This year’s event aims to raise £25,000 for Havens Hospice, and contribute to the charity’s bid to build a new £16.5m two-storey centre in Priory Crescent, Southend.
Richard Wollaston, a consultant at Birketts who established the race in 1998, commented: “We are thrilled that Danny will be taking part. Danny grew up in Essex and has reached the very top of his profession. When I first set-up this event I never dreamt that a world record holder would one day be running! Danny is a true sporting great who is an inspiration to so many. His involvement really helps to shine a light on our chosen charity.”
Danny enjoyed a hugely successful sporting career and represented Great Britain at three Paralympic games as well as holding an ambassador role for the London 2012 bid. He famously won gold in the men’s 800 meters T46 final at the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games, a year which also saw him set a new world record.
Danny Crates said: “Richard and the team at Birketts have achieved a fantastic amount for charities throughout the Essex region over the years. They do a fantastic amount in the local community and I’m delighted to lend my support.”
This year’s race will be Richard’s final year as organiser. Richard remarked: “During the sixteen years that I’ve been organising this event we've raised a staggering £450,000 for charities. I want to encourage as many businesses as possible to come and have a good day out. I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved but I’d desperately like to smash through the £500,000 barrier. Registrations close next week, so if you’d like to run against a true sporting icon register today.”
Over 1,000 runners have already registered for this year’s 3.5 mile race, which starts beside Lloyds bank in High Street, snakes through the parks, and finishes at Birketts’ offices in New London Road.
For more information, or to register, please visit www.birketts.co.uk/race4business.
__________________________________