A record-breaking 1238 people took part in the Reigate & Redhill YMCA's
Fun Run in Reigate Priory Park on Sunday May 6.
Almost 800 of runners were children, including a 50-strong team from the YMCA's Yippee Project, which provides activities and respite care for children with complex needs, who participated in the under-16s one-mile race. Led by Yippee co-ordinator Gareth Lewington and supported by parents and YMCA staff, the Yippee team crossed the finishing line together to loud cheers from the crowd.
Ian Burks, chief executive of Reigate and Redhill YMCA, who competed in the five-mile race, said: “It was really inspiring to see so many people of all ages and abilities taking part.
“The fun run wouldn't have been possible without our team of volunteers who were brilliant and I must thank our sponsors, Brewers and Kimberly Clark.”
The winner of the adult five-mile race, with a time of 28 minutes and 14 seconds, was Tom Hinds, 19, from Epsom, to the delight of his older sister Sophie who is a YMCA Millennium Volunteer Project co-ordinator.
Another proud moment for YMCA staff came when Lesley Whiley was the first female past the post. Lesley, who was also the first veteran in the over-40s to finish, is the daughter of the YMCA's table tennis coach, Stan Whiley. She has completed seven London Marathons and will be taking part in the British Veteran Road Relay in Birmingham on 12 to 13 May.
Other memorable moments included the achievements of a team from the YMCA's Fit for Life project that encourages people with disabilities and special needs to take part in exercise. For the fifth year running, Sheila Pond, 70, of Horley, Surrey led a walking group of Fit for Life members around the adult five-mile. After completing the five-mile, Fit for Life member Leslie Stringer then went on to take part in the last race of the day, the Penny Stevens adult one mile, with fellow Fit for Lifers Alan Whitfield, Penny Griffin and David Cullen - all of whom have suffered cardiac problems in the past.
Also running was Clare Marchent, who is registered blind. She completed the course with support from YMCA fitness instructor Jasvir Gill. Clare is hoping to attempt the five-mile event next year.
The YMCA Fun Run has become one of the largest events of its kind in the Reigate and Banstead Borough and next year's date has been set for Sunday May 4, 2008.