Inspired by the Great North Run? The Great Birmingham Run is just 6 weeks away – sign up to Team Macmillan for the run of your life. You will be ensuring that no one has to face cancer alone if you support us on the run. And if you aren’t running, then you can come along and support! Email fundraising@macmillan.org.uk 

Birmingham sisters takes on Great Birmingham Run in memory of dad

Nicky Clarke colour technician, Colette Parcell, alongside two of her sisters, Grace and Ariane, whose father died from cancer, are taking on the infamous Birmingham half marathon, a 13.1 mile charity run to raise money for the charity that helped their family.

Colette lost her father to cancer in when she was just 8 years old. Her sisters were aged 2, 7 and 11.

Now Colette and 2 of her sisters are planning to take on this physical challenge to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, to thank the charity for the help it gave her father and entire family after he was diagnosed with cancer.

The 3 sisters hope to raise £500 when they take on the challenge in October.

They will be joined by hundreds of other runners who are taking part in the run to support Macmillan Cancer Support walk to raise money to fund vital cancer services.

Colette said: “My dad had cancer for 7 years, and in that time Macmillan were amazing in the support they gave my dad, but also my mum and my sisters and I. Our Macmillan nurse was so supportive and even arranged a replacement washing machine for us as ours had broken, and it was stressing my mum out. My sisters and I wanted to take on a physical challenge and give something back to Macmillan to say thank you for their support. We had a Coffee Morning at Nicky Clarke last year and raised money for Macmillan so I wanted to continue the support of this amazing charity.” “I don't know how my father or the rest of the family would have coped without the help Macmillan offered”.

Macmillan area fundraising manager for Birmingham, Nic Skipwith, said: “We are very grateful to Colette, Grace and Ariane for taking on this challenge. “I know they are determined to collect lots of sponsorship money to hand over to Macmillan and I hope they have a really great day. “We want as many people as possible to take part in the run on October 20 so if I would urge all of you to considering signing up. “We want to make sure no one has to face cancer alone but we can't do it without the amazing people who fundraise for us.

To find about taking part in a Macmillan run or to get more information about organising your own walk visit: www.macmillan.org.uk/running or call 0300 1000 200.

Win a free entry to Stanford Hall Half-Marathon

Stanford Hall will play host to a new Half-Marathon on 24th March 2013. This is a perfectly timed race if you are training for a Spring Marathon or even getting back into training coming out of winter. 

The undulating 1-lap course will take runners round the quiet roads of Leicestershire and through nearly villages.  As with all our events the race will be expertly marshalled with feed stations and full medical support.   As well as providing an amazing finish line at Stanford Hall itself, the grounds of the Hall are great for spectators and refreshments will be available.  This is the first time this event has taken place so why not come along and be part of the inaugural race.

Anyone entering the race in February who quotes 'Up and Running' as the team name will be entered into a prize draw to win one of three free entries, so get your entry in quick!

See website for entry - http://www.justracinguk.com/event/2013/stanford-hall-half-marathon

Join runners like Tom in the Great Midlands Fun Run this June. Tom says, “This is a great run, at 8.5 miles it’s a challenge, but also with shorter routes available it’s fantastic to bring along your family or friends to join you in the race. I ran for Macmillan in several events last year and the support was simply amazing. I wouldn’t run for anyone else. I raised over £600 and am looking forward to taking on more challenges in 2013! .” For more info on joining Team Macmillan call 0300 1000 200.

Birmingham Half Marathon

Birmingham Half Marathon - Community spirit at its best

The Plough in Harborne has gone above and beyond in its display of community spirit as over 20 staff and regulars at the pub have signed up to run in the Birmingham Half Marathon on October 21^st in support of their friend, Martin and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Team member Dan Poole said “It started off as a couple of us running in the race but quickly snowballed to a team of 22 as friends of Martin and people from each side of the bar have pulled together and entered the half marathon too. Its credit to the man that Martin is that everyone has wanted to get involved and has put so much effort in.”

The team are supporting Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity chosen by Martin, and are well on the way to reaching their target of £5,000. With tips being donated rather than pocketed, customers donating to the cause, as well as several businesses in Harborne donating too, the team have already raised over £3,500.

Up and Running Birmingham would like to wish everyone doing the Birmingham Half marathon on 21st October the very best of luck! 

Up & Running are pleased to be supporting:

Blakedown Bolt, 10km (approx) multi-terrain race

Friday 22nd June 2012, starting at 7.15pm

Download your application form for 2012 race here: http://www.churchillvillage.co.uk/BBolt/Blakedown%20Bolt%20Entry%20Form%202012.pdf 

Return it with your entry fee to The Race Director, 59 Birmingham Road, Blakedown, Kidderminster, DY10 3JW.

See race website for more information: 

http://www.churchillvillage.co.uk/sub4dba.htm

Nuneaton & bedworth leisure trust AQUATHLON

Pingles Leisure Centre - 14th July 2012 - 1pm till 5pm

Pingles Leisure Centre in Nuneaton will be holding an Aquathlon in July 2012. Aquathlon is an excellent way for novice athletes to enter the world of triathlon, also for experienced triathletes to add some variety to their race programmess and for anybody to have fun!

Our aquathlons are open to juniors and adults alike with ages starting from 8 upwards, so why not come along and take part.

Planned Distances:

• Year 5 & 6 - 50m Swim & 1 Lap Run
• Year 7 & 8 - 100m Swim & 2 Lap Run
• Year 9 & 10 - 200m Swim & 3 Lap Run
• Adults - 200m Swim & 4 Lap Run
  Please note 1 lap is roughly 400 metres/quarter of a mile.

For more information please contact

Nathan Blundell - Club Development Officer
02476 400589 / nathan.blundell@nbleisuretrust.org or

Anneka Ransome - Physical Activity Consultant
02476 400547 / anneka.ransome@nbleisuretrust.org