Bournemouth is warming up to celebrate the 35th year of the Bournemouth Bay Run on Sunday 2 April 2017. The Bournemouth Tourism Events team, who also organise the award-winning Bournemouth Air Festival and the annual events in Bournemouth, is currently putting the final event plans into place. With a nod to the 80’s this year – they are hoping the 35th Bay Run will prove to be even more popular with runners.
Race Director Emily Weaver said: “We’ve got a good following of runners who enter the Half Marathon and the 10km each year and one thing that draws them each time is the stunning view of the beach as they run along. This year’s theme is 1980’s – to honour the run starting in 1981 – so we’re hoping everyone is going to dress up in something from the 80’s – could be something as little as neon sweat bands or a shell suit! With essential support from media partners, Heart FM and Dorset recruitment company Rubicon People, the race aims to raise vital funds for the British Heart Foundation in their fight against heart disease.
The Bay Run has already funded millions of pounds of research at Southampton University for the British Heart Foundation, including a major programme into understanding epigenetics (changes to your DNA as a result of lifestyle factors). Since 2010, the Bournemouth Tourism Events Team has helped to raise more than £260,000 from sponsorship alone. So the runners should feel proud that they are helping such a great charity!”
Creating the fun 80’s atmosphere this year is BH Live who will be warming up the runners with some classic 80’s tunes and exercises.
Local company Jimmy’s Iced Coffee will be cheering on runners at the ‘cheerzone’ at Boscombe in their 80s gear.
Last year the Bay Run saw over 4,500 runners taking part and runners of all abilities are encouraged to sign up.
There are four races this year – a half marathon, 10km, 5km Fun Run and the 1km Children’s Fun Run. Those running in the 10km and Half Marathon will be chip timed, ensuring accurate timing for all participants.
To enter the 10km, Half Marathon, 5km Fun Run and 1km Children / Family Fun Run – people can sign up online at bhf.org.uk.