Organisers of Ludlow 12K hope this is the start of something special (From Ludlow Advertiser)

Organisers of Ludlow 12K hope this is the start of something special

8:00am Thursday 27th September 2012 in News By Adrian Kibbler

HEAVY rain looked like putting a damper on Ludlow’s newest festival but the town’s Assembly Rooms came up trumps to save the day.

More than 200 runners strode out for an event that may one day rival the Food Festival in Ludlow’s calendar of events.

They were taking part in the Ludlow 12K that is raising money for the Severn Hospice that provides care for the terminally ill.

But as well as raising money the event also set out to raise fitness levels and a laugh.

The run set out from Ludlow Castle and returned there taking in country lanes, local roads and the beautiful Earl of Plymouth Estate on the way.

Being in Ludlow it was impossible to avoid hills but top runners were at the finishing line in about 45 minutes although many others took a lot longer although it did not matter.

On completing the run people were given a commemorative coin that entitled them to a 12 per cent discount in pubs, restaurants and shops in Ludlow taking part in the initiative.

Runners and visitors also had the chance to meet with Rosie Swale Pope who ran round the globe and was signing her book Just a Little Run Around the World.

The charity being supported provided care to Ludlow teenager Joel Laurence who died at the age of just 19 having been diagnosed with stomach cancer.

Throughout the day there were activities in the grounds of the castle aimed at encouraging people to get fit including zumba dancing and archery.

But these had to be curtailed by the onset of heavy rain that soon turned the castle into a pond.

It has looked as if the rain would wipe the smiles of the faces of everyone by forcing the cancellation of an evening of comedy in the castle.

But the Assembly Rooms came to the rescue and the show hosted by Toby Hadoke went ahead in doors.

It was standing room only for funny men and women Dan Nightingale, Holly Walsh, Paul Tonkinson and Greg Davies.

“We hope that this can become an annual event supporting good causes and helping to put Ludlow on the map,” said Jon Bruford, one of the organisers.

“The Assembly Rooms was just fantastic and within two hours of asking them it was all sorted. We had not set anything up as a plan B so it was just remarkable.”

“I want to thank everyone who has made this possible including our sponsor Wenlock Spring.”