Get set for the Derwen College 10km Challenge!

Students, staff and supporters are gearing up for Derwen College 10km Challenge, which sees the community come together, in Gobowen, for an inclusive event celebrating fitness and fundraising.

On Saturday, 5 April, the college will host the event which sees participants tackle 10km in their own way to raise money for Derwen Charity. Entrants can run, jog, walk, skip or wheel a scenic route which starts and finishes at the specialist college in north Shropshire, winding through local country roads along the way.

The charity is urging local runners, walkers and supporters to make it their new year’s resolution to sign up for this fun fundraiser.

Participants will start from Derwen College’s Gobowen campus site at 10am. Entry is £10 and will include a medal and goodie bag. Derwen Charity sports t-shirts will be available to buy separately at sign up and on the day.

Shorter distance options are available for those who can’t complete 10km. Families and supporters who are unable to take part, have the opportunity to sponsor a student. All students will be encouraged to get involved on the day and in the week running up to the challenge. There will be options to complete 1km every day in a variety of ways, including swimming, rowing, cycling and running.

For those attending the main event on Saturday, check-in opens at 8.30am, with registration and sign in closing at 9.45am. There will be a group warm-up led by sports staff before the countdown at 10am.

Dogs are welcome, and local running groups are encouraged to come along for a fun run. It’s a friendly, no-pressure event, making it the perfect introduction to a 10km distance.

Money raised will go to Derwen Charity towards accessible sports equipment for Derwen College students and clients. There is plenty of free parking, and Derwen Marketplace will be open, offering refreshments, and shopping opportunities for participants and their families.

Derwen College Community Fundraiser and Events Organiser Megan Charman is excited to launch the college’s second 10km Challenge event.

She says: “We are hoping to make the 10km Challenge even bigger and better than last year. Money raised will be used to support students’ wellbeing and fitness, so we’ll be raising money for accessible sports equipment.

“It’s a fantastic day whatever your fitness levels or predicted finish time. We all have a shared goal to get out there, enjoy some fresh air and exercise and raise money for a great cause.” Find out more or sign up today at derwen.me/10kmChallenge2025.