Thirty people with connections to farming donned red RABI T-shirts and joined an estimated 13,000 entrants for the British 10k London Run.
Volunteers travelled from as far as Cumbria, Northamptonshire, Wales, Devon and Cornwall to take part – the thirteenth consecutive year that the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution has entered a team – and among them was Philip Case, Farmers Weekly deputy news editor and a Member of the Guild.
“It was an honour and a privilege to run for RABI and raise money for such a worthwhile cause,” he says. “It’s a fantastic charity, which is dedicated to relieving the hardship, stress and suffering that farming families – both past and present – face.”
Philip (pictured below left with David Grainge, NFU Mutual senior agent from Buckinghamshire) is a keen distance runner and member of Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletic Club. He was first home of the RABI runners, clocking 43 minutes to finish in 261st position overall.
The route, just over six miles long, took runners past some of London’s most iconic landmarks through the heart of the capital, including Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye and the world’s most famous clock, Big Ben. Afterwards, the RABI runners and supporters gathered in St James’s Park for a well-earned picnic and rest.
They expect to raise more than £5000 for RABI, which was one of the key charities that supported the farmers suffering because of the bad weather across the south of England earlier in 2014.
RABI is keen to hear from anyone who would like to join its team next year British 10k London Run on Sunday, 12 July. Call Hayley Paintin in the fundraising department on 01865 724 931 to register interest.
Peter Hill
