The Chocolate 5k Obstacle Rush takes place at Cofton Park where sweet-toothed Brummies will tackle giant inflatables in pursuit of tasty treats
A much-loved charity is challenging local people to take on its Chocolate 5k Obstacle Rush – the only assault course in Birmingham which will see runners tackle giant obstacles for chocolatey goodies.
Organised by Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, the city’s tastiest obstacle course takes place on Saturday 28 September and will see participants climb, slide and jump as they race to pick up their sweet reward at the finish line.
Chocolate enthusiasts will have to take on eight obstacles during the course, including the exhilarating ‘Tipping See Saw’, the ‘Ball Dodge’, and the challenging ‘Wobbly Bridge’ – where entrants have to keep their balance as they race across inflatable bridges.
Alongside the course, there will be music and street food to enjoy, as well as a chance to win prizes with a charity raffle and tombola.
All funds raised will go towards Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, which provides vital care to local people and their loved ones who are living with life-limiting illness.
Rachel Shuttleworth, a triage nurse at Birmingham St Mary’s, took on the Hospice’s first Chocolate 5k Obstacle Rush last year and will taking it on again this year.
She said: “I enjoyed every moment of the Chocolate 5k Obstacle Rush last year and didn’t stop laughing as our team of nurses attempted to jump, climb or dive over the obstacles. If you love a challenge or you’re just in it for the chocolate, the Obstacle Rush is a really fun and tasty way to spend time with loved ones whilst supporting a fantastic local charity.
“I’ve worked at the Hospice for over three years and every day, I feel really proud that I am part of a team who helps people to live well with life-limiting illness. Being part of a local charity is really something special, as you know that the money raised at events like this will help people in your own community.”
This year, all chocolate at the event is kindly donated by high-quality chocolate producer, Ritter Sport. The company’s managing director, Benedict Daniels, said: “At Ritter Sport, we are hugely passionate about partnering with charities to encourage positive change within our societies. We are really excited to support Birmingham St Mary’s Chocolate 5k Obstacle Rush as it is aligned to so many of our core values, in particular, getting active, giving back, and inspiring oneself and others to do good. Our entire team will be participating on the day and whilst we may not break any speed records, we will throw everything we have into making the event a massive success for such a fantastic cause.”
Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice is celebrating 40 years of care across Birmingham and Sandwell this year. When the Hospice first opened in 1979, it could care for 25 people on any given day. Four decades later and the Hospice is supporting over 400 people every day, providing care in people’s homes, in the community, at its Day Hospice facility and at the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit.
It will cost £9 million to run the Hospice’s vital services this year, over 60 per cent of which must come from voluntary donations.
The Chocolate 5k Obstacle Rush opens at 9.30am, with the race taking place in waves from 10.30am to 3pm. Tickets bought in advance cost £26 or £24 per person when booked as a team of five. Prices go up if booked on the day. To book, or to find out more, visit here.
