Club gets a financial boost to purchase running vests for members

A running club will soon be extra visible when it buys its first running vests thanks to a grant from the country’s largest electricity distributor.

Members of Ixworth Community Running Club, which was started in 2021, applied for a £250 Team Sport Award from UK Power Networks through member Karen Allum who works at the company’s Bury St Edmunds office, in Barton Road, as a financial analyst.

The group of around 40 men and women, whose ages range from 17 to 60, have a broad range of ability and go out running twice in the week and once at the weekends. Members also take part in a variety of races ranging from a 5k to an ultramarathon.

Karen joined the club in July last year and said of the scheme: “It is a great way for UK Power Networks to support local communities.  I was surprised, but very pleased, that a running club would qualify.”

Club founder Nick Power added: “The members are absolutely thrilled with the award and cannot thank the company enough for the donation. It validates all the hard work they have put in on the roads.”

Karen said the club welcomes new members at any level and advertises in the village magazine and on social media. They are planning to organise a village-based half marathon, for those that want to see if they can complete one before entering a recognised event.

Hundreds of community and sports groups have benefited from grants since the Team Sport Award scheme was set up. Last year 86 teams from a variety of sports were given awards that add up to £22,500.