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The British 10k powered by Nike+

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Category: Fundraising

Published on Saturday, 07 January 2012 15:02

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UPDATE: LAST WEEK TO TAKE PART - Places are still available to run on behalf of FMA UK. Please get in touch if you are interested in taking part. How about getting your partner or other family member to run on behalf of FMA UK? 

NIKE has taken over sponsoring of this event. What does this mean for runners? It means it will sell out quicker than normal. For the runners, Nike brings a wealth of training and motivational support, including tips from world-class British athletes Paula Radcliffe and Mo Farah, and a premium Nike dri-FIT shirt to wear on race day. Information about all this is available through the Nike Running UK Facebook page.

The 12th anniversary of the The British 10k powered by Nike+ run is scheduled to take place on Sunday 8th July just 19 days before the Olympic opening ceremony and using much of the course for the Olympic marathons.

FMA UK has places available in this prestigious event, giving an exciting opportunity to raise awareness of fibromyalgia as well as raising funds through sponsorship.

Last year I decided to give this a go. I had never done any long distance running before so didn't commit to this until I knew I could manage it. I downloaded a training programme from the Running Bug which worked really well. I surprised myself and increased my fitness considerably.

I now enjoy jogging (I wouldn't call my speed running) and am thinking about a half marathon for this year.

The spotty dress races over Westminster Bridge with the Houses of Parliament in the background. See the official website for details of the route, rules and timings 

As you can see from the photograph there were many people walking the route especially towards the end and the only stipulation is that you aim to complete the 10k in 2 hours.

Of course not everyone is cut out for this, but if you are close enough you could add your support to the runners and pass out information on the day. I found wearing my spotty dress attracted lots of attention as there were not many costumes at this event and this gave me a chance to explain about fibromyalgia. Others runners wore FMA UK t-shirts which they had been given for the race.

If you feel you can contribute to this event please contact me. If you are able to enter the race contact me for an application form (not the organisers). There is no charge to you and we will complete your entry registration, send you a t-shirt and information leaflets for raising awareness and you will be able to use our London 10k Race JustGiving page.

Of course you may have other plans for raising awareness and we would love to hear about them and supply materials if we can. Fibromyalgia International Awareness Day on 12th May falls on a Saturday this year, so there are weekend opportunities to make our voices heard. We have previously suggested coffee mornings, but this can be difficult with fibromyalgia morning problems! This year we are suggesting afternoon tea. This could be an upmarket Ritz type event or what about a Mad Hatters tea party? Please let us know so that we can publicise this.

A big thank you to everyone who contributes towards raising awareness of fibromyalgia. To quote a well known catch phrase, “Every little helps” as together we approach different levels of our community so that they understand fibromyalgia and its consequences.

Contact Pam Stewartusing this form or send to the office at FMA UK, Training and Enterprise Centre, Applewood Grove, Cradley Heath, West Midlands, B64 6EW.