St Michael’s Church in Middlewich partnered with their local running group (Run Middlewich) to organise a charity half-marathon event on Sunday 27 June 2021. Primarily it was to raise funds for the charities which St Michael’s has committed itself to support but it was also an opportunity, now that Covid restrictions are easing, to reach out and make connections with the community.
The Rector, Simon Drew said: "It has been a very difficult 18 months for charity fundraising so we were looking for a way to kick-start the process again. The half-marathon was my wife’s idea, and yes she was one of the runners. We saw this as an opportunity to raise some money, but also to step out and engage with our community, bringing people together for a fun event done in Jesus’ name."
In total 47 runners ran the half-marathon, starting and finishing in the churchyard where race registration, first-aid, refreshments, and an open-to-all Messy Church were also based. On the day, the event had raised over £1,500 with donations still drifting in, but perhaps more important are the relationships that have been built with others in the community.
Stuart Eustace, one of the organisers of Run Middlewich, said: "We really hope that we raised lots of money, but for us, it was about more than that. This period has been super difficult for everyone, but the intangible benefits of coming together as a community are at least worth the same as the charitable funds raised. Maybe it was the endorphins kicking in, the smell of bacon helping with the final sprint to the line, the Haribo, or even the sweaty bodies, but there was definitely something brewing in the air. Well done all at St Michael and All Angels.'"
