More than 170 people joined the BAPS Charities Annual 10k Challenge in Birmingham on Sunday 12 April 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 Birmingham kicked off shortly after 11.00am from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on Pitmaston Road. Walkers and runners then moved along the carefully planned route around Hall Green.
After completing the 10 kilometres, Anjali Shingadhia 12, shared: “I had an awesome day! I ran for parts and walked with friends and I can’t wait for next year.”
BAPS Charities volunteer Vasant Parikh added: “It’s really encouraging to see regular participants in Birmingham encourage others to take part too and support these worthy causes. Together we can make a real difference in the lives of so many.”
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.
