HARP24 - 100 days to go!
Only 100 days to go until HARP24, our 24 hour running festival. Our preparations are well under way, make sure you don't miss out on this action packed weekend!
What is HARP24?
HARP24 is a 24-hour relay race where solo runners and teams of up to 8 run as many laps as they can from midday Saturday, to midday Sunday, with all the money raised benefiting local people that are homeless. This year’s event takes place on the 24th and 25th of June starting and finishing at Westcliff Rugby Club, Aviation Way.
Our Community Fundraiser, Lisa Walton, was at the event last year, she said “HARP24 is more than just a running event; it’s a spectacular display of community spirit as runners push themselves to the limits and volunteers provide non-stop support to keep morale high, and keep everyone safe and well. The event may only last 24-hours but the benefits to those that are homeless last for some time after the event has finished. The money raised goes on to change people’s lives in ways we cannot comprehend.”
Support local homeless people
We currently provide accommodation for 150 people that have previously been homeless and provide long term solutions to help them move away from the streets for good. Each year HARP24 raises money to help the charity continue to provide essential support and housing for people that might otherwise be on the streets.
Charley's HARP24
Last year’s solo female winner Charley Jennings completed a staggering 98.5 miles as she ran non-stop for 24 hours, but participants are of all ages and abilities. Although Charley spent more time running than resting, she enjoyed the atmosphere and commented on the fantastic time that teams had. Participants spent time between laps by their tents, with music, barbecues, and an abundance of team spirit. This year will be just as enjoyable for all involved and once again raise vital funds to continue the work HARP do within the local community.
Charley understands the complexities of homelessness more than many as she works in a local library and often meets people that are homeless in and around the building. She has spoken with many of them and said “they are everyday people who have just fallen through the cracks. Anyone can get into that situation”. Knowing that participating in this event enables HARP to reach out to hundreds of people affected by homelessness each year blends Charley's love for running and the freedom it gives her with the opportunity to make a difference to those less fortunate. Charley is hoping to hit the 100-mile mark this year and said “I'm a bit nervous, the pressures on!”
If you are interested in either running, volunteering or sponsoring HARP24, visit www.harp24.org.uk or contact Lisa Walton on 01702 615000.
