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Businesses, organisations and colleges around Cambridgeshire are gearing up for the challenge of another race through the historic city in aid of charity, with the launch of Chariots of Fire 2009.

The event is the region’s largest charity relay race and the scenic 1.7 mile course follows in the footsteps of the famous film, set in Cambridge, which documented the British team’s path to victory in the 1924 Olympic Games.

This year, Chariots of Fire has chosen to put mental health in the spotlight and support Cam-mind, Cambridge’s longest established mental health charity.

Aly Anderson, the charity’s Development Manager commented, “Mental health problems can strike at any time and one in four people in the UK will be affected at some point in their lives.“

“Cam-mind supports local people in their recovery, with services that are designed to help re-build confidence, reduce isolation and provide social support.”

Cam-mind’s services include supported housing, one to one befriending and community groups. The money raised at the event will help to fund and expand the befriending project that teams up service users with a befriender volunteer. It will also support Cam-mind’s workplace training project, which includes the new, nationally-recognised Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training.

Aly said, “The charity is planning to offer a range of services to businesses, colleges, schools and other employers in a bid to help them tackle stress, anxiety and depression in the workplace and challenge the stigma and discrimination that is so often the biggest barrier to recovery from mental health problems.”

The event is sponsored by leading regional law firm, Hewitsons, and is supported by media partners, The Cambridge News.

Race Director, Charles Hewitson from Hewitsons added, “Cam-mind is a fantastic charity which reaches out to a wide range of local people, creating unique opportunities to aid them in their recovery. People don’t need to suffer alone and support is out there for them if they need it. Therefore it is important to raise as much money as possible at Chariots of Fire 2009, to allow the charity to continue its vital work.”

Charles continued, “Chariots of Fire is a great opportunity for local organisations and college members to join together for a great cause, whilst getting fit in the process. For those who don’t want to run in the race, it is also a great fun day out to come along and support the teams.”

The race takes place on Sunday 20 September and starts and ends on Queens’ Green in Cambridge. Teams are made up of 6 members of varying categories, who run the course in relay format.

From Monday 18 May, team registrations can be made online at www.chariots-of-fire.co.uk. Visit the Enter page to register your team.

Please contact Hazel Kraus at hazelkraus@hewitsons.com or on 01223 461155, if you have queries regarding the event.

Chariots of Fire charity relay race is stepping forward in time this year, with the introduction of online registration. The event is launching on Monday 18 May, when teams will be able to register online for the first time!

Last year, local web agency Studio 24, designed the Chariots of Fire website free of charge and are delighted to have been involved in the development of this latest feature.

Charles Hewitson, Race Director from sponsors, Hewitsons, commented, “This is a fantastic new addition for the event this year, as the whole registration process will be easier for all entrants to use. People can register their teams online at any time and receive instant confirmation details.”

Charles continued, “The Chariots of Fire charity relay is in its 17th year and has expanded massively over the years. Last year we hit the maximum number of teams that could enter, namely 420.  With the growth of the event, the change will help streamline the registration process.”

Teams who wish to enter the race should visit the ‘enter’ page of the website to register, from Monday 18 May onwards.

The event will take place on Sunday 20 September, starting from Queens’ Green in Cambridge.  Teams are raising money this year for Cam-mind, a local charity which provides essential support for local people experiencing mental health problems. The services provided are designed to empower people to take the first active steps of their recovery, within a safe and non-judgemental environment.

Tolan Collins, IT Manager at Hewitsons successfully ran the London marathon on 26 April 2009, to raise money and awareness for local mental health sufferers.

The charity he represented was Cam-mind, Cambridge’s longest established mental health charity. The charity offers a broad range of community projects and services to support mental health service users in the region. Please visit www.cam-mind.org.uk for further information.

Tolan said, “A huge thank you to everyone who sponsored me for the London Marathon. I’ve raised over £1,700 pounds for Cam-Mind which is fantastic and I am proud to be supporting such a great charity.”

 “I had aimed to try and complete the marathon in less than four hours. I just missed this goal and finished the 26.2 mile course in 4 hours, 5 minutes and 23 seconds.”

Tolan added, “It was a warm day and the first 15 miles were “comfortable,” miles 15 through to 21 were less than comfortable, miles 21 through to 23 were painful and the final 3.2 miles were indescribable!”

Cam-mind has also been chosen to benefit from the funds raised at this year’s Chariots of Fire charity marathon, taking place on Sunday 20 September, organised by Hewitsons and the Cambridge News. Teams can register online from Monday 18 May, please visit www.chariots-of-fire.co.uk for further details.