Get your pulse racing for Britain's needy pets

PRESS RELEASE

10 June 2010

Get your pulse racing for Britain’s needy pets

Looking for a new running challenge to help you shape up this summer? Leading pet charity, The Blue Cross, has the ‘purrfect’ solution for those who want to lose a few pounds while at the same time raising pounds for sick and homeless animals cared for by the charity. The Blue Cross has 200 running places for this year’s coveted Royal Parks half marathon in London on Sunday 10 October and is urging anyone with a passion for pets to pounce on a place. 

The Blue Cross has a long history of helping pets through its network of animal adoption centres, mobile veterinary clinics and animal hospitals, which provide essential care for the pets of people on low incomes. The charity cares for many thousands of pets and horses every year but relies entirely on public donations and fundraising events like this to continue its work.

Now in its third year, The Royal Parks half marathon starts and finishes in Hyde Park and winds its way past some of London’s treasured landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and The London Eye.  The route provides a perfect way to see the Capital and spectators are invited to join in the fun at the accompanying food and fitness festival in Hyde Park. The event has also attracted a host of celebrity runners, including Gordon and Tana Ramsay, Ben Fogle and Nell McAndrew.

Chris Rushton from Lambourn in Berkshire, who took part last year, said: “I’ve always had a passion for helping animals so I was keen to do this for The Blue Cross. I trained for the race with my labrador, Isla, and the thought of her kept me going. The atmosphere on the day was incredible – it’s a special feeling running down London’s seldom closed streets and hearing people cheer for you along the way. I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a running event in London as you can really make a day of it with your family.”

All Blue Cross runners will benefit from a detailed training manual, weekly training tips leading up to the half marathon, full support from the charity’s fundraising team and a dedicated cheering point on the day to help runners hop, trot, or canter their way to the finish line.

The Blue Cross also provides its runners with plenty of advice for those who want to train with their dogs in the lead up to the race, although dogs are not allowed to take part in the race itself.

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

ENDS

Notes to editors:

· The minimum sponsorship fee for a Blue Cross place in the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon is £300.  A £50 registration fee will also be required once a Blue Cross place has been confirmed.

· Photos of Blue Cross runners at last year’s Royal Parks half marathon are available – please contact the press office for details (contact below)

· 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 

Media contact

Ziela Haider on 020 7932 4063 or ziela.haider@bluecross.org.uk