From disco dancers to dinosaurs – 1600 runners take on Chariots of Fire

On this special 30th anniversary year of Chariots of Fire – we saw an astounding 1600 runners take to the streets of Cambridge yesterday (19 March), all in aid of Arthur Rank Hospice – for which donations have already exceeded £46,000 and rising.

The weather was kind (eventually!) and the atmosphere was electric as the three founding members – Lewis Isaacs, Bill Matthews and Jeremy Francis – sounded the horn at 9.30am from a very muddy Queens’ Green, to start the race.

In teams of six, each took on the 1.7 mile relay around the City, with the fastest team, Giulio, completing the race in a swift 52 minutes 23 seconds. In second place was The Glassworks Health Club in 53min 8sec.

Reflecting on the day, Lewis said, “We are in awe that the race has grown to such numbers over 30 years and continues to be such a brilliant success, all thanks to the support of the runners and individuals that fully get behind it year after year. We’re delighted that we can continue to raise money for local charities in such a fun and rewarding way.”

Inger Anson, Partner and Head of the Cambridge Office at HCR Hewitsons and who also ran in yesterday’s race, said of the day, “Each year Chariots of Fire gets better and better, and we couldn’t have asked for more this time around. This really is a whole team effort and the enthusiasm of everyone that took part is just wonderful to witness – it’s community spirit at its absolute finest. I’m delighted for Arthur Rank Hospice that we’ve managed to raise so much money.”

Donna Talbot, Communications and Income Generation for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity said, “Yesterday was an illustration of fundraising at its very best. More than 1600 people coming together to run, raise funds and support people in their community. The funds will be used to open a new charity shop, enabling us to raise more money to fund care for people when they need it most. We set teams the challenge of reaching £71,000 and this remains a very realistic prospect with sponsorship and donations exceeding £46,000 so far, and that figure is rising. Huge thanks to all involved, including our wonderful army of volunteers, who are essential in making events like this possible. Chariots of Fire is a true team effort and one which our charity has loved being part of during this special joint anniversary year.”

The winners of all other categories were:

  • Fastest female team: Team MRC Epidemiology
  • Mixed: The Glassworks Health Club
  • Veterans mixed: Team Michael Gaunt Ltd
  • Veteran female: Team Move to Cambridge
  • College Cup: Team Queens’ College
  • People’s Cup: The VelociraptAZ (pictured)

To view our photo album of Chariots of Fire 2023, please click here.

The firm supports the communities that it works in via charitable giving and social responsibility initiatives through the HCR Hewitsons Charitable Trust – Chariots of Fire has raised over £1.48 million for a variety of regional charities since it began in 1992.

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