A COMMUNITY get-together with races for all ages took place at the weekend at The Piggott School.
Novelty categories, prizes and seasonal stalls, drew crowds of runners keen to take part in the Twyford Together annual Charity 5K and Fun Run.
Beginning with the toddler dash, the event ended with all the children cheering their parents, neighbours and older siblings in the 5k race.
Ambitious runners were able to compete for novelty races, including: Fastest Street competition (fastest cumulative time for three runners’ wins); and Fastest Business/Club/Society/Charity (fastest cumulative time for two runners).
There was even a random prize, just for taking part: a chocolate platter experience for four provided by Twyford’s new boutique café, The Orangery.
Seasonal, eco-friendly and sporty stalls were enjoyed by runners and non runners alike, along with refreshments and a range of activities including: flowerpot, book swap, pumpkin ring toss, pumpkin races, face painting, and biscuit decorating.
Sporty opportunities included tennis activities, footie fun, yoga, keep fit, free bike fixing.
Maya’s Refillables held an eco stall, and refreshments were on hand, with a breakfast barbecue, or teas, coffees and cakes from Cafe2U, along with a free drink for peddlers on My Journey Wokingham’s Smoothie Making Bike, Pedalicious.
Saxcelerate played Sunday morning jazz, rock and pop.
One of the organisers, Emma Donald, said: “We had such glorious weather.
“I loved seeing a new generation of happy runners experiencing the event for the first time.
“We hope they’ll come back year after year and collect lots of stickers for their collection cards which were handed out to them at the finishing line.”
This year the organisers took additional steps to make the event more eco friendly, by making the runners’ bibs recyclable.
“We had a record turnout in the 5k race,” continued Ms Donald.
“It was heartwarming to see just how inclusive this race has become, with participants aged 11 to 70.
“There was a real mix of seasoned runners, and those simply embracing the spirit of the event by running together with colleagues, friends and family.
“It was wonderful to see the joy on our younger runners’ faces when they overtook their parents, and one young runner held onto a pineapple for the entire 5k (we’re not sure why), which was very entertaining.
“The event isn’t just about the races, it’s also about supporting Twyford Charities Together, local clubs and PTAs.
“We were incredibly impressed by their wonderfully creative, eco friendly activity stalls, and extremely grateful to our local businesses for generously donating prizes.”
Organised by Twyford Together, in association with Barnes Fitness, the event was sponsored by The Shredquarters, with all profits going to Twyford Charities Together.
For more information, visit: Twyford Together Charity 5K and Fun Run – Twyford Together
