• Swindon & Wiltshire Community champions
• Wednesday July 26 2023
• Author Name: Staff Writer

Run for good fun: Chippenham Half Marathon invites Wiltshire business teams to enter

Wiltshire businesses are needed in the Chippenham Half Marathon.

The event on Sunday 17th September, takes runners through the town centre and around local villages.

More than 500 people have already signed up, with hundreds more expected, but the organisers are keen to welcome more corporate entries.

This year’s race is co-sponsored by last year’s corporate winners, local renewable energy company Good Energy.

Chippenham Half Marathon race director Matthew Hurcum said: “The route is mainly flat and passes through some beautiful local countryside, which is why we’ve previously been voted as one of the best UK races.

“We’ve had a really encouraging response from residents, with runners of all ages signing up, but it would be great to see more businesses and organisations getting involved too.

“Our official charity is The RISE Trust which supports families across North Wiltshire, but teams can raise money for their own causes too.”

Good Energy has recruited seven staff for its own team from sales, IT, finance and communications departments.

Head of communications Ian McKee is one of the runners. He said: “Having taken the corporate team title last year and since signed up as sponsors, it was a given we would be back at the Chippenham Half.

“In addition to being brilliant for the town, the race is a great way to encourage team spirit within a business and get some exercise.

Ian added: “The organisers take their green responsibilities so seriously. From eco-friendly compostable water cups and the collection of old running shoes for recycling, to the opportunity to plant trees if runners don’t want to receive any more race T-shirts, they’re clearly committed to a more sustainable future.”

Hardenhuish School has 13 teachers running in aid of Cots for Tots, the neonatal intensive care unit at St Michael’s Hospital in Bristol.

Assistant headteacher Mike Heffernan said: “We’re really looking forward to taking part. Aside from keeping us fit in training over the summer, we hope to raise lots of money for our school charity.

“If we manage to post a competitive time for the corporate challenge as well, that’s an added bonus!”

The Chippenham Half Marathon begins on Bristol Road near Chippenham Sports Club at 9.30am and ends at the same location.

Photo: The start of last year’s Chippenham Half Marathon, © iCaptureSport