Paddington Bear Seeks Runners! UK

Main Category: Sports Medicine / Fitness
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 09 Jun 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Paddington Bear is looking for runners to join him and help support his favourite charity Action Medical Research in this year's BUPA Great North Run in Newcastle on Sunday October 5.

Places in this year's event, the world's largest half-marathon, are now only available through charities and Action Medical Research has a limited number available. Those who take part will be helping support the charity in its endeavours to build a healthier future for everyone.

As the charity's furry fundraising mascot, Paddington is a valued member of the Action Medical Research 'A Team' of runners. This year he'll be celebrating his 50th anniversary by appearing with a mystery celebrity on the starter's rostrum. Once all the other runners have set off, he'll jump down and then, fuelled by his famous marmalade sandwiches, will try to pass as many of them as possible!

Paddington will be looking for plenty of support as he undertakes this challenge, and is looking for runners of all standards to join his trusty 'A Team'. Every mile that's run could help fund a milestone in medical research.

Besides recruiting people to run for the charity, the 'A Team' and their experienced runners also give training advice and, for people local to York, hold training sessions every week from The Knavesmire.

Val Hogg, Community Fundraising Manager, says: "This is a great event - a real day to remember that can be filled with a fantastic sense of achievement and plenty of fun along the way, running with lots of other runners. Paddington has been a loyal supporter of our charity for over 30 years and it will be an honour to see him running for us as he celebrates his 50th anniversary."

To apply for a place simply go to www.action.org.uk/greatnorthrun and register online. Or email greatnorthrun@action.org.uk or phone 01403 210403. Any runners who already have their own places are also very welcome to join the Team!

Hi-res image of Paddington running in a previous event is available here. (please allow 10 seconds for images to load on screen)

Action Medical Research