The 6th Community Fun Run, managed by Maccabi GB, was a huge success breaking all previous records for the second year running at its new home - London Maccabi. This year’s event was particularly special with the Chief Rabbi, Lords Sacks, and the Israeli Ambassador, Daniel Taub participating in the 5km run.
A record breaking 39 charities were involved on the day: AJEX, All Aboard, Beit Halochem, British Friends of Tikva, Camp Simcha, Chai Cancer Care, Chana, CST, The Duchenne Research Fund, GIFT, IDI, ITC JAMI, JCC for London, JCHA, Jewish Child's Day, Jewish Blind & Disabled, JDA, Jewish Care, Jewish Learning Exchange, JLGB, JVN, Kisharon, Langdon, Laniado, London Maccabi, Maccabi GB, MDA, Myisrael, Nightingale, Norwood, No Surrender, Reform Judaism, Respite Kids, Streetwise, UJIA, UJS, US Chessed, Youth Aliyah.
View and purchase photos from the 10kView and purchase photos from the 5kView and purchase photos from the 1k1,100 runners pre-registered for the biggest community event of the year and with a further 200 registering on the day 1,300 runners ran raising money and supporting their chosen organizations. A further 2,000 spectators attended making it the biggest Community Fun Run to date.
So far over £100,000 has been raised across all of the charities and this figure is still rising.
Event organiser Maccabi GB's Elizabeth Fishel said, "Since we launched this unique event in 2007 the numbers have continued to rise year on year and this year was no exception with the highest participation numbers for the Community Fun Run to date.
"This year's event also attracted the biggest number of organisations and to see so many communal charities working together is an incredible experience and truly makes this event one of a kind. All the participants had smiles on their faces as they came across the finish line and despite the cold weather the atmosphere really was electric.
"The day has a number of highlights, however what stood out for me and what will stay in my mind (and I am sure all of the participants' and spectators') for as long as I live was the Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks taking part in a Zumba warm-up before leading off the 5km run!
"The event continues to get better and better and planning is already underway to beat this year's record breaking event in 2013 so watch this space!"
Feedback following the event has been excellent and the event was summed up perfectly by one of the charities who said, "Maccabi GB have created a really special event which brings everyone together and that is priceless! It also gives the individual charities the opportunity to showcase the work we do and for that we are very grateful."
Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks said, "It was such a delight to see the community running together in support of some fantastic causes. In Judaism we like to do things that are both good for the body and good for the soul. The Community Fun Run is certainly one of those events that caters for both! Kol hakavod to all those who organised, supported and participated this great event."
A special thanks to the sponsors of the Community Fun Run: The Creative Clinic, Jewish News, London Maccabi, 1000 Mile, ELAL, AJH Films and Dancing with Louise.
