NEWCASTLE FALCONS JOIN THE STAMPEDE
Newcastle Falcons have joined forces with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and Newcastle Racecourse to encourage runners of all abilities to take part in the fourth annual Newcastle Stampede on 13 October and join the fight against heart disease.
The event, which involves tackling various obstacles across a 10k cross-country course, has had a record number of registrations this year and is expected to sell out before the end of the month.
Falcons are supporting the event by encouraging fans to sign up. BHF volunteers will also be handing out flyers and collecting much needed funds before Friday’s opening game against Bath.
Falcons Community Director Melanie Magee said: “We’re thrilled to be involved with this event. Our players are used to getting wet and muddy on a weekend so it’s great to encourage our fans to do the same for a good cause.”
The course has been designed by local bootcamp company the Outdoor Fitness Company. Obstacles range from the Haybail Hurdle, Sheepdip Valley and the ODFC Water Wipeout before runners face the Gladiator Gauntlet – a fearsome line-up of rugby players with pads.
Melanie continued: “There will be at least one Newcastle Falcons player defending the Finish line! It’s going to be a fantastic day and I’d encourage anyone interested to sign up before the event sells out.”
Places for the event are going faster than ever and with just a few weeks to go the BHF is urging people to register now to avoid missing out on a place.
More than 2000 people will take part in the event and help raise much needed funds for essential research to find a cure for heart failure as part of the BHF’s Mending Broken Hearts Appeal. Last year, more than £55,000 was raised.
Carl Jones, Regional Fundraiser for the BHF said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have Newcastle Falcons on board for this event and we’re grateful that they’ve taken time out to support this event on the eve of the exciting new season ahead.
“Heart failure affects more than three quarters of a million people in the UK and over a third will die within a year of diagnosis. Events like this will help fund the research to give hope for a cure.”
To register, visit bhf.org.uk/newcastle or email north@bhf.org.uk for a group entry form. Entry is £26.50 for individuals and £24 each for groups of 10 or more.
