With just over two weeks before entries close for the FORCE 10k Race at Powderham Castle on Sunday 12th September, organizers have announced that legendary long distance runner Ron Hill MBE will be competing on the day.
 
Hill set world records at many distances, represented Great Britain at three Olympic Games and won the Boston Marathon on 1970 in a record time. Now, one of the most respected figures in UK long distance running will be joining competitors at Powderham just two weeks before his 72nd birthday.
 
The FORCE 10K race, sponsored by leading South West chartered accountants Francis Clark, takes place in one of the most picturesque environments on the racing circuit starting and finishing in the castle grounds and meandering around the estate along the river and through Powderham Woods.
 
Sarah Willocks, Fund-raising Manager of FORCE, said: “This is an important event for raising funds for FORCE and we would urge anyone in the South West with an interest in running to enter by the closing date of Monday 6th September. We aim to make this both a serious race for the ‘athletes’ as well as a jogging challenge for those trying a 10k for the first time. Furthermore, this promises to be a great family fun day out. At least runners will always be able to say they ran alongside an athletics legend!”
 
Sean Grinsted, Corporate Services Partner at Francis Clark, said: “We are delighted to play a role in helping FORCE raise money which will go directly into funding much dedicated research at the Peninsula Medical School. The charity relies entirely on voluntary contributions to fund its work in research, the purchase of advanced equipment and running the cancer support and information centre at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital where it has seen more than 13,000 people since it was built 5 years ago.”
 
The chip-timed, UKA licensed event is being managed on the day by Iron Bridge Runner Events of Exeter with prizes for the first three men and women being provided by Adidas. 
 
Sarah Willocks added: “We are very grateful to Francis Clark and our other supporters including Exeter Physio, Powderham Country Store, South West Highways and Lord & Lady Devon who are providing reduced entrance to the Castle for race competitors.
 
The event starts at 10.45 am on Sunday, September 12, in the castle grounds with a pre-race warm up with the run commencing at 11.00 am. There will also be a 2k family run after the main race has started and there will be refreshments available.
 
On line booking is available by visiting www.forcecancercharity.co.uk and or by calling 01392 402875.
 

Francis Clark has offices in Exeter, Plymouth, Salisbury, Taunton, Tavistock, Torquay and Truro. Francis Clark is the winner of the ‘Auditor of the Year - Mid Tier’ in the National Financial Directors’ Excellence Awards 2011, and LexisNexis Best General Tax Practice Award 2009. More information is available by logging on at our Online Information Centre