Redbrik runners boost funds of Ashgate Hospice and Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice

A four figure sum has been given to Ashgate Hospicecare and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice by the organisers of Chesterfield Redbrik Half Marathon.

The money was raised when runners donated the entry fee difference between the cancelled 2020 Redbrik Half and all-new 2021 Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k.

Following the in-person event’s cancellation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, runners from as far afield as Edinburgh took to the streets for the Redbrik Half’s Virtual Events weekend in October.

The event raised more than £ 1,000 for Ashgate and Bluebell Wood .

More than 100 people from across the country ran five miles, 10km or a half marathon over the course of the original Half Marathon event weekend, raising thousands of pounds for charities across the region as a result of their efforts.

Chris Breen completed two virtual half marathons that weekend. He said: “When I heard the Chesterfield Half Marathon was going ahead as a virtual event, I jumped at the chance.

“On the Saturday, I chose my favourite countryside run. I loved it, pushed myself and came in at 1 hour 50 minutes exactly. Imagine my surprise when a friend of mine said he was entering too and wasn’t sure of a local route that would come out at the half marathon distance.

“I got my arm twisted and ran it again the following day with my friend! To say I was tired on the Sunday evening is an understatement, but I thoroughly enjoyed doing these virtual half marathons."

John Timms, event director of the Redbrik Half Marathon and Redbrik Foundation Chesterfield 10k, said: “It’s fantastic to see how much the Redbrik Half Marathon has been able to raise for regional charities despite the ‘real’ event’s cancellation this year.

“Donation of the entry fee difference between the two events may seem a small sum in isolation, but the figure we’ve managed to donate as a result of people’s generosity is testament to what can be achieved as a collective.”

Hospices, which count on public donations, have had a tough year in which revenue streams have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.