Wythall and Hollywood Fun Run event labelled huge success

More than 500 people were in attendance with the event being such a success that organisers plan to hold it again next year. 

The weather was kind to the runners and those that came along to enjoy the day with participants praising the "fantastic" work of the teams and volunteers behind the event. 

Lisa McNally, Worcestershire County Council's director of public health, said: "The day was just brilliant. I honestly couldn't have expected anything better. The atmosphere was wonderful. 

"There was a fantastic mix of people who had never completed a race before and regular runners out to get their best time. Everyone deserved their medals. 

"The organisational teams and volunteers all deserve medals too. I think they even booked the weather for us. I can't wait for next year's event."

World and Olympic medallist Steve Cram, who runs Events of the North, said: "We have had a phenomenal day in Wythall Park. The Community Association have been phenomenal. 

"We tried to create a party atmosphere, which has gone down well. All in all, a brilliant day and one which we are looking forward to repeating next year."

Saviour Galea with son Matt and grandson Charlie (Image: Worcestershire County Council)

The fun run was managed by Wythall Community Association with support from Worcestershire County Council and Events of the North. 

Worcestershire County Council's public health team also funded the training of local leisure providers to deliver Couch to 5k programmes for local runners. 

More than 20 people graduated from their Couch to 5k programme at Woodrush Sports Centre and ran the race. 

Adam Kent, runner and organiser, said: "So in true families on track style, five people in my family ran at Wythall and Hollywood 5k and 10k Fun Run. 

"Plenty of fun was had. It's been great to be part of the run and the organisation of the event. The team has done a fantastic job."

It was a fun day enjoyed by everyone who attended (Image: Worcestershire County Council)

Primrose Hospice was chosen as the official charity partner for the event with 24 people running on behalf of the charity.

They managed to raise more than £1,000 between them. 

Adam Siviter, fundraising manager for Primrose Hospice, said: "We are delighted to have been chosen as the official charity partner for the race. 

"The support we received from runners and through sponsorship will directly help us with supporting people with life-limiting conditions and families from across the North Worcestershire area, making a positive difference to our ability to provide free care and support to people in their time of need."

The chair of Wythall Community Association added: "We are so pleased to be able to bring back the fun run. 

"We couldn't have done this without all the support from Events of the North, Worcestershire County Council and everyone from Wythall and Hollywood who volunteered to make the event a success. 

"This grassroots community event just shows what a friendly place Wythall is to live."