Pershore’s annual Plum 10k race resumed its winning streak last summer to raise a superb £2,000 for good causes. After a 12-month hiatus due to the Pandemic, the August Bank Holiday event attracted more than 233 entrants. Organised by the town’s running club, the Pershore Plum Plodders, entries generated £1,700 for charity – to which the running club added a generous £300 from its coffers.
The Plum Plodders would like to thank all those who took part, plus some 60 volunteers without which the race could not take place. “It was truly a town affair with our club members helping to steward runners from the start line at the town’s Leisure Centre out to Wick village, before returning to Abbey Park for the finish,” said organiser Ian Hannis. “We really enjoy welcoming locals and runners alike to support and partake in our ‘Plum 10k’which prides itself on being part of the annual Plum Festival. Running is a great way of making new friends, keeping fit and feeling better about yourself,” Benefiting from one of four £500 donations from the fundraiser has been NHS Charities Together. In addition, runners were given the option of making their own donations with the result that a total of £608 was raised to support healthworkers following the strain of the Pandemic.
Three local organisations were also chosen by the Plum Plodders to benefit from a £500 donation: Pershore Volunteer Centre, the Riverside Youth Centre and Pershore’s Down Syndrome Association support group. Plum Plodders, Steve Molland handed over the Club’s donation to the three charities and said: “Raising funds for fantastic local initiatives which help raise morale and well-being in our community is part of the Club’s ethos and it’s wonderful to see how our donations are put to good use.Long may these valuable community initiatives continue with the town’s support.” In addition, Pershore runners raised £1400 for Worcester homeless shelter Magg’s with a sponsored Advent challenge which saw participants run everyday for the 24 days to Christmas Eve.Thanks to this fundraiser, a respectable £5,500 has been raised for Maggs by the club over the past three years.
The Pershore Plum Plodders was established by local resident Trevor Clark in 2014 to bring runners together of all ages (18+) and abilities from beginner to serious amateur competitor. Guided runs, with English Athletics-trained run leaders, are held on multiple evenings at 6pm each week in the Pershore area.
For more info, visit PershorePlumPlodders.co.uk