Hargrave run raises over £900 for church and community events

A cross-country race helped to raise over £900 for a village church over the weekend.

A record number of 72 participants took part in the run in Hargrave, near Bury St Edmunds, on Saturday which included a 5k run and a 10k run.

Justin Rabett, church warden and runner, said: "The day went really well. We had more participants than last year and the runners said it was a lovely course.

"Others said it was beautiful countryside, and that it was a great race with a really relaxed atmosphere. We're really pleased with how it went. Everyone seemed to enjoy it no matter their athleticism."

Among the runners was Nick Smith, from the Playground, who came first in the 10k race, running it in 40 minutes and 43 seconds, followed by Jennie Watson in who ran it in 45 minutes and 43 seconds.

Nine-year-old Leila Robinson came first in the 5k race, completing the run in 26 minutes and 27 seconds with Russell Lee just behind completing in 26 minutes and 44 seconds.

Josh Gilbert, 12, from Hargrave, ran the 5k to raise money for Cancer Research UK and has totalled £235 for the charity.

The money raised for Hargrave Church will mean that the church can continue to offer other events like a a free community pantry, as well as providing a place of refuge, reflection and housing the Hargrave Heritage Exhibition. Money will also go towards the parish share.

Justin added: "We're a small village, there's only 300 people in the village and Hargrave Church is like the village centre.

"We try to be of use to the community. We don't feel it's any good just having a church and people going to services and then going away again. We really want to work and give use to the community.

"In a small village like Hargrave we've got no pub or shop so unless someone organises something nobody meets anybody."

There will be another run in March next year.