A group of 30 runners from the wine trade completed the Run Bacchus half marathon and 10k courses last Sunday to raise funds for The Benevolent.
Taking place at Denbies Estate in Surrey, the challenging and hilly cross-country routes wend their way through the vineyards and – for the half-marathon – onto the nearby North Downs Way.
On route there are several stations with bands and the opportunity to sample various English wines and runners are, for the most part, in fancy dress.
The team is hoping to raise £10,000 for The Benevolent’s mental health support line which costs £20,000 a year to run. So far £6,500 have been raised but the JustGiving page is open for a little while longer and all donations are welcome.
The runners who tackled the half-marathon were: Peter Richards MW, Susie Barrie MW, Lucy Marcuson, Nik Darlington, Jacob Leadley, Charlie Holland, Elliot Awin, Mark Harvey, Alex Layton, Esther Dawson, Victoria Mason, Ruth Spivey, Bella Callaghan, Cesar Soler, Gabrial Bloise, Sophie Jump, Micah Dougal and a team from Ridgeview.
On the 10k meanwhile were; Matthew Johnson, Rupert Millar, Joanna Sykes and Elisabeth Else.
Particular praise must go to Graft Wines’ Nik Darlington who came 12th overall in the half-marathon with a time of well under two hours and to Susie Barrie who was 23rd overall in the half and the 4th fastest lady on the course.
Well-done too to Peter Richards who, clearly in character dressed as Pharaoh, passed a personal milestone by sampling wine at every station on the way.
And many thanks to Helen Chesshire for the soothing foot massages at the end, complete with Epsom salts.
Richards commented: “Susie and I are so proud of all our team, each of whom took on a significant personal challenge to support the excellent work of The Benevolent. This was a fun day but with a serious purpose. Huge thanks to everyone who ran or who came along on the day. We are very grateful for, and appreciative of all the wonderful support. This kind of supportive, collaborative, constructive spirit is exactly what the Benevolent, and #NotAlone campaign is all about.”
To donate to the JustGiving page click here.
