Full steam ahead for runners in charity race (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)
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Full steam ahead for runners in charity race for Cotswold Care Hospice
4:30pm Thursday 18th October 2012 in News
Cara Taylor and Paul Vizor from Cirencester who took on Cotswold Care Hospice's Race the Train 14 mile cross country race
CIRENCESTER vet Rob Benson steamed across the finish line in a race against the train to raise money for Cotswold Care Hospice.
More than 150 runners took part in Race the Train which started and finished at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway’s station at Cheltenham Racecourse, with a course which took them up Cleeve Hill and back.
Rob, from Benson & Babb Veterinary Centre, in Cirencester, hoped to raise £300. “I have lost a couple of clients to cancer in the past year and they will be in my thoughts today,” he said.
Stroud’s former Olympic marathon runner Dan Robinson also took part - though it was touch-and-go as the race was the due date for his wife Jess.
“It was a fantastic event on the most scenic course I have ever run,” said Dan. “The added aspect of the train meant that you always had to keep one eye on the watch. I look forward to getting fit and really racing the train next year.”
Several runners did beat the train back to the station. The first to cross the finish line was Phillip Gould, from Kenilworth, who ran the 14-mile course in 1.33.30.
“We had a fabulous turn-out and hope the event has raised more than £7,000,” said Jennifer Green, head of fundraising. “It was a tough run and we salute everyone who took part and completed the race.”
