Ready, Steady, GLOW!
September 9th sees the return of Glow in The Park: Longleat, with around 5,000 people due to form a river of light and colour, winding their way around the iconic Wiltshire estate.
HEY! caught up with homeless charity Alabaré’s Events Manager, Rebecca and Glow Runner, Steph, to find out more about this family fun run with a difference!
Rebecca says;
“Last year was our first Glow in the Park:Longleat event so we were thrilled when over 3,000 neon-clad runners came along to take part. Everyone had such an incredible time; we had whole families taking part, as well as groups of friends and work colleagues. We just had to do it again this year!”
For those who have not come across a Glow Run before, participants dance, jog, run or walk their way around a 6km night-time disco course. Glow Zones along the route include the Foam Zone, UV Paint Blast Zone and the groovy Time Tunnel! Runners come dressed the part, complete with florescent UV face paint and glow bangles (provided in the event pack), and add costumes, tutus, crazy wigs – whatever takes their fancy!
“It’s a fantastic atmosphere,” says Rebecca. “Everyone comes ready to party and have a great time, whilst knowing that by taking part they are raising lifesaving funds for our charity.”
Steph, who took part last year says;
“We did the run last year; I’m bringing a bigger group of girl-friends and their kids this time. My glow pack contained a sponsorship form and so we are trying hard to raise the little bit more for the charity, after all, I’d hate to be homeless.”
Alabaré help thousands of homeless people each year who would otherwise be living on the streets or in crisis.
Rebecca explains;
“We have homes across the South West and Wales, helping people who are often hidden from view, struggling to survive. Our teams have over 25 years’ experience helping people overcome the trauma of losing their home, and rebuilding their skills and confidence and helping them onto successful independent lives again. We have homes for young mums and their babies, women escaping domestic violence, Armed Forces Veterans, young people living care to name but a few. We also have training centres, and support residents to find employment, training or volunteering opportunities.”
She goes on to say,
“It’s life changing work. Some people say that they simply don’t think they would still be here if it weren’t for Alabaré, which really brings home just how important it is to keep our homes up and running.”
“But we need help; we rely on the generosity of the public. Events like Glow in the Park:Longleat are so important to us. We are encouraging runners to ask their friends and family to sponsor them. We have teamed up with Longleat and Bishopstrow House Hotel & Spa in Warminster to offer some fantastic prizes to everyone who raises over £50 in sponsorship for us. Anyone raising over £300 can bag themselves and friend a Spa Day with a two course lunch – what an amazing day they will have!”
Steph sums up by saying;
“It’s a double whammy – we get the fun of the event and then if we do well with our fundraising, Alabaré will be rewarding us with a day out at the spa! How fab would that be!’
Why not make the most of your day and book their Run & Play package. You and your children will get to enter the park earlier, enjoy all that Longleat has to offer, get fuelled up at Tropical Storm café and then get ready to run (terms and conditions apply). To avoid disappointment, get your tickets now at www.glowinthepark.co.uk
