A trio of north-east charities have been selected to be the first official charity partners for the Dandara 5k and family fun day which takes place in Hazlehead Park on Saturday, September 3, 2016.
The event, which supports the rejuvenation of the much-loved Hazlehead Park in Aberdeen, is suitable for runners of all ages and abilities with some places still available in the Dandara 5k, 1k and 2k children's races and a 600m fun run.
Organisers Friends of Hazlehead and Sport Aberdeen have appointed Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT), the ARCHIE Foundation and Charlie House as the official charities for the running festival in a move that’s hoped to raise awareness of the organisations and boost funds.
Each of the charities are guaranteed spaces in the Dandara 5k and will in turn be helping at the event by fulfilling volunteer roles on the day. Runners can choose to raise money for one of the three official charity partners, or any other cause they wish to support.
Friends of Hazlehead chairman, Donald Shaw, said: “The Dandara 5k and family fun day at Hazlehead Park brings together hundreds of runners from across the north-east, who each hold a particular charity close to their heart.
“The charities we have chosen to work in partnership with this year do a huge amount of work in the local area and we’re honoured to have them represented at the event and hope to welcome even more charities on-board in the coming years.”
Dandara’s sales manager in Aberdeen, Peter Best, said: “This event is already a huge fundraising opportunity for Hazlehead Park, so we welcome the news that local charities are being represented and runners can support these fantastic groups on the day as well.
“We’re very pleased to be offering our support once again to this event and we’re looking forward to getting our superhero costumes on and joining runners of all ages and abilities for what will be a brilliant day out in aid of a number of great causes in the North-east.”
Runners have until September 1, 2016 to sign up for the race online, and they can also sign up on the day of the event if they pay in cash at the registration area. The starting gun will go off for the first race at 9.30am and the event will continue into the afternoon with catering and entertainment available for all the family.
The first female and male winners of the 5k will be awarded £100 with second and third place runners receiving trophies. The top three male and female runners in the children’s 1k and 2k races and the first boy and girl to complete the fun run will be presented trophies, and there will be additional spot prizes awarded for best costumes.
This year, the Dandara 5k will also feature a corporate challenge with teams of three or more encouraged to compete for a range of prizes on the day, with teams of four or more getting the fifth runner for free.
For more information and to register please visit www.friendsofhazlehead.co.uk or email friendsofhazlehead@gmail.com