Our pictures as nearly 300 teams tackle new Chariots of Fire route in Cambridge
Charity run will raise money for High Sheriff's Awards Scheme via Cambridgeshire Community Foundation
Hundreds of teams enjoyed a new Chariots of Fire route around Cambridge and raised thousands for charity in the process on Sunday (September 16).
The annual relay race, now in its 26th year, was started by double Olympic gold medalist and world champion rower Tom James.
The 292 registered teams - 1,752 runners - tackled a 1.7-mile route that this year passed through Trinity College and King’s College, and featured a two-lane format down Garret Hostel Lane.
Looping through Trinity’s grounds, the route turned left over the bridge before heading back down the lane and turning right onto Trinity Lane towards King’s. Colleges were among the teams participating, along with businesses, groups of friends, running groups, charities and more.
Organised and sponsored by Cambridge law firm Hewitsons, through Hewitsons Charitable Trust, the run supports different charities each year.
Charles Hewitson, race director for Chariots of Fire, said: “It is always a delight to see the Cambridge college community come together and support Chariots of Fire. As organisers we regularly receive positive feedback on the route as it gives a unique opportunity to see some of the scenic colleges that are not often visible to the general public.
“Our official charity this year, Cambridgeshire Community Foundation, will use the sponsorship money raised to contribute to the High Sheriff’s Award Scheme, which helps supports a wide range of charitable organisations aiming to engage and help young people in Cambridgeshire that face disadvantage.”
Wendy Von Niebel, trustee of Hewitsons Charitable Trust, told the Cambridge Independent it was another successful year.
“The sun shone, the runners ran and we hope all participants will now support Cambridgeshire Community Foundation by raising lots of sponsorship money for the High Sheriff Awards. Thanks to everyone who took part,” she said,
Community foundations are able to match fund projects that encourage youth social involvement, meaning the first £30,000 raised by Chariots of Fire teams will become £60,000 for the High Sheriff’s Fund to allocate.
If runners needed any more inspiration, they could have taken it from the Olympian starting the race.
A Cambridge Blue, Tom James studied engineering at Trinity Hall and was president of Cambridge University Boat Club in 2007, beating Oxford in the Boat Race. He won his first gold at Beijing in 2008, the World Championships gold in 2011 and a second Olympic gold at the 2012 London Games.
Don’t miss the Cambridge Independent’s picture special coverage - in the shops from Wednesday - including a host of team shots.
Read more
