THE Rainford 10k race which was launched to remember a teenager who died after he was hit by a car on the East Lancs returns this October.
The Rainford 10k will once again be held in the village to give the community a chance to raise money for charity while remembering teenager George Faulkner, who died aged just 17 in October 2008 after being hit by a car while crossing the East Lancs Road near the junction with Windle Island.
The former Rainford High student is fondly remembered and the school staff, Interserve and students have again offered support over and above expectations while allowing use of the school areas as the race base.
George Faulkner
The event is again being organised by BeUrBest, a local organisation headed by St Helens TRI club Head Coach Terry Bates, working closely in association with Rainford High Technology College, which is also the finishing gantry for the race.
Former rugby league player Barrie McDermott will be starting the race to kick proceedings off on Sunday, October 6.
BeUrBest said: "We were delighted with the response last year, with just over 400 runners in the main race.
"This year we are having to compete for entries with the Ormskirk 10k being on the same day.
"We had some great feedback from last years changed race route. This now makes best use of the Rainford Linear paths and trails as well as the roads to minimise the disruption to residents for the relatively short duration of the road race. This meant we had a new course record set by James Wootton. Our 2017 winner and now a joint sponsor Mathew Crehran of ‘Made to Run’ hopes to regain his title as our first double winner of the George Faulkner memorial Trophy.
"Runners who enter the Rainford 10K will be helping not only themselves but also improving the lives of those needing help."
The event's chosen charities are Henshaws, TCF and Tommy’s – and we hope to help them all with your continued support. We also work with and support the Oliver King Foundation and the Steve Prescott Foundation (SPF).
"We apologise to any residents that may be inconvenienced for a short period during certain times and encourage all to support or even volunteer to assist with the many responsibilities that the race presents.
"Support and Cooperation is greatly appreciated.
"There will be music and a carnival atmosphere to greet all finishers crossing the line, along with refreshments, stalls and activities for all the family and supporters."
Last year's Rainford 10k
A 1k fun run for all ages will be held within the grounds of Rainford High School before the main event (children aged under four must be accompanied by an adult).
“As the race organiser and part of the BeUrBest team promoting and staging the event, we are pleased to have the continued backing of the O2 Rainford business team and the support from Rainford High Technology College,” added event organiser Terry Bates.
“We would also like to thank the local businesses for offering prizes for the race and to the public for the co-operation and support we receive.
"The Golden lion, The Star, The Bottle and Glass, The Derby Arms, Blacks Garage and The Junction are all supporting us by giving away vouchers as prizes, and the Alpine Podiatry are giving away a free foot massage.
“The course will be starting from Rainford High School, and will be marshalled and traffic-free for the duration.
“It will utilise distance markers, accurate timing, halfway water station, on-course action photographs and more.
“We are also looking for volunteers for marshalling.
“Applicants (previous experience not necessary for some areas though preferred for others) should go to terry@beurbest.com.”
- For anyone thinking about entering go to therainford10k.co.uk or beurbest.com The winner will see their name scribed on the George Faulkner Memorial Cup and can be proud of having supported fantastic causes.” St Helens TRI members will be helping as volunteers and marshalls for the Rainford 10K. The event will also support and raise awareness to a number of other charities, including The Oliver King Foundation, which seeks to get defibrillators in schools across the country.
For further information about the event, contact Terry Bates of BeUrBest Ltd and the head coach of the St Helens Triathlon Club on 077990 33323.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here