10TH ANNIVERSARY CASTLE 2 CASTLE RUN ATTRACTS RECORD NUMBERS
A record number of runners took part in the 10th Anniversary Velindre Castle 2 Castle Run on Sunday.
This year’s event sold out with 1250 participants ran the 11-mile route from Caerphilly Castle to Cardiff Castle, largely along the Taff Trail, raising vital funds for Velindre Charity.
The popular fun run, sponsored by Peters and Castle Dairies, is on track to be the most successful Castle 2 Castle event to date with early figures suggesting funds raised will surpass £100,000 for the first time in its 10-year history.
Shane, who has been a Patron of the charity for over 10 years, said: “This was my first time running the Castle 2 Castle Run and I really enjoyed it! Great weather, great people and of course a great cause! I will definitely be back!”
Liam, a newly appointed Ambassador of Velindre charity, who was joined at the finish line by his girlfriend and fellow Love Island winner, Millie Grace Court, said: “It was very hard, but I loved it! It’s been a brilliant morning. I want to say a big well done to everyone who took part and thank you for supporting Velindre.”
Also, amongst the runners were some of Velindre’s past and current patients, as well as many family members, staff and long-time supporters of the charity.
Event organiser and Velindre Charity Ambassador Steve Sullivan said: “It was absolutely fantastic to watch over 1250 runners setting off from Caerphilly Castle and celebrating the run’s 10th anniversary. It always warms my heart to see so many good people in the community come together to make it all happen. Events like this really do bring out the people and I sincerely thank you all.”
Event organiser and member of Caerphilly Runners Ruth Hazell said: “What a day! I feel so privileged to be part of this event and it was so special to see it into its 10th year. I’ve seen the event grow over the years so to see 1250 runners take part today was just incredible!”
Kylie Mckee, Head of Fundraising at Velindre Charity, said: “This year has been our best year yet and I cannot thank everybody involved enough. I am very proud to say that this event is largely organised by volunteers and is generously supported by the event sponsors and partners. This support not only makes the event possible but ensures that all the funds raised goes to the charity. I also want to say the biggest thank you to all the runners for taking part and helping to raise a record amount of money for Velindre. Your efforts will make such a difference to our patients and their families. So once again, thank you for making our 10th event so special and memorable. We really hope to see you all again next year, for which we are already excitedly planning.”
The Castle 2 Castle run was established in 2014 when Velindre Charity Ambassador Steve Sullivan and fellow members of Caerphilly Runners ran from Caerphilly Castle to Cardiff Castle in preparation for their participation in the Cardiff Half Marathon.
Caerphilly Runners are still heavily involved in the Castle 2 Castle event today, with many of their runners acting as race marshals on the route.
As well as the Headline sponsors and Caerphilly Runners, the run is also generously supported by many local businesses including The London Mint Office, Event Clean, Brecon Carreg, Site Serv Recycling, Agilis, Daz Martin Photography and PHS.
