As the Nuneaton 5km Fun Run fast approaches this Sunday 22^nd May aiming to raise money for the Mary Ann Evans Hospice, whether you plan to walk, skip or run on the day, Nick Wilson from the Nuneaton Harriers gives some pre-run tips to put those taking part on the right track:

Do :

• Get plenty of rest before the run
• Take a drink along and keep well hydrated with non-alcoholic drinks
• Get-up out of bed a few hours before the start of the fun run if possible to allow your body to wake-up and your muscles to stretch out
• Have a light breakfast of cereal and toast no later than two hours before the start
• Arrive at the start in plenty of time as it may be busy and you don’t want to feel rushed
• The weather is forecast to be sunny – but bring a bin bag with a hole for your head to keep you dry if it rains before the start just in case!
• Be sensible - take up a position at the start line appropriate to your ability as you don’t want to get caught up with the faster runners!
• Start slowly if you don’t normally run or jog
• Most importantly tip of all ENJOY YOURSELF – walk, skip or run it’s your choice!

Don't:

• Drink an excessive amount of alcohol the night before the race
• Sleep in - it is an early race start
• Start faster than you have ever trained

The Fun Run has been organised by the newly formed Nuneaton Town Community Foundation and is sponsored by local company Triton Showers to support the Hospice as it celebrates its 20^th Anniversary helping people from the area.

The 5km Fun Run will start from Riversley Park, work its way around the town centre before ending up back at the Park.

Registration for the 5km Fun Run starts at 9am at the new ‘Louis’ play area, Riversley Park, Nuneaton on Sunday 22^nd May and the run kicks off at 10am. For those with little ones, a ‘Toddler Trot’ around Riversley Park starts at 9.30am.

Anyone can take part but children under 11 years of age need to be accompanied by an adult over 18 years of age. Entry costs just £1 for children and £4 for adults if you register in advance. You can also join in on the day at the cost of £2 per child and £5 per adult.

Steve Farmer, from the Nuneaton Town Community Foundation and organiser of the event said:

“We really want it to be a really fun event for all - if you want to beat the clock and make a run of it that is great but equally if you’d rather take it easy and just make it a walk for all the family, or somewhere in between, that will be just as fantastic. All of the money raised is going directly to the Mary Ann Evans Hospice and the wonderful work they do for the area, so those involved can be sure it is all for a good cause too. The weather is forecast to be warm and sunny and so we hope to see a great crowd joining us in Riversley Park on Sunday morning. ”

For all of the routes and more information visit the Nuneaton Town Community Foundation facebook site: http://www.facebook.com/FollowNHAC