READING’S runners are under starters orders for the toughest race in the South Chilterns.
Entries for the 2022 Woodcote 10k are on track for a record breaking number after this year’s event was cancelled due to the pandemic.
While people can sign up online until 9am on the day, organisers are advising entrants to do so quickly as numbers are limited to 600.
Jerry Wilson, treasurer of the Rotary Club of Pangbourne which hosts the race, said there was a huge interest from enthusiasts after missing out this year.
“The vast majority of people were kind enough to donate their entry fee despite the cancellation as a result of the lockdown which enabled us to help the sponsored charities.
“The Woodcote 10k is regarded by many as their favourite course and just competing it is regarded as a real achievement. Our limit for entries is 600 and, while we have never exceeded this number, there is a lot of interest as people were sad to miss out on January’s race.
“If it looks likely that we are getting close to the maximum, a warning notice will be put on the race website.”
Next year’s selected charity to benefit from the race is Parkinson’s UK, although the Rotary Club is continuing its donations to the fight to eradicate polio.
Added Jerry: “The only two countries where Polio is still a major health issue are Afghanistan and Pakistan, so it is vital efforts are stepped up to the disease in these countries until it is finally eradicated from the world.
“For every pound we raise, it will be matched by twice that amount by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.”
The Woodcote 10k takes place on Sunday, January 9, starting at 10.15am from Woodcote Village Hall. Entry is online only at £18, with a £2 discount for affiliated Club runners. The minimum age for runners is 15.
Full details are available at: https://www.woodcote10k.org.uk/
