Under starter’s orders for fun

We are on the final countdown to Sunday, June 5 – not only are we celebrating The Queen’s amazing 70-year reign on the throne, but hundreds of people will also lace up their trainers to take part in the St Hugh’s Hospital Family Fun Run and the Ørsted Great Grimsby 10k!

Once again, we are proud sponsors of the popular 10k road race around North East Lincolnshire and, as part of it, we are hosting the fun run around People’s Park, Grimsby,

While the 10k participants tackle that course, our event is designed for everyone, whether you are a runner or have never run before, young or old, families, friends or going solo… and you do not even have to run – just a stroll can be enough to raise your fitness levels and sense of wellbeing.

The youngest participant we know about is a toddler and the oldest are 89-year-old pals Ruby Jackson and June Dadd (read more about them here http://hmtsthughs.org/age-is-no-limit/) – proving age really is no limit to having healthy fun.

Our runners are under starter’s orders from 9am, and we will be there taking photos at the finish line… so give our cameras a smile!

To give everyone the chance to participate, we teamed up with race organizer Tape2Tape to offer 250 free places, followed by reduced entry fees. There’s still time to sign up here.

Gary Allington, facilities manager and community officer at St Hugh’s Hospital, said: “The message about our proud involvement in the road race and fun run remains the same every time – part of our ethos at the hospital is about encouraging people of all ages to get active and see the benefits that being active has to our health.

“The road race is brilliant and perfect for people with a little more experience to take on. The fun run is our way of offering a similar event that’s deliberately less challenging so more people can get involved.

“It is a chance to participate together, as a group – whether that’s families, generations of families, friendship groups, or solo runners… basically anyone you can think of! The idea is to complete it at your own pace and in your own time, at whatever speed you’re comfortable with. We are all winners, just by getting involved, because the entire event is raising money for seven fabulous local charities.

“Come to People’s Park and cheer our runners on, and if you can’t do that, check our social media channels on the day for photos and more. We cannot wait to see everyone having an enjoyable time!”

While our participants enjoy the scenery of the park, known as Grimsby’s jewel in the crown, hundreds of others will be taking on the Ørsted Great Grimsby 10k – and you are encouraged get out on your doorstep to support them.

The event naturally requires wide-reaching road closures throughout the day, so if you’re affected, why not use it as an opportunity to cheer on the runners with your neighbours… and celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at the same time? Those living along the race route are invited to come together to share chatter and the fun of the event… and maybe food and drink, too. It doesn’t take long to rustle up a bacon bun or put the kettle on for a nice brew while showing your support.

There will be plenty to do at People’s Park too – it’s home to the finish line of the 10k race as well as the fun run, so get your friends and family together for the festivities it has to offer.

Thanks to National Lottery players, Grimsby arts organisation The Culture House has been awarded funding to host a creative and cultural event during and after the race to celebrate.You are invited to enjoy a Jubilee Picnic in the Park event – bring a picnic or select food from one of the tasty stalls, relax, and enjoy live music and walkabout entertainment. There will be a chance for children to make crowns and take part in a procession around the park, followed by the sounds of the Hessle Ceilidh Band. The Humber Taiko attends each year and will be drumming runners home.

Tape2Tape race directors Neil and Nicola Pattison said: “We are thrilled to be supporting The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations by putting on the fantastic Ørsted Great Grimsby 10kat the same time.

“What better way to come together as a community and to connect with your neighbours and enjoy a chat over the garden fence? And with activities, stalls and music, People’s Park will make the ideal location for family and friends to enjoy themselves.”

Emma Toulson, lead stakeholder relations advisor at Ørsted, added: “We are excited to welcome everyone to Grimsby to enjoy the event. The race is a great place for Grimsby’s community to come together to celebrate. Good luck to all runners and as a runner myself, I know how important the supporters are. Each cheer and clap help makes the event what it is.”

Road closure information:

• Streets around Grimsby Town Hall will be closed between 6am and 9.30am.• The race route will be closed from 8am. Roads will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so.• Those on the race route up to 2km should see roads reopen from 9.40am.• Those on the race route up to 6km should see roads reopen from 10am.• All roads will be open by 11:30am. 

Households in Scartho Top have access via Ferriby Lane, Fauconberg Avenue and Pelham Avenue. All streets that connect to a closure with no other access will be closed by default.On behalf of everyone supporting the race, Tape2Tape apologises for any inconvenience caused by the road closures.

Any questions? Please email info@tape2tape.co.uk or call (01472) 824894 and leave a message if your call is unanswered.

As reported, there are seven local charitable organisations benefiting from funds raised by the event this year. To show our support, we’ve profiled each one on the St Hugh’s Hospital website and social media channels. They are:

• OnSide Youth Zone project• RNLI• A Platform To Talk• Harbour Place• Mind• The Gardiner Hill Foundation• Doorstep Phew! After all that info, if you fancy a crack at the 10k, click here to sign up… see you there!