1080 article
written by Yasmin Emerson
Copy Editor of Sawston Scene
Highest entry ever for Sawston's flagship event
The Friday before the Cambridge Sawston Rotary Fun Run was the day the
weather arrived. Hailstones as big as frozen peas – then as big as broad
beans. Continuous thunder and lightning, with monsoon rain. Ankle-deep
flooding on Sawston High Street. All anyone could say was “Oh, I hope
it's not like this for the coronation!” and then with a little gasp –
“But what about the Fun Run?!”
Sunday dawned, and after a few spots of rain, the weather was clear and
the temperature was just right. What luck! Sawston Fun Run must have
seen all manner of weather over its 37 years. No doubt everyone who
enters year after year remembers the year the Sawston Village College
playground flooded, or the year the gazebos blew away in the wind – so
everyone was relieved when tropical typhoon wasn't added to the list.
As usual, there were lots of great costumes on display. Josh Lovatt from
Star Radio, who was compering the event, called them out individually.
“Loving the crayons, with your hats! Oompa loompas, great! And what's
this – a chicken? In a crown?” “Yes,” the runner replied, “Coronation
Chicken”! Best pun of the day. Everyone enjoyed selfies with Arthur Bear
from Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. The usual mixture of enthusiastic
entrants were all there: elite runners, social runners, families, school
children. The 7.4km and 4km routes provide something for everyone to
enjoy. Fundraisers did an amazing job this year, with over £15,000
raised for local charities and organisations - taking the total amount
raised over the years to £530,000! The main beneficiaries this year were
Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and Cambridge Cancer Help Centre. Other
beneficiaries included Camms Meals on Wheels, Active With Parkinson’s
Cambs Group, The DX Club (Duxford After School Club), Icknield Primary
School PTA, Anglian Leisure Sawston, Whittlesford Over 80s Pilates
Group, Sawston Air Cadets, as well as providing dictionaries for
students at our local primary schools.
Marlene Sharpe-Westwood led the warm-up session with her usual excellent
encouragement for the 1335 entrants. In fact, there were almost too many
entrants this year, with volunteers on the day working right up to the
starting pistol to help register the on-the-day entries. The air was
thick with the buzz – and then, phew, we're off!
Runners and walkers on both routes were glad to have the support of the
Sawston community - with water and food from the Army Cadets, Air Cadets
and local church groups, and musical support from Sawston Youth Group.
Back at the village college, finishers and supporters enjoyed the stalls
and refreshments on offer from community groups and lots of sticky
children, proudly wearing their finisher’s coronation medals, enjoyed
their well-deserved ice creams.
Yasmin Emerson
Sawston Fun Run lead cyclist and copy editor for Sawston Scene
Suggested photos:
- Coronation Chicken
- Oompa loompas
- Crayons
- Warm-up session
- Arthur Bear
Y Emerson
Copy Editor for Sawston Scene
