5th Annual Charity Summer Solstice Run Great Success

The Wessex Autistic Society celebrated its 5th annual Summer Solstice run recently at Moors Valley Country Park and enjoyed an excellent turn out of over 300 runners – despite the clash with an England World Cup match on the same evening.

In honour of the World Cup, local AFC Bournemouth FC Defender, Ryan Garry, formerly a Junior Arsenal player, came along to officially open both the 8k race and the new 2 mile run to great applause.

Sarah Bohn, Community and Events Fundraiser comments; “We were really pleased with the turn out this year with over 300 runners coming along and taking part in the race.

Our trusty supporters served us well turning out in great numbers to enjoy the multi terrain course. We thank the Forestry

Commission, who manage Moors Valley, for allowing us to hold the races in the stunning setting of the Park. Our sponsors, Natwest, who have supported us consistently, were again very generous in supplying staff to help set up and contributing financially towards the event. We are incredibly lucky to have a dedicated team of volunteers who helped at the event in so many ways. We simply couldn’t do it without them.”

In addition to so much support.

The Wessex Autistic Society was also able to capture the evening on film courtesy of Seeker Photography, who will be publishing images of the runners as they crossed the finish line for purchase. Please visit www.seekerphoto.co.uk if you would like to purchase any images.

All race times have now been published on The Wessex Autistic Society website at www.twas.org.uk

The male winner of the 8k race was Pete Rabjohns who ran the course in an impressive time of 29 minutes and 31 seconds.

Second place went to Alan Metcalfe who is a member of Portsmouth Athletics club and ran the course in a time of 29.51.

Third place went to Mark Pittaway from Portland who ran a time of 30 minutes and .20 seconds. Pete Rabjohns, who also won the event last year, commented, “I do this race every year and really enjoy the course. I’d recommend it to anyone.”

The female winners were Michelle Pank in first, who ran a time of 33.42, Janey Chapman who came second in a time of 34.52.

Amateur runner, Olivia Chalwin, finished in third place in a time of 36.58.

Olivia, who lives in Verwood, was delighted with her third place, “I only live down the road so thought I’d come along. I run for fun and have considered joining a running club but I really enjoy the simplicity of

running by myself. I thought the route was beautiful and thoroughly enjoyed the event which was very well organised.”

This year for the first time a new 2 mile fun run was introduced for all the family to get involved.

First prize went to Brendan Kirkton who finished in 11 minutes and 47 seconds.

Oliver Kent came second and completed the 2 mile course in 12 minutes and 6 seconds and Joe Halliwell, age 13 from Westbourne finished in 12 minutes and 24 seconds.

The Wessex Autistic Society will be holding their 10th annual Somerley run on (Bank Holiday) Monday 3rd January 2011. Over 700 runners are expected to run the race on the beautiful private Somerley estate in Ringwood to help celebrate the New Year. As the 10th annual run, the Wessex Autistic Society will ensure there are extra surprises and treats in store for this very special fundraising event.

For further information on the charity’s forthcoming events visit www.twas.org.uk