “Like so many other charities, we were faced with the cancellation of our major fundraisers in 2020 due to Covid-19.

“We’re really excited to be able to launch our Focus 10k and reassure our competitors and spectators that we have done everything to adhere to the government’s guidelines.

“The safety of everyone is, as always, our top priority and we cannot wait to welcome everyone back to the event”.

Organising any mass participation event takes time and attention to detail, but with the added Covid-19 rules, this year’s event has brought additional challenges.

Runners and spectators can expect some changes including sanitising stations and marshals on site to help with social distancing in queues and where spectators are gathered.

Sally-Anne Murray, development director, said: “It will be wonderful to see our supporters gathered together again.

“There’s no doubt that this year’s event will be different, but what matters is that our runners and spectators have fun, remain safe and help raise vital funds for Chailey Heritage so that we can continue to support the many children and young adults who need our specialist support.”

While the Focus 10k event offers the chance for runners to compete against each other on the Borde Hill Garden cross-country course, there is also a virtual option for those who may feel apprehensive about attending but still want to be part of the fundraising.

Tickets for the virtual challenge, the 10k, 5k and mini mile for children are on sale now on the charity’s website, www.focus10k.com