Gateway’s 2014 Fun Run: a storming success!

We’re in the third year of our Fun Run now and – despite some rather rainy weather – it was another great success!

We had 28 people take part this year, which is a smaller turn-out than in previous years, but we expected this when we saw the weather forecasts for Saturday. Those who did come were full of beans and certainly didn’t let the rain dampen their enthusiasm, as you can see from the photos!

We did things in a slightly more organised way this year – we gave everyone a run number and placed stewards along the route to guide people and cheer them on.

As ever, the Gateway Fun Run took place at Cannon Hill Park. We started with a warm-up, led by Health Trainers, then runners and walkers took off for a lap of the park.

We use the same route as the Cannon Hill Parkrun, which is exactly 5km, and we don’t mind how fast or slow you go – it’s all about getting active and doing what you can. This year we had some runners who were trying to beat their personal best (well done to those who did!) but, as in previous years, we also had some who walked, and some parents with children.

We’ve very pleased to say that everyone managed to complete the 5km – a great achievement.

Well done to everyone who took part. We know how hard it can be to get up and get moving, especially when the weather is dreary, but we’re really proud of everyone who made it – and made it fun!

Meet the runners… three years on

Most people who came on Saturday are current or previous clients of Gateway’s Health Trainers or Lighten Up services, so you may recognise some familiar faces in our video. They include Mark – now 6.5 stone less than when we first met in 2012 – and Charly – no longer using a stick to get around, and finding the course much easier than last time she took part, in 2012.

Thanks to the Mac for letting us use their foyer to register people; to Jenni Northcote from Birmingham South Central CCG, who encouraged participants with some goodie bags; and of course to our brilliant Health Trainers for caring for our muscles, standing in the rain to steward us and being generally cheery and encouraging!