More than £8,000 has been raised for the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary after 113 runners and walkers took part in the charity’s inaugural Run Wild 5k around Sandown on Sunday (5th July).
Participants embraced the ‘wild’ theme in style, with a colourful array of costumes including a giant lobster, a giraffe and even a flock of seagulls and chips courtesy of the team from CVS Vets.
The event saw runners and walkers alike take a route around Sandown, which was lined with entertainment, with local favourites FaT Samba, Wight Ukers and The Watch keeping participants motivated and creating a fun festival atmosphere from start to finish.
Before setting off, participants were put through their paces with an energetic warm-up led by Tori from Snap Fitness to get the good vibes going from the get-go.
The now inaugural event was made possible through the support of headline sponsor The Price is Wight and other sponsor Gurit, as well as the support of dozens of volunteers, marshals and entertainers who helped create a memorable day for everyone involved.
Head of Fundraising and Events from the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Lorraine White said:
“To see a sea of smiling faces crossing the finish line was incredibly special. The atmosphere throughout the day was amazing and everyone really embraced the fun spirit of the event.
Article continues below this advertisement We are hugely grateful to everyone who took part, volunteered, entertained, sponsored or supported the event.”
Following the success of the first Run Wild, organisers have confirmed that the event will return in 2027, with ambitions to grow it year on year and make it one of the Isle of Wight’s must-do family events.
Those keen to take part next year can already pre-register their interest here.
As an independent charity, the Sanctuary goal is to raise almost £2 million every year which goes towards providing a safe and secure future for the hundreds of rescued animals in its care and continue its vital rescue and conservation work, with events like Run Wild going a long way in helping to achieve this goal.
Will the Wildheart Sanctuary Cafe match the amount
raised.
Every little helps.