Big C charity fun casino night 1st July, Holiday Inn North, Norwich

Bring some colour into the lives of cancer patients in the county

Put a bit of colour, fun and fitness into your life and help support the work of Norfolk’s cancer charity.

That’s the challenge from Big C as it launches its first ever Colour 5K fun run to be held at the historic Hoveton Hall Estate, near Wroxham, early next month.

Colour 5K fun run

It doesn’t matter if you have never run before, the idea is to get into the outdoors and have some fun, walking or running around the woodland course and support Big C. It is not a speed trial or race. Colour bandits blast different colours of paint at every 1km interval to transform white t-shirt wearing participants into individual moving works of art and encourage them on their way.

The route is off-road on a woodland trail, promising glimpses of the Repton-designed Hoveton Hall between the trees, there are no concrete paths. There’s even a special separate 1km course for little legs aged over six who will run their race first at midday.

Speed is not the priority, but having a good time with friends and being transformed through colour and of course helping cancer patients during Big C’s 35^th anniversary year are! Spaces are limited and with just four weeks’ to go, prospective participants need to act fast!

There will be plenty of family entertainment throughout the day so runners are urged to arrive early to collect their free Colour 5k t-shirts, Big C headbands and goody bags. Warm ups for both distances begin at least 15 minutes before the start.

Radio Norwich and the Beach Radio will be hosting a pop-up outside broadcast from near the start with music and interviews from the site. Face-painting, Rodeo Bull, bouncy castle, hot and cold local food and drink stands, outdoor games for children are among the attractions to refresh and replenish. Each vendor is also donating 10 per cent of its profits to Big C.

Countless national campaigns are urging people to get off the sofa and challenge themselves to running a 5K distance. It seems to be the go-to event that is testing enough, but accessible to most, whatever their ages and fitness levels.

Research supplied by Big C (www.Cancerresearchuk.org) reveals that 3,400 cases of cancer in the UK every year could be prevented by keeping active. Evidence shows that a little regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing breast, bowel or womb cancer as it has a positive effect on changing hormone levels in the body.

It also has many other health benefits and with summer holidays approaching a little weight loss might also be beneficial.

Big C events manager Dan Bell said:

“It’s not too late to get into training. If you’ve never entered a sponsored run before, this is your perfect entry as 5k is an achievable target for beginner runners. The colourful paint extravaganza at the finish line is the perfect opportunity to celebrate your achievement in style.”

Inspire Races director Sally Jane Redington said:

“Colour 5k is one of our most successful fund-raising events. Families love the party atmosphere and almost don’t notice they are exercising as the entertainment and colour blasting completely inspires them to cross the finish line. There is also a fantastic sense of achievement at the end when all participants blast their own pots of colour in our ‘finale.'”

Rachel Buxton of Hoveton Hall said:

“We are delighted to welcome back the Colour 5K.This event is fabulous fun, the atmosphere is always one of great anticipation and it lovely to see whole families get involved to help raise money for such a worthwhile charity as the Big C.”

First time runner currently in week three of training for the Colour 5K is Big C’s PR Consultant Stephanie Renouf.

“Week after week I write stories about amazing and selfless people of all ages and walks of life who have lost family members to cancer and undertaken incredible challenges in their memory …12 marathons in a year, cycle rides across continents…host car rallies and organise events, it is tremendously humbling.  I felt it was time that I signed up and got out of my comfort zone.  I never run for anything except a bus or train or if the village shop is about to close and I need to buy supper! I’ve even persuaded my husband to train with me and enter.”

Colour 5k run is held at Hoveton Hall on Saturday July 9. Gates and registration open at 10am. Individual tickets cost £22, under 16s cost £16, Kids fun run £10, family ticket £60.

To register in advance and for more details visit  www.big-c.co.uk/colour5k.

Every day of the year five or more people are fund-raising to ensure the best cancer treatment is right here in your county on your doorstep.

Give us your training tips, keep in touch and follow Big C on Twitter (@bigctweets), Facebook.com/bigccharity and Instagram @bigccharity

Visit the Big C on stand 206 at the Royal Norfolk Show, near the Carters cherry picker rides, to find out how you can win tickets to participate in the Colour 5k Run and other Challenge 35 events.

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