UCLan Avenham Park 5K Run to take place on Bank Holiday Monday

8 April 2019

UCLan teams up with Cash For Kids and race organisers for community event

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has teamed up with local charity Cash for Kids to bring a 5k run to Preston in May.

The Avenham Park 5K and 1k Family Fun Run will take place on Monday 6 May with all proceeds raised going to Cash for Kids, which supports children in need in the local area. The 5K race begins and ends at the Winckley Square end of the park at 11.00am with the Family Fun Run starting at 10.00am.

It is the first time the University has been involved in the event, which was established in 2012 as part of the Guild Run Series and has since been organised by Shane Cliffe. This year’s course has changed slightly from the traditional route due to the tram bridge closure.

"Every penny raised will go directly towards helping local children who may be disadvantaged or suffering from abuse or neglect so all of our runners are making a huge difference."

Shane has organised the event with UCLan, Cash for Kids and Spar and will lead the race on his cross-bike. He said: “I’ve always fought to keep this run going because it’s a fantastic community event. It’s ideal for new runners as well as seasoned competitors. Everyone who takes part will receive a medal and of course they will be raising money for a very worthy charity at the same time.”

The UCLan Avenham Park 5k Run costs £13.50 or £11.50 for UK Athletics affiliated club runners. The 1K Fun Run costs £5.20 and both events can be booked online via Book it Zone. UCLan staff and students can enter at a discounted price of £11.50.

Nikki Thompson, Charity Manager for Cash for Kids, said: “Every penny raised will go directly towards helping local children who may be disadvantaged or suffering from abuse or neglect so all of our runners are making a huge difference.”

The run is one of several community events supported by UCLan throughout the year.

Martin Baines, Sports and Physical Activity Manager of UCLan Sports Activities, added: “We’re delighted to play our part in the run and encourage our students, staff and the wider community to be fit and healthy. Avenham Park is such a beautiful area of the city, so it’s an ideal setting to bring everyone together on a Bank Holiday Monday.”