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 absolutely delighted to have Dave and Graham on board. Both have been keen supporters of the race over the years and their involvement really helps to shine a light on our chosen charity.”
Graham Gooch, England's leading test run scorer, said: “Richard and the team at Birketts have achieved a fantastic amount for charities throughout the Essex region over the years. They do a tremendous amount in the local community and I’m delighted to back such a worthwhile charity.”
Dave Monk commented: “As a long-term supporter of Birketts’ Race4Business and the proposed new Havens Hospice, I’m delighted to lend my support. I have seen the annual race develop into one of the main events in the Chelmsford calendar. The momentum that has built over the years has been remarkable.”
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.”
Over 550 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.
Havens Hospices corporate fundraiser, Tanya King, added: “For some healthy competition between runners, we’ll be giving out a prize for the best fancy dress on the day so we hope to see something a bit different with lots of creativity. As this is such a special project, there will also be prizes for the highest fundraising individual and highest fundraising team.”
For more information, or to register, please visit www.birketts.co.uk/race4business.
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