More than 150 people joined the BAPS Charities Annual 10k Challenge in Luton on Saturday 2 May 2015.
In total, over 3,000 participants walked or ran the 10 kilometres in about 20 towns and cities across the UK. The annual event brings together people of all ages and backgrounds around the country to do something healthy and fun and to raise valuable funds for a variety of worthy causes.
The official partner for BAPS Charities this year is the British Heart Foundation, the nation’s largest independent funder of cardiovascular research. The Challenge also raised funds for Rosa, a charitable fund set up to support initiatives that benefit women and girls in the UK.
Previous national partners have included Barnardo’s, Breast Cancer Care, Diabetes UK, Age UK, KIDS, The Anthony Nolan Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support as well as the British Heart Foundation.
The annual challenge has evolved since its inception over 20 years ago. This year offered participants one of four very different physical feats to complete: the traditional 10km walk or run, a bike ride from London to Brighton or Paris, a gruelling Spartan Challenge, and for the really adventurous, a tandem skydive.
The event in Luton kicked off shortly after 12 noon under the blue skies of Stockwood Park Athletic Centre.
After the opening ceremony, walkers and runners moved around the athletic track to complete the 10 kilometres.
Adults and children also enjoyed plenty of other healthy exercise as they participated in various sports and games after the Challenge, rounding off a thoroughly fun day out for the whole family.
After completing the 10 kilometres, Vidhur Kansara shared, “It certainly was a challenge, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Knowing that this was going to help so many worthy causes kept me going around the laps.”
BAPS Charities volunteer Amar Gohil added: “It was wonderful to see everyone turn out and contribute to this lovely day of fun, healthy activities and raising funds for two great charities. Who says giving back to the local community can’t be fun?”
To learn more about the work of the British Heart Foundation and Rosa, please follow the respective links.
Disclaimer: BAPS Charities is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
