Fun runners prepare for CultureFest 2011

The ‘Be More Active’ fun run takes place on Saturday 23 July as part of the CultureFest 2011 event which is sponsored by Ricoh UK Products Ltd.

This two mile fun run around Town Park is organized by NHS Telford and Wrekin and is open to people of all ages and abilities.

Anyone wanting to join in the fun run can apply in advance up until Thursday 21 July however registration will also be open at 09.30am in the Arena on the day of the event.

Entrants can run, jog or walk for fun or for their chosen charity and it’s hoped that families, with people of all ages, will do the run together.

Health trainers from NHS Telford & Wrekin’s Well@Work team are working with staff at RICOH UK Products Ltd and Telford & Wrekin Council to promote healthier lifestyles, with many RICOH employees taking part in local running clubs to prepare them for the 5K running challenge.

Cllr Arnold England, Cabinet Member for Health & Well-being said: “The Be More Active’ Fun Run is for all the family and is free to join in. We hope the event will promote active lifestyles and encourage people to have fun at the same time.

“Our annual free eventCultureFest’ kicks off after the fun run and includes arts, cultural and sporting activities for all the family to join in and enjoy. I’d like to thank Ricoh UK for their sponsorship and NHS Telford & Wrekin’s Well@Work team for organizing the ‘Be More Active’ fun run. It is invaluable to work with local businesses and services for high profile events such as CultureFest.

Catherine Sixsmith, NHS Telford and Wrekin Community Health Services’ Health Improvement Practitioner, said: “I’m really pleased our team has been able to work closely with Ricoh and Telford & Wrekin Council to help promote healthier lifestyles. We are committed to tackling health inequalities and preventing future health issues. Our Health Improvement Team offers a range of low cost or free health sessions to staff in the workplace.”

Christine Petrovic, Corporate Affairs Officer, Ricoh UK Products Ltd, said:

“We are delighted to be sponsoring CultureFest 2011. Ricoh take the health of our workforce very seriously and are working with the NHS Telford & Wrekin Well@Work team to promote health awareness at work. I’d encourage people of all ages to sign up to the 5K challenge.”

Everyone who takes part in the fun run will receive a complimentary t-shirt and medal. An aerobic instructor will run a warm up prior to the run start of the race at 11am.

To register for the fun run applicants can register online at www.telford.gov.ukculturefest. Anyone under 16 must fill in a hard copy of the application in advance and get it signed by an adult. Under 16s can not register online.