The Blue Cross lends a paw for The Royal Parks Half Marathon

01/05/2008

Britain's pet charity, The Blue Cross, is encouraging animal lovers across the country to help needy pets and sign up for its charity running places in the first ever half marathon through central London on Sunday 12 October. 

The event has already proved popular with runners, with all of the public places having now sold out. The Blue Cross has a limited number of running places available to those who sign up to help raise sponsorship for the charity.  The Blue Cross is also being supported by TV vet Joe Inglis, who will be running the half marathon in aid of the charity, and training for the race with his dog, Jack. 

The money raised through sponsorship will help to fund the work carried out at the three Blue Cross animal hospitals in London and the thousands of homeless animals cared for by the charity at its rehoming centres each year.

Blue Cross senior events officer, Tracey Chittock said: We're delighted to be a part of this race - the response from supporters has been fantastic so far.  We'd really like to encourage anyone thinking about taking part to sign up for a Blue Cross place as the sponsorship raised will go a long way to help the animals in our care. The money raised from running just one mile will fund life-saving vaccinations for a kitten in our care*.

Starting and finishing in Hyde Park, The Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon will be a fantastic event for runners and spectators alike, encompassing the surrounding beauty of St James's Park, Green Park and Kensington Gardens as well as iconic London landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. 

Once signed up as part of The Blue Cross team, runners will be provided with a pack crammed with top tips on training and preparation for the big day, plenty of fundraising ideas, a running vest and an invitation to an exclusive post race reception, where runners can enjoy a soothing massage and celebrate with the rest of the team.

The Blue Cross will also provide its runners with plenty of advice for those who want to train with their dogs in the lead up to the race, whether they own a restless Retriever, an athletic Airedale, or a speedy Spaniel!

To find out more and to sign up for a place on The Blue Cross team please contact Heather Collin on 01993 825567 or please visit www.bluecross.org.uk.

ENDS
Notes to editors:
The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.  For more information please visit www.bluecross.org.uk

The Royal Parks Foundation is the charity for London's eight Royal Parks. For further information please visit: www.royalparksfoundation.org.uk
The minimum sponsorship fee for a Blue Cross place in the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon is £550.  A £50 registration fee will also be required once a Blue Cross place has been confirmed.
*Based on the minimum sponsorship per mile, £25 will fund the vaccinations kittens need to protect them from life-threatening diseases.

Media contact
Ziela Haider on 020 7932 4063 / 07860 519716 or ziela.haider@bluecross.org.uk