WITH less than one month until the Colchester Half Marathon, its organisers are on the hunt for willing volunteers.

The annual race, a flagship event in the city’s calendar, will bring together thousands of runners of all abilities to run 13.1 miles around Colchester’s historic sights.

An event of this size just wouldn't happen without amazing volunteers giving up their free time, and the organisers are now looking for individuals to ensure the day runs smoothly and everyone has a fantastic time.

Gazette: Huge event - The Colchester Half Marathon wouldn't happen without the support of volunteersHuge event - The Colchester Half Marathon wouldn't happen without the support of volunteers (Image: Happy Days Creative)


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The event is being organised by The Robin Cancer Trust with support from the Running Colchester community, with all proceeds helping fund the charity's life-saving awareness, education and support programmes for young people affected by germ cell cancer.

Its chief executive, Toby Freeman, said: “We’re incredibly proud to bring the Colchester Half Marathon to the people of Colchester.

“If you're able to spare some free time on May 21 to help out, we'd be truly grateful."

Anyone who volunteers at the event will be placed into a prize draw to win an overnight stay with breakfast for two people which has kindly been donated by the Lifehouse Spa in Thorpe-le-Soken.

"Thank you also to Lifehouse Spa and Hotel for kindly donating the overnight stay for the volunteers prize draw," added Toby. 

"The vital funds this event will raise will help us continue our life-saving work across the region – raising awareness of cancers in schools, colleges, and universities; educating, and engaging young people with our cancer campaigns online, and supporting those affected by germ cell cancer during the most difficult time of their lives.”

The Robin Cancer Trust was founded by Toby Freeman after his brother Robin, 24, died from a rare form of testicular cancer.

To sign up to volunteer on the day of the Colchester Half Marathon, visit colchesterhalfmarathon.com/contact.

To find out more about the Robin Cancer Trust head to therobincancertrust.org.