The race, which takes its name from the famous 1981 film, has been a staple of the Cambridge event calendar since its inaugural run in 1992. The first run was held on the grounds of Perse Boys School but now, 30 years on the race regularly hosts over two thousand runners and crosses the entire city centre.
Throughout its 30-year lifetime Chariots of Fire has gone on to raise over £1.5m for charitable causes across the region including building the helipad at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, the purchasing of children’s ambulances for the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust, and the funding of pioneering research into heart transplants for Papworth Hospital.
Every great run wouldn’t be complete without a worthy cause and this year’s official charity is the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity (ARHC), which provides crucial support for people in Cambridgeshire with life-limiting conditions, and those at the end of life. This year also sees ARHC mark its 40th anniversary, and what better way to recognise the milestone than teaming up with Chariots of Fire.
Commenting on Chariots of Fire’s historic achievements and 30th anniversary, Trustee Wendy von Niebel, said: “It is truly special that this great community-centric race is turning 30 and even more special that we can help raise vital funds for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity - a cause that is at the heart of the Cambridge community. Whether you want to run, walk or jog please do register a team for what promises to be an excellent day full of competitive fun, smiles and cheer.”
Director of Fundraising at ARHC, Donna Talbot, said “Like Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, the Chariots of Fire relay race is well known across the county. We are delighted to be entering four teams with many more people representing the charity in other teams. Our community plays a huge part in funding our vital care and if we can reach the £71,000 target, this generous support will help ensure that we continue to deliver care for the next generation over the next four decades.”
Chariots of Fire starts and finishes on Queens’ Green, Cambridge on Sunday 18 September. Teams are made up of six people. Registrations close on 14 September at 5pm unless all 380 teams have registered before that date.
To enter a team or find out more information please visit www.chariots-of-fire.co.uk or to find out more about this year’s official charity, visit www.arhc.org.uk.
