Royal Parks runners race against hunger

08 October 2013

Photo credit: Royal Parks Foundation

On Sunday 6 October twenty-four lean and keen runners donned their racing shoes to take part in the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon in aid of Farm Africa.

This year saw a record 16,000 participants take part in the event, famous for its beautiful 13.1 mile scenic route through four of London’s Royal Parks including Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St James’ Park and Green Park.

Those running for Farm Africa included a team of ten from the Green Recruitment Company, two from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), one from the Department for International Development (DFID) and Farm Africa’s very own Group Finance Manager.

Kicking off at 9am in Hyde Park, the route guided runners past some of the capitals most historic landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Kensington Palace and the Royal Albert Hall.  

Photo: Runners Alex Crook (left) and Neil Watters (right) passing the Farm Africa supporters 

At the 6 and 9 mile marks, Farm Africa’s runners were greeted with whooping cheers from our dedicated support team and high fives from our legendary mascot Gary the Goat.

Photo: The Farm Africa supporters along with mascot Gary the Goat

Matt Churchwood from the Green Recruitment Company proved to be the speediest of the bunch, finishing in a super quick 1hr43. Yet the rest were not far behind and all crossed the finish line within respectable times and in one piece. 

Despite the jelly legs, sore feet and aching joints, a post race reception at the Kings Arms in Mayfair followed and runners enjoyed a celebratory drink whilst reflecting on the day’s achievements.

Photo: Some of Farm Africa's runners showing off their medals

Farm Africa would like to say a massive thank you to all our runners who took part:

Kirsty Dinh, Toby Sargent, Sam Cooke, Serena Nazareth, Claire Leandro, Jack Headford, Rebecca Kenner, Chetal Owens, Rebekah Kemp, Isabel Buettner, Joe Cresswell, Alex Crook, Neil Watters, Victoria Hibbert, Tom White, Matt Churchward, Nick Gillison, Dominic Wall, Tom Wood, Richard Austwick, Tim Hall, James Huckle, Sam Williams and Duncan Whale.

Thanks to your dedication and support Farm Africa can continue to deliver life-saving work in eastern Africa and end hunger, for good. Big thanks also go to all those who came down to support our runners during the event. It was a fantastic event all round.   

Feeling inspired to run for Farm Africa? Why not sign up for the Brighton Run next February.