Brighton's Run2Music returns with new scootathlon
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Described as ‘Brighton’s most colourful and entertaining fun run’ the event includes a 5k, 10k, half marathon.
New this year is the scootathlon, which is especially for children aged three to eight years old.
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Hide AdJohn Lunt, the race director, says: “Brighton Run2Music lends itself to offer children a race too. It’s fantastic seeing the really young ones taking part. Multi-sport such as Scootathlon requires multiple skills and encourages determination, but most importantly, it’s an extremely fun way to keep youngsters healthy and active.
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“It is also great seeing them get so excited about racing with their friends”.
He continues: “We are expecting more than 120 to race in the Scootathlon and be part of a great, family fun day out at Brighton Run2Music”.
2020 will be the third year for Run2Music which has grown exponentially in the last two years. In 2019, it saw over a thousand runners take part.
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Hide AdAs a fully inclusive event, it offers a day of fancy dress fun, a live DJ playing music on speakers which line the course, dance acts and an entertaining warm up.
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The event has also recently announced Jason Walker, 40, as its LGBTQ+ ambassador.
Jason is a transgender athlete who started transitioning seven years ago, but identified as non-binary until a year ago when he decided to start living full time as male.
“I was born and raised in South Africa and moved to the UK 17 years ago. I started transitioning socially in 2012 and medically at the end of 2018.
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Hide Ad“I started running in 2010, open water swimming in 2011 and decided to try my hand at triathlons in 2010.
“Being active and challenging myself has increased my self-confidence and helps alleviate my depression and anxiety, it also helps me cope with my gender dysphoria.”
Jason is excited to be the event’s ambassador.
“Brighton is an amazingly diverse and inclusive city, and I enjoy taking part in the sporting events here because I feel welcome and safe.”
Race director John says: “We aim to make all our events as inclusive as possible.
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Hide Ad“Jason competed as male for the first time last year at the Brighton and Hove Triathlon where he did really well so we thought he would make the ideal LGBTQ+ambassador for Brighton Run2Music.
“Jason has such a positive outlook on life and is very open about who he is and his involvement in sport.”
Jason’s aim with running as an openly trans athlete is to raise money for the LGBTU Youth Charity AllSorts, but he also wants to encourage other trans athletes to take part in sporting events.
“I’m excited to be taking part in the event for the first time.
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Hide Ad“I’ll be completing the half marathon distance while wearing my Trans Lives Matter running vest as I want to represent the trans community in a positive way.”
As for how his training is going Jason says: “I need to step up my game a bit. It’s so much easier to stay dry and warm indoors than it is to go out and run but I think it will be a really fun event.”
All the races start under the arches on Maderia Drive at 11am on Saturday, May 30 and all the races are chip timed.
The scootathlon comprises of a scoot, a bike and a run and the distances vary depending on the child’s age.
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Hide AdParticipants are encouraged to dress up as their favourite movie star, character or a singer.
John says: “Brighton Run2Music is a great event for families who can run with their toddlers in buddies or together as a fundraising team.
“Last year we had runners dressed as the Pink Ladies from Grease, many colourful wigs, Freddie Mercury, Madonna and the Hungry Caterpillar.
“It caters for all ages and abilities with the 5k, 10k and half marathon.”
The event takes place on May 30.
For more on charity AllSorts, visit www.allsortsyouth.org.ukTo enter one of the Brighton Run2Music events, visit www.brightonRun2Music.com
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