RABI runners raise thousands in London 10k

Determined runners pounded the streets of the capital on Sunday (13 July) to raise thousands of pounds for farming charity the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Society (RABI) .

Thirty people donned iconic red RABI T-shirts and joined an estimated 13,000 others who pushed themselves to the limit for the British 10k London Run.

Volunteers travelled from as far as Cumbria, Northamptonshire, Wales and Devon and Cornwall to take part in the race – the 13th consecutive year that RABI has entered a team in the event.

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The route, just over six miles long, took runners past some of London’s most iconic landmarks through the heart of the capital, including Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye and the world’s most famous clock, Big Ben.

Afterwards, the RABI runners and supporters gathered in St James’s Park for a well-earned picnic and rest.

Running for the 10th time for RABI this year were Alan Read and Virginia Stollery, chairman and secretary of RABI’s Buckinghamshire committee, and Charles Behrens.

Farmers Weekly’s deputy news editor Philip Case also joined the team to support the RABI’s efforts to raise funds for farming families in need .

Philip (pictured below left), a keen distance runner and member of Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletic Club, was first home of the RABI runners, clocking 43 minutes to finishing in 261st position overall.

“It was an honour and a privilege to run for RABI and raise money for such a worthwhile cause,” said Philip.

“It’s a fantastic charity, which is dedicated to relieving the hardship, stress and suffering that farming families – both past and present – face.”

RABI trustee Joshua Hosier and NFU Mutual senior agent from Buckinghamshire, David Grainge, came in at 47 minutes and chief executive Paul Burrows in 48 minutes, but several members of the team came back in less than an hour.

Other notable RABI runners included Colin MacEwan, head of the BBRO, and his son Angus, West Midlands dairy farmer Michael Oakes, Sarah Butler, of the Farmers Club and RABI trustee Joshua Hosier.

Andy Hope, meanwhile, ran in memory of his late mum, Joan Evelyn Hope, a part-time care assistant and relief cook with RABI, who was cared for for many years by RABI on her retirement in 1994.

Mr Burrows said: “The 10k is a wonderful run past London’s greatest landmarks and we’re very pleased that so many people again took part to raise money for RABI. People travelled from as far away as Cumbria and Cornwall to be there – we really appreciate everyone’s efforts.”

The runners expect to raise more than £5,000 for RABI from their efforts and as the British 10k is the only mass-participation charity road race that does not penalise charities by charging them more than members of the public for guaranteed places, nearly all of the money raised goes to the cause runners choose to support.

Earlier this year, RABI was one of the key charities that supported the farmers suffering because of the bad weather across the south of England.

The charity is keen to hear from anyone who would like to join the RABI team to take part in next year’s British 10k London run. To register your interest, call Hayley Paintin in the fundraising department on 01865 724 931.