Businesses are backing Ludlow's 12k Fitfest (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Businesses are backing Ludlow's 12k Fitfest

7:10am Thursday 30th August 2012 in News By Mark Bowen

LUDLOW businesses have been racing to support a running event expected to attract thousands of people into the town.

A host of shops, pubs and restaurants have signed up to a scheme to provide runners with a 12 per cent discount after the Ludlow 12k Fitfest event takes place on September 23.

The event, starting and finishing inside Ludlow Castle, in aid of Severn Hospice, will also offer an evening of stand-up comedy, including a performance by Inbetweeners star Greg Davies.

"Everybody has been so supportive.

Without even thinking about it businesses have said they think it's a good idea," said Jon Bruford, one of the organisers.

"Nearly every business open in Ludlow on a Sunday is involved in the discount scheme."

The list now consists of Castle Lodge Buttery, Aragons, Silver Pear, Gifts and Chocolate, Broad Bean, Rose and Crown, the Church Inn, The Wine Bar (formally Ego's), the Charlton Arms, Kaboodle, Bakers in Town Street, the French Pantry, Mistral in King Street, Pye Powder, Chocolate Gormet, the Bull Ring Tavern, the Compasses, the Chang Thai Restaurant, and Ludlow Food Centre, which has selected the Severn Hospice as its chosen charity.

"When people finish the race they can go to any of these places as many times as they like and get the 12 per cent off anything they buy," said Jon.

Running sessions, held by Jon in preparation for the race, have been especially popular with women.

"We are getting new people every week but mostly we are getting the response from women," said Jon. "We are trying to teach them good habits so they are exercising the right muscles before they run."

The Fitfest aspect of the event will see open air mass zumba, yoga, and Pilates. There will also be guest speakers and book signings.

Another comedian, former Big Breakfast star Paul Tonkinson, has been added to the comedy evening in the castle's outer bailey.

Orleton singer/songwriter George Barnett, who is headlining, will take to the stage after the comedians.

The bill includes former Ludlow School and Ludlow College student Toby Hadoke, Dan Nightingale and former TV presenter Holly Walsh.

Fund-raising is being organised through the Joel’s Wish charity.

This was set up in memory of Ludlow teenager Joel Lawrence who died from stomach cancer.

Joel spent several weeks at the Severn Hospice in Shrewsbury after he became terminally ill.

Visit ludlow12k.co.uk or email jonbruford@yahoo.co.uk for more information.