If you visit the reserve regularly, some of you will know that we organise an annual Race for Wildlife around the reserve. As our event is now less than two months away, its over to Warden Emma to tell us more about it:
The wonderful season of autumn is now upon us and here at RSPB Lakenheath Fen that can only mean one thing….
It’s once again time to grab your running shoes and Race for Wildlife. For those of you who haven’t heard of this great event, it’s our annual 5k and 10km run around the reserve, taking place this year on Sunday 14 October – so get the date put in to your diaries!
Both courses follow multi-terrain routes and are an enjoyable challenge to complete. The 5k route follows a scenic tour along our visitor trails, whilst the 10k route takes you on a behind the scenes tour of the usually hidden parts of the reserve. A perfect opportunity to experience the reserve at a slightly faster pace than usual, but who knows what wildlife you may spot on your way round.
Both races will start at 11am with the start line being a short 10 minute walk from the visitor centre. The routes are marshalled all the way round by the team here and you’ll never be far from a friendly face offering words of encouragement as you pass. For those taking on the challenge of the 10k route, you’ll find a water station around the 5km mark after which you’re on the homeward straight!
Finishing back at the visitor centre every participant will receive a well-earned medal and goody bag. For the top three male and female finishers in each distance there will be specially crafted handmade medals awarded as you cross the finish line.
For that post run energy boost, homemade cakes (of all descriptions!) will be available to purchase, alongside hot drinks, in the visitor centre. Of course, these are just as important for those coming along to cheer all our runners on!
If you are interested in taking place in this year’s Race for Wildlife, all of the important information can be found here: www.bit.ly/raceforwildlife2018.
Please register in advance as the race is limited to 150 participants across both distances and we don’t want you to miss out. You can pay online via www.eventbrite.co.uk or send a cheque to the reserve office, payable to the RSPB. Alternatively, if you live close to the reserve, you can also pop in and pay in advance in the visitor centre by cash or credit card. If the race limit is not reached prior to the event, there may be places available on the day.
The cost for the event is Adults £12, Children £6 (all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult).
We’re also encouraging those taking part to raise sponsorship or to set up a Just Giving page in order to raise even more money for the RSPB as a result of taking part in the event.
All the money the RSPB raises from the event goes directly into work on the reserve, allowing us to give nature a home to the wonderful wildlife that calls RSPB Lakenheath Fen home for years to come.
So whether this is your first run or you’ve got many under your belt, we hope this article has inspired you to take part in our Race for Wildlife this year. Please ring 01842 863400 or e-mail: lakenheath@rspb.org.uk; for more information about the event.
I will leave you with some pictures from last year’s event:
Image credits: Dave Rogers
Image credits: Cat Serpant Barrett
We hope to see you there!