Articles

Run for Jo 2018

Nick Smith

Background

 

The first “Run For Jo” took place on June 25th 2017. Thousands of local people gathered together at Oakwell Hall Country Park, Birstall – a place that holds special memories for Jo’s family –  “Run for Jo”. The event was organised by a group of local volunteers, led by Jo’s sister, Kim.

 

Kim led a special warm-up before a family fun run, jog or walk around a 2.5k loop through woods and parkland with music and surprises along the way! 

 

The 6.5k cross-country challenge for the more “serious” runner included a certain comedian and Hollywood actor Eddie Izzard, and was an ‘off the beaten track’ trail-run around woods, fields, paths and cobbles.

 

The event was a sell-out success coloured with the sound of brass, samba, rock and folk music. Post-race, attendees enjoyed a carnival of food, drink and laughter, with a mascot race providing hilarious entertainment for all.

 

 

Run for Jo 2018

 

The second “Run for Jo” takes place at Oakwell Hall again on Sunday 24th June 2018, in celebration of the life of Jo Cox on the weekend of what would have been her 44th Birthday. The Run will be a key event during the National celebration “The Great Get Together” – last year over 9 million people got involved in the biggest neighbourhood celebration since the Jubilee!

 

The run will follow the same format of 2.5km fun run, 6.5km cross-country challenge and mascot race, there will be something for everyone to enjoy, food, entertainment and community spirit to name a few. Even those who are not running can get involved, to come and cheer the runners along and not forgetting that our 4 legged canine friends are welcome too. 

 

This year organisers of the run are hoping to have even more people from across the region come together for running, fun and friendship based around Jo’s belief that “we are far more united and have more in common than that which divides us”.

 

Entries are now live on Race Best, via the links below:

 

https://racebest.com/races/3ueax

 

https://racebest.com/races/fcqg8

 

By Clare Black – Run for Jo Team

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