Hundreds ready for next weekend's Hoylake 10k (From Wirral Globe)

Hundreds ready for next weekend's Hoylake 10k

8:00am Sunday 2nd September 2012 in News By Craig Manning

AROUND 600 people have signed up to take part in next weekend's Hoylake 10k charity coastal fun run.

The event, now in its 19th year, will be held on Sunday, September 9. The deadline for entries has passed. But you can still register on the day and organisers predict a record turn-out this year.

All proceeds will go towards the Wednesday Special Needs Club's Soft Play Sensory Resource, which is based in Hoylake Community Centre.

Among those taking part is club member Matt Heard, 24, who is blind, has epilepsy and cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair regularly.

Niall Murphy, who volunteers at the club, will run the first 9.5k and before passing the baton to Mat who will complete the remaining half kilometre.

Race secretary Carla Williams said: "Matt is very outgoing and sociable and is really looking forward to taking part in this years 10k and enjoying the support of the crowd.

"Matt is very excited at taking part in the 10k, and is really hoping the crowd will encourage him and cheer him on to the finish line."

Last year 669 people took part, raising more than £9,000.

Organiser Carla Williams continued: "I want to say thank you to everyone who has signed up this year.

"The numbers that have signed up is better than I thought and I suspect we’ll get a few more on the day.

"If you missed the deadline and haven't signed up, you can still still come along and sign up on the day. My only advice would be get there early.";

The event starts outside Hoylake Community Centre in Hoyle Road at 11am.

Participants will follow a course along the promenade, dropping off the Meols embankment for a short distance, through the car park by Leasowe Lighthouse and back onto the embankment towards Leasowe Castle Hotel.

At the 5k marker, runners return back along the same route.

Putting them under starters orders last year was Wirral West MP Esther McVey.

First man to cross the line was James Mulvaney, 33, who finished in 34 minutes, 46 seconds.

First woman to finish was Lisa Grantham, from Wirral Athletics Club, in 37 minutes, 58 seconds.

More details about the Wednesday Club or Soft Play Sensory Resource are from www.wsnc.co.uk