One of Hereford’s messiest ever events is expected to raise almost £30,000 for St Michael’s Hospice.
The first-ever Messy Runner sold out days before the event at the city’s King George V playing fields on Saturday (June 17th). Over a thousand people of all ages tackled slime pits, paint stations and inflatable slides during the fun three-kilometre course, which finished with a Foam Zone party.
“Messy Runner really lived up to its name,” said Natasha Walshe, Events and Community Fundraiser at St Michael’s. “To see a thousand people having a great time whilst running around covered in paint and slime was quite a sight. Thank you to everyone who took part and helped this truly family-friendly event become such a success. We would also like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors Easy Garage, and station sponsors Fluidmaster, plus all the volunteers who gave up their Saturday morning for St Michael’s – and got messy in the process.”
Participants got in the mood with music by DJ Roddy Hankins, and were warmed-up by dance workouts led by The Starlight Company.
Among those taking part was a 42-strong group from the British Military Martial Arts Hereford (BMMA). “We had the best, messiest fun from start to finish,” said Charlotte Jones on behalf of the group.
“The charity is very close to a lot of our members’ hearts. Our students are already asking to attend next year!”
The event was born out of Paint Runner, the St Michael’s-led event which ended last year.
St Michael’s provides palliative and end-of-life care to families across Herefordshire and beyond. It relies on community support to fund the majority of its care, with funds from this event heading straight back to the charity.
The St Michael’s Hospice Events season continues this Saturday (24th) with the Sue Parry Festival featuring an adult and junior football tournaments, plus live music and Dj’s. This is followed by the Venus Midnight Walk on Friday 14th July.
More information can be found here https://www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk/events/