West Sussex runners invited to join in Marwell 10k

West Sussex runners are being urged to cross the county border into Hampshire for Marwell Zoo's biggest challenge event of the year.

This year’s Marwell 10k Road Race and Fun Race will take place on Sunday, May 12 in association with Hedge End Running Club – all with the aim of raising funds for wildlife conservation and for the care of animals in the zoo.

Sussex Newspapers arts editor and keen marathon runner Phil Hewitt said: “The 10k covers a great, undulating course through the Hampshire countryside, starting and finishing in Marwell Zoo.

“The zoo is a fabulous place to visit, just outside Bishop’s Waltham, and the thought of all those animals and their welfare will be a great spur to enjoying a great run for a great cause.”

Phil, the author of Keep On Running: The Highs And Lows Of A Marathon Addict (Summersdale, 2012), said: “Running the shorter races is supposed to be terrific training for running the longer races such as marathons; the Marwell 10k is definitely on my calendar.”

Zoo spokeswoman Becky Churcher said: “Children aged 5-11 can take part in the Fun Race which covers a 1.5k loop of the zoo past penguins, giraffes, leopards and rhinos. There’s also a fancy dress competition with great prizes on offer.

“This is a fantastic, family event so bring your loved ones and make a day of it. All runners receive free zoo entry as part of their race fee and there’s reduced price entry for supporters too.