‘Village with big heart’ stages charity race

MORE than 530 people took part in the 11th annual Chiltern Chase.

The runners set off from Ewelme on routes of 5km, 10km and 15km which followed the Chiltern Way.

The winner of the shortest race was Paul Hughes, of Abingdon Athletics Club, with a time of 19 minutes and 54 seconds, while the 10km was won by Mark Baker, of Eynsham Road Runners, who came home in 36 minutes, 47 seconds. Nick Jones, of Oxford City, won the 15km in 59 minutes and 50 seconds.

The event is organised by the parent teacher association at Ewelme Primary School and has now raised more than £70,000, including £6,000 this year. The proceeds are split equally between the school and a chosen charity, which this year is Young Minds, which helps children and young people with mental health issues.

Mairead Monsen, who chairs the association, said: “It’s the most established run in the Chilterns. It is something parents took on and it has grown and grown over the years. Every penny the runners spend entering and registering with us goes directly to the charities and we’re very proud of that. In a small village like Ewelme it just shows what a huge heart it has.”

On Wednesday last week the Children’s Chiltern Chase took place when pupils at the primary ran 1km around the school field.