Runners on their marks for big race

3:34pm Thursday 17th April 2008

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ONE of Corsham's biggest fundraising events of the year is under starter's orders to raise thousands of pounds for Alzheimer's Brain Bank UK.

Around 500 people are expected to line up on April 27 for the St George's 10k run.

Founder Stephan Barbaruk, 60, of Park Lane, is helping to organise his 26th run, which is in aid of a different cause every year.

Mr Barbaruk, manager of Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce, said: "I started the first race with unemployed youths, as part of a project while I worked at the County Council.

"It was a good boost of morale for them, helping them build skills to get jobs.

"I gave up organising the St George's about ten years ago as I felt ready for somebody else to take over. Thankfully the Rotary Club offered to help and have been marshalling the event for several years now."

The run has been named after the patron saint of England for the past eight years as the Rotary Club felt it would sound patriotic.

The running club joined in the organising about four years ago and help with paperwork and route planning.

Club member Alex Fogwell, 53, said: "I'm hoping that everything goes to plan, as we are expecting around 500 runners on the day.

"This is my first year helping to organise the event and I have to deal with registration forms and making sure the route is mapped out correctly on the day."

There are already 270 registered runners, and the number is rising. At the run last year there was a large turn out with 470 people taking part; this year numbers are expected to rise higher than last year's achievement.

Mr Barbaruk said: "It's great having all of these people but we need the sponsors too, and this year we have the original sponsor Corsham Print, who produce the application forms has been with us since 1982. We also have BBC Radio Wiltshire covering the event and sponsors Running Bath and Islington Motors.

"We couldn't do it without sponsorship, we don't make any profit from it as it's for charity, but we do need money for running T shirts and trophies."

There are several categories depending on an entrant's experience - men's and ladies' team for under 18s, an open, a vets' and a super vets' category. There is also a team event for groups of four.

Each entry will mean £5 goes to Alzeheimers Brain Bank UK, a charity that raises money and awareness of the disease.

Runners can register on the day. But need to arrive at least one hour early to register.

Entry will cost £7 for club runners and £9 for non-affiliated runners. To register or to find out more about this year's charity, Alzheimer's Brain Bank UK, log on to www.corshamrunningclub. co.uk/St_Georges_Web_page_2008.htm