Guildford’s first closed-road running race from the town’s iconic cobbled high street is taking place on 13 October 2019. Enter Guildford 10k. The event is sponsored by Field of Fitness, Fitstuff & Fitstuff Clinic and Racecheck.
Over 1000 runners are expected to participate in this major community event, which involves either a 10km or 5km run along fully-closed roads in support of the event’s Title Charity Partner Harrison’s Fund.
The charity is named after a local boy, Harrison Smith, who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – a rare genetic condition which affects all the muscles in the body, causing them to waste away. One in 3,500 boys is born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the United Kingdom each year and there are currently around 2,500 boys and young men with Duchenne. Their average lifespan is just 20 years and it is 100% fatal. Money raised will go into the hands of the world’s best researchers, who are working to find a cure for all children with Duchenne. The charity is currently funding 16 research projects in the US and the UK.
Alex Smith founder of Harrison’s Fund said: “We are really excited to be the Title Charity Partner for this first closed-road running race in Guilford. It is such an iconic place with wonderful vistas that anyone who is a keen runner should take part. By choosing our charity to run for you can really make a direct impact on a young person’s life.”
Every level of runner is invited to participate in the UKA-affiliated 10km and 5km races on offer. Both chip-timed races feature flat routes which are professionally marked and measured from Guildford Town Centre towards Clandon and back. There will be a number of cheer points for spectators and live music bands positioned along the route to add to the award-winning atmosphere expected at aat-events. An experienced race pacing team will be attending the event which makes this event an exceptional choice for those hoping to achieve their personal best time. All participants will be presented with huge, bespoke medals at the finish line. Raise money for Harrison’s Fund by joining their fundraising team, or by making a donation during online entry.
About Harrison’s Fund
Harrison’s Fund was set up in 2011 by Alex and Donna Smith, in response to their son Harrison being diagnosed with Duchenne, a type of muscular dystrophy. Its aim is to raise money to fund the world’s best researchers, who are working to find a cure for the disease. The charity is currently funding 16 research projects in the US and the UK. Duchenne is a fatal neuromuscular condition caused by the lack of a protein called dystrophin which results in progressive muscle weakness. One in 3,500 boys is born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in the United Kingdom each year. Their average lifespan is just 20 years and it is 100% fatal. Harrison’s Fund is different from many other Duchenne charities out there because it focuses on trying to find a cure for the disease rather than on palliative care.