On your marks for Chariots of Fire 2010!

Trainers at the ready - it’s the launch of Chariots of Fire 2010. 

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

 This year, Chariots of Fire has chosen two charities to benefit from the generous sponsorship raised each year by runners – Home-Start, Cambridge & District and Wallace Cancer Care. Home-Start Cambridge & District helps to reconnect and reintegrate families with their community. Children, parents and the wider community all benefit from Home-Start Cambridge & District’s work. The charities volunteers help to reduce isolation and increase social support networks, strengthen parent-child relationships, improve the parents’ emotional health and wellbeing, help develop parenting skills, improve children’s health, well being and development, increase access to health, education and community services. 

 Wallace Cancer Care aims to ease the suffering and distress of many cancer patients, their carers and families by providing a range of support and information services in their two drop-in centres. The Information Centre in Addenbrooke’s Hospital concourse is a place to talk things through with former oncology nurses, and is particularly accessible to in- and out-patients, their families and carers. The larger Wallace House in Red Cross Lane (a short 3 minute walk from Oncology Department) is set in lovely gardens and provides the venue for complementary therapies, counselling, talks, workshops, courses, and support groups. Patients can also drop-in for a cup of tea and a chat, or simply rest and revive before and after appointments, or when treatment or appointments have been delayed. Once again the event is sponsored by leading regional law firm, Hewitsons, and supported by media partners, the Cambridge News. 

Race Director, Charles Hewitson from Hewitsons added, “We are delighted to be able to support two very worthwhile and local causes.” “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 19 September and starts and ends on Queens’ Green. 

Teams, of varying categories, are made up of 6 runners, who run the course in relay format. Team registrations can now be made online only at www.chariots-of-fire.co.uk. If you would like to enter a team, please visit the Enter page and follow the link.