Runners will be hot footing it around Gloucester Park, Basildon, next month to raise cash for the valuable work of Victim Support.

The run, which works out at a strenuous 5km or 3.1 miles, will start at the athletics track of the Basildon Council-owned park at 11am on Sunday, June 13.

The event is being supported by the Basildon Community Safety Partnership and sponsored by Tesco on Basildon's Mayflower Retail Park, Basildon Community Housing Association and Basildon Council.

It has been dubbed a "fun run" with all entries welcome. People can even walk the course if they want.

The money raised will help fund the Basildon and Castle Point Victim Support Scheme which has been in operation for more than 16 years.

During that time, 215 people have given their time and skills freely to help more than 20,000 victims of crime.

That aid has been in the form of support and information to help them deal with their sometimes horrendous experiences.

Each runner will be able to choose if all the money they raise through sponsorship should go to Victim Support or be split between the scheme and their chosen school.

Those who want to run without sponsorship need to pay a fee of £3, although an extra donation would be welcomed.

The first 200 runners to register before Saturday will receive a free T-shirt sponsored by the Basildon Community Housing Association and every finisher will receive a medal sponsored by Tesco.

All entrants must register by 10.30am on the day.

Entry forms are available from reception at the Basildon Centre in St Martin's Square, all the council's sports and leisure centres and from Victim Support on 01268 411770.

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