I’m not sure how I found out about the Sevenoaks Run, Walk Or Push event – I think it popped up online somewhere.
With three different distances on offer – 3K, 5K and 10K – the Sevenoaks Run, Walk Or Push for Dementia aims to raise money for the Sevenoaks Area Dementia Friendly Community Forum, which helps to support local people who are living with dementia. Funding from the 2017/2018 events helped to set up Forget-Me-Not Cafés, a Forget-Me-Notes Singing Group and Dementia-Friendly Cinema Screenings.
My lovely granny (mum’s mum) suffered with dementia for years, and it was equally sad and horrific to witness. When I read about the Sevenoaks Run, Walk Or Push event online, I didn’t hesitate to sign mum and I up to take part in the 5K route, and paid a bargain total of £26 for the both of us. Taking place in the grounds of Knole Park, the route would be hilly and grassy, so moderately challenging, but equally suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Runners could take advantage of a 10% discount in the local ‘Up & Running’ shop, and the event also hosted a number of free running workshops courtesy of the Sevenoaks Ladies Joggers & Oaks Blokes to help prepare for the big day – although sadly I didn’t get chance to take advantage of these benefits.
So on Sunday 12th May, mum and I drove to Sevenoaks and paid the £4 to park in the grounds of Knole Park. From there, it was a short walk to the Start line, where we quickly and easily picked up our running bibs at the registration desk. We didn’t need to use the baggage area or toilets located in Knole House – I left everything in the car.
The weather was warm, dry and perfect running conditions. I was wearing a Primark sports bra with a Runr technical t-shirt, Adidas cropped leggings, and black trainer socks with Nike Air Zoom Fearless Flyknits. I’d had a Beanies coffee with a bowl of Special K for breakfast, and felt really good and ready to run.
The Start line was buzzing with runners, and there was a nice atmosphere with lots of families around. We enjoyed an enthusiastic warm-up before the 5K run started at 11am. I split from mum and ran ahead, and had a fab race – I really enjoyed it. The hills are quite steep in Knole Park and it’s a challenging course – very similar to the Sevenoaks Rotary 10K. It was a beautiful day, and we got quite close to some deer, which was nice. The route was fully signed-posted and marshalled with friendly volunteers, and a manned water stop about half-way.
The Finish line had a good crowd of supporters, plus a professional photographer – the photos are available to buy online at £6 per photo with all profits to charity, which is a really nice touch. I was also handed a bottle of water, banana and canvas shopper bag, which contained leaflets on local services and a pen, lip-balm and trolley-token keyring. An engraved medal with bespoke ribbon was hung around my neck.
I wandered back along the course until I found mum, and then ran with her to the finish line and cheered her on. She absolutely loved the event – we both did – and we would definitely take part again. I’d also recommend it to others 🙂
NEXT UP: Vitality London 10000, Monday 27th May
Laura's footprints 