New 2023 date confirmed for Chariots of Fire relay race in Cambridge following postponement

A new date for Chariots of Fire, one of Cambridgeshire’s largest annual charity events, has been confirmed after its postponement in September following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The relay race, founded by HCR Hewitsons Charitable Trust, will take place on Sunday, March 19, 2023.

It will celebrate its 30th year while its chosen charity, Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, marks its 40th anniversary.

As in previous years, the money raised will benefit the community. This year’s team entries and sponsorship will help fund hospice care by enabling Arthur Rank Hospice Charity (ARHC) to expand its existing retail business.

The charity, which has a retail hub, five shops and an online operation, has set an ambitious £71,000 target with the aim to open another shop and cover the operating costs for one year.

Speaking about the race, Wendy Von Niebel, trustee of HCR Hewitsons Charitable Trust, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to confirm March 19 as the new date for Chariots of Fire. We have been working very closely with everyone involved, including the Cambridge colleges and we very much look forward to holding the long-awaited race.

“If teams have already registered, more information will be confirmed by email. If you are yet to sign up a team, please visit the website: chariots-of-fire.co.uk/enter-a-team.”

Donna Talbot, communication and income generation director for the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, said: “We thank everyone for their patience whilst the committee has been working to secure a new date. More than £27,000 has already been raised through our JustGiving page.

“We hope as well as those already registered, more teams will be inspired to enter and help reach our target. As we embark on an exciting new year, we would love to see even more people commit to this iconic sporting challenge.”

[Read more: Chariots of Fire race in Cambridge postponed following the death of the Queen, Chariots of Fire 2019: 101 pictures as runners raise money for Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust]

The race starts and ends on Queens’ Green. Each runner will follow a picturesque 1.7-mile route through some of Cambridge’s historic city centre and University colleges, over the Cam and along the Backs, before passing on the baton to the next runner at Queens’ Green and the sixth and final runner of each team crosses the finishing line.

To donate funds, go to justgiving.com/campaign/chariotsoffire2022.