I decided to run the ROC 5km race a few months ago, when I found out about all the good work that Robert Owen Communities (ROC) do in Truro.
ROC is a charity that supports people with learning disabilities and similar conditions and assists those individuals in doing what they would like to do. About thirty people with a learning disability took part in the run.
The funds raised through this event support local people with learning disabilities who take part in the charity’s vibrant social club based at Truro & Penwith College. This club relies on these donations. The event raised more than £12’000 and was the best turnout ever, reaching its maximum potential of 400 runners.
This year’s 25th anniversary fun run race took place on Thursday the 11th of June. It had been raining all day, but luckily, it had cleared by late afternoon. I arrived on the Quay to a sea of yellow jerseys and headed straight to the Truro Lions tent, who were helping by registering runners with their numbers.
Thirty five organisations got behind the event and many were Truro businesses, such as Francis Clark, Cornish Mutual, Santander and Truro & Penwith College. Sam’s in the City provided a light buffet for the main sponsors.
We all did our warm up together, led by Truro & Penwith College. Daphne Skinnard from BBC Radio Cornwall and John Harvey compered.
Then we were off! We ran via Lower Lemon Street, through Boscawen, Princess Street and then under the pass on towards Malpas, around the cricket club and back along, ending on the quay.
I did glimpse the lead runner who completed the course in seventeen minutes and eight seconds. I came in number 208 out of 400 (my husband was kindly number 209). I could then tuck into the free goodies – a fantastic Warrens pasty and bottles of Skinners Betty Stogs and cloudy apply juice from Cornish Orchards!
What a great evening and a well-organized event, with fifty marshals present from Truro Rotary Club, Truro Lions Club and Cornish Mutual. Keith Wotton and Truro Running Club were the ‘brains’ behind the event, along with Gary Perkin from Zamu who managed Lemon Quay. Trophies were awarded to the fastest individuals and teams – plus spot prizes which went to anyone!
All the event pics can be found at www.roc-uk.org/ROC5K2015
It was wonderful to see the Truro business community out to support ROC 5k fun race!
Enjoy Truro 