Hospice’s challenge event is back for second year

Gallant fundraisers are urged to be quick off the mark and sign up fast as a challenge event returns for a second year.

Following on from its success earlier this year St Nicholas Hospice Care’s Battle of the Knights, a fun 5km obstacle event, will be back for the second time next year.

Starting from 10.30am, on Sunday, March 18, at the Playground, Church Farm, Barrow, the challenge will be the perfect way for participants to shake-off their winter blues and get their adrenaline pumping.

Packed with plenty of fun, and possibly mud, the event will see several waves of 50 participants complete a 4km run before tackling 25 obstacles strewn across a 1km course.

Following on from the 2017 event in March, which raised £14,000, the hospice has decided to double the number of challengers that can be accommodated on the day to 400. The first 200 adults to sign-up online will also be able to do so at a reduced rate of £25.

Jenny Smith, St Nicholas Hospice Care’s event manager, said: “Not only did our first Battle of the Knights raise vital funds that are allowing us to continue caring for those across West Suffolk and Thetford in the final chapters of their lives, it was also a lot of fun for those taking part.

“Our challengers were able to try something a bit different and put their fitness and determination to the test. Last time we had 200 places and they filled up very quickly, which is why we have decided to extend next year’s event, and include special races for children too.”

The event, which is sponsored by Hugh J Boswell and supported by The Playground, will see challengers face an array of obstacles including; a 10ft wall, tyre run, vertical cargo net, incline and decline monkey bars, before they can finish with a ramp climb.

Participants can either enter the event as an individual, or as part of a team. After the first 200 places have been filled further places will be priced at £30 until February 15. Places after that date will cost £35.

For those looking for a slightly more competitive edge, the course will be timed and those finishing in the top 10 per cent will be given the title of Knight and the chance to defend their honour at next year’s event free of charge.

New for this year two children’s races have also been added to the event’s line-up. The first at 2pm is for youngsters aged eight to 11 with another race at 2.20pm for 12 to 15-year-olds.

Medieval-themed fancy dress is optional, but both children’s races will start with a 1km run followed by a series of child-friendly obstacles. Children can take part for £15, with 100 places available.

“At the last event we had a lot of excited children watching the grown-ups, we wanted them to be able to get involved in the fun so have decided to introduce our children’s races – after all getting covered in mud all in the name of a good cause isn’t just for adults,” added Jenny.

All entrants will receive a medal. To sign-up for the event, and to view the event’s full terms and conditions visit https://stnicholashospice.org.uk/news-community/events-listing/battle-of-the-knights/

Pictured above are participants taking part in 2017’s Battle of the Knights in aid of St Nicholas Hospice Care start the challenge.