Runners wanted for 20th Rotary horseless team event (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Runners wanted for 20th Rotary horseless team event

THE 20th Rotary Horseless Team Event (HTE), set for Sunday, October 5, is hoping for a record number of competitors and also monies raised for charity.

Held in beautiful Badminton Park annually since 1984, the Rotary Club of the South Cotswolds (Malmesbury & Tetbury) offers joggers and walkers a chance to tackle the fences and obstacles of Badminton's famous horse trials over a five or nine-mile course.

All competitors will receive a commemorative medal for taking up the challenge and successfully completing the course. There are also a number of team trophies to be won.

Apart from the cups awarded to winning four or five member teams of men, women, boys or girls, there are trophies for the most successful business, service unit and Rotary club teams, for individual winners in all categories and for the best fancy dress.

Registration begins at 9.30am and the mass start of all competitors is at 11.30am.

There will be entertaining during the morning and there will be a barbecue, refreshments and licensed bar situated in the 'HTE village'.

There is also the added attraction of a vintage tractors display and agricultural implements and well-known celebrities will be lending their support.

Spectators are invited to enjoy the fun and watch the competitors tackle some of Badminton's famous fences, including the lake.

Sponsorship raised by competitors is divided between the individual's own club, school, organisation or charity of choice, with half going to support the two charities nominated by South Cotswold Rotarians.

This year, the national charity Diabetes UK and local hospitals have been nominated as the main beneficiaries of the HTE.

Funds raised for a wide range of local and national charities since 1984 now total over £210,000, following last year's record distribution of £16,414.

Entry forms available from Rotarian Allan Collins at Oak Lodge, Dauntsey Green, Chippenham, Wilts SN15 4JE, or can be downloaded from the Rotary Club's website at rcsc.co.uk