Virtual 5k Run for Autism

Well, Sunday was the day we ran the Virtual 5k Run for Autism that we'd organised to raise funds and awareness for the National Autistic Society - Furness Branch. We only had 100 places in total to offer as we weren't entirely sure how well the idea would go down. As it turns out, whilst I write this we only have 5 or 6 places left, so I'm considering it a success! We had a fabulous response from our running group, the Walney Wind Cheetahs and loads of them signed up. The WWC mascot, Charlie Cheetah himself, decided he'd give the 5k distance a go and that's exactly what he did on Sunday with a little help from his friends. The timing was perfect as it was in the middle of World Autism Awareness Week too!

The forecast was not pleasant for Sunday and I really wasn't sure if it would put people off coming out for a run. The Sunday morning runs split into two, some doing the cubs run of 5k and a longer run for those who wish to. Some of the virtual runners chose to do their 5k as part of the longer run but many came along on the shorter course. That's the beauty of a virtual run, you can do what's convenient for you! As it turned out, the rain didn't put anyone off and we ended up giving out 38 medals that morning which was fantastic.

The rain wasn't quite as bad as I had expected it to be as we headed down the path with Charlie. We stopped at the start for a photo then carried on. Poor Charlie had a little trouble seeing where he was going (he would choose to wear sunglasses on a cloudy wet day!) but was kept on track by WWC friends.

As we got to the end of the path, we decided against our usual play in the playpark on the other side of the road. The equipment would have been soaked and Charlie's fur was getting wetter and heavier by the minute. So we turned back with thoughts of hot chocolate and toasted teacakes from the Abbey Mill Cafe (who also donated to our fundraiser, many thanks!).

When we got to the end, William helped us hand out medals to all those who had earned them...and they definitely had in that weather! Charlie was very pleased with his medal and we got some photos with him before he had to leave. This is what he had to say about it on facebook afterwards:

Well after being such a nervous cheetah and getting in a panic for a few weeks it's all over and .... "I DID IT, YEAH !! " .... My first ever 5km!! 

and all for a brilliant cause helping my buddies Andy & Laura and their boys Sam & William. 

A lovely medal to mark the occasion and a heap of happy memories.Thanks to all of you who turned up to either run with me or take part in the usual Sunday Run ..... Top team effort by the WWC.

Hopefully everyone enjoyed the run and the medal! Thank you all so much for taking part and supporting a cause very close to our hearts.

We've had several other people completing their 5k as well over the weekend, a few on the road, on the treadmill, at parkrun and walking as well.  We will try and get your medals to you as soon as we can!

 

Summer of Fun

Alongside our regular cubs sessions and parkrun on a Saturday we've also taken part in a Thursday morning run from the amphitheatre next to Furness Abbey. Normally an unofficial social run for the adults in term time it was decided to invite cubs and their parents along for a run/jog/walk along a scenic, traffic free path for the 6 weeks of the school holidays. This probably ranks as our favourite activity of this summer holiday.

 

We start the run from the Abbey Mill Coffee Shop car park and head toward Flass Lane on the footpath, following the route through Parkhouse Farm, parallel to Mill Beck. Toward the end of the path we've been taking a turn off the main path onto an unmarked trail through the scrub land to the side of the path, covered in brambles (blackberries!) and interesting things to see! The kids lovingly refer to this as 'the secret path'. By the time we've finished along this section the adult group of runners (who took a different longer route along roads) have met up with us and we all head back toward Abbey Mill on the same path.

Following 'the secret path'! 

It's been so relaxing, the kids have done some great running whilst having fun making new friends, mooing at cows in the field to get them to stand up, caterpillar and ladybird spotting and blackberry picking.

Luckily, the weather for the most part has been brilliant and meant we've all been able to have a treat from the cafe outside, picnic style! The iced coffees, milkshakes, ice cream, tea cakes and cakes have all been flowing this holiday! Abbey Mill have been wonderful hosts and have put out jugs of squash and water for the children too so we've felt most welcome. William's favourites have been the unicorn banana milkshake and the thunder and lightning ice cream and Sam has been very happy with a slice of cake! When not eating his cake Sam can be found lingering in the cafe doorway seeing what treats are being brought out for everyone else!

 

Charlie Cheetah, the Walney Wind Cheetah mascot has even come for a visit or two and the kids love him! Sam especially has a fascination with him and followed him around everywhere on his first visit.

These runs have it all... fun, friendship, food.... and running! We've had a super time and can't wait for the next school holiday!