A UNIQUE charity running race will be back for its ninth event after raising more than £100,000 last year.
Romsey Relay Marathon, sponsored by Barratt Homes, returns on Sunday, May 21 at Broadlands Estate.
Organised by the Rotary Club of Romsey Test, the popular springtime event raises money for charities across the area.
Last year, more than £100,000 was donated to 50 charities and causes, with all ages and abilities taking part.
Teams of up to 10 members will collectively run 26.2 miles, taking it in turns to run two laps of a 1.3-mile course, before passing the baton to their next teammate.
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Entry fees go towards the Rotary Club’s work while the rest of the money raised goes to each team’s chosen charity.
Organiser Charlie Daniel-Hobbs said: “We’re delighted to be back again and to the stunning Broadlands Estate. Every year the Relay Marathon gets better, with an increased community focus, more charity stalls, more to do for the kids and free entertainment which make for a village fete atmosphere.
“This year we’re targeting 200 teams and we’re well on track to hit that target. Once again, we’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors for enabling us to put the event on, and to the estate for hosting us”.
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Barratt Homes community liaison officer, Anthony Dimmick, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting this amazing event again this year, and our own team of runners will be taking part on the day.
“The Romsey Relay Marathon offers a perfect opportunity for residents, businesses and community groups to come together and do something fantastic for charity while keeping fit.”
The Hampshire homebuilder has been backing the event since 2016. Over the past decade, the relay has grown from 32 to 183 teams, attracted thousands of spectators and seen an age range of eight to 80.
The idea came from former Rotary Club member, Tony Forward, who was inspired when visiting and watching his ex-pat son compete in the Bahraini Relay Marathon.
The entry fee for this year’s marathon costs £120 per team, registration will close a week before the race. For more information go to romseymarathon.co.uk/.
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