Exeter charity launches new running events to support community projects

A series of running events which raises funds for much needed community projects across the city has been launched for the year ahead.

Organised by Exeter City Community Trust, the partner charity of Exeter City Football Club, the events range from the fun city centre Santa Run in December to its flagship marathon in May.

And to ensure there are events to meet the requirements of runners of all standards and distances, the charity has added the new Quayside Five series – a trio of five-mile events - to its running calendar.

Profits from the running events go towards supporting Exeter City Community Trust’s work in the area, which ranges from Supported Housing for people at risk of homelessness to delivering para sports activities for people of all ages.

Jamie Vittles, chief executive of Exeter City Community Trust, said: “As a charity we are focused on enabling the people in our city to life healthy, fulfilled lives and our running programme is part of this. We provide opportunities for all to run, whether as a family in the Santa Run, or the half marathon or full marathon for more serious runners.

“We’re very grateful to our community of runners who support and promote our event and the more than 100 volunteers who give their time so willingly. It’s been wonderful to see the growth in numbers over recent years. We’re also very grateful to the companies and organisations who sponsor and support us. Thanks to their commitment we are able to stage these events and use profits to support our work in the area.”

Last year saw record numbers of runners taking part in the ECCT events, with more than 3,000 entries and many sold out events. Participants can choose to run for charities of their choice, they can also run to raise funds for ECCT.

The running calendar for the year ahead is:

· Halloween 5 and 10 miles – Sunday October 27 (Exeter Quay)

· Santa Run 2.5k or 5k – Sunday December 1 (City centre)

· Granite Way 10 and 20 miles – Sunday March 9 ( Okehampton )

· Exeter Live Better Marathon and Community 5 miles - Sunday May 11 (Exeter Quay)

· Exeter Half Marathon and Riverside 5 miles – February 8 and 9 (Exeter Quay)

· River Run 10k – Sunday June 27 (Exeter Quay)

For more information visit https://exetercct.org/running-events/