Springwell hosts the Boom 10K Road Race

Organisers are hoping for even more success than was experienced at this 10K race in previous years.

This annual event is organised to help raise awareness and much needed funding for the Boom Foundation sarcoma charity.

The Boom Foundation was established in 2013, following the death of Philip Wilson from sarcoma. Sarcomas are rare cancers that develop in the supporting or connective tissues of the body such as muscle, bone, nerves, cartilage, blood vessels and fat and around 3,800 new cases are diagnosed each year in the UK. The money raised by Boom is used firstly to provide practical assistance to cancer sufferers and their families, and secondly to support vital research.

Sarcoma is a rare form of cancer, aggressive in nature and difficult to treat. Despite little funding and the increasing numbers of individuals diagnosed, particularly children and young adults, research into this illness is desperately required, so much so that it has become known as the ‘forgotten cancer’. The race and fun run/walk starts and finishes at the University of Ulster sports centre and is staged under Athletics NI rules.

The route is two – laps starting on the Cromore Road, and goes towards Portstewart, back across Dundooan Road, down the Portstewart/Coleraine road, across the Boulevard to Millburn Road, and finally the short incline back up past the University where the second lap commences. Upon completing the circuit, runners will be filtered into the University grounds, under the finish gantry where the after race party and prize giving will be held at the University Sports Centre.

An official from Springwell Running Club has described the route as “fast and flat”, and will be a fun event for runners of all abilities. The route provides a number of strategic vantage points for spectators.

Whether you are a seasoned athlete, a budding fitness fanatic, a keen runner, or a fun runner/walker, we are encouraging you to get into your stride this year by taking part in the Boom 10K. There will be prizes in all categories and both male and female team prizes. Entry forms are available at the Ulster University Sports Centre, or on – line @ www.springwellrunners.com or enter at https://online.athleticsni.org/ps/event/Boom10K2015

Race Director Alison Rankin would like to thank Bathrooms Made for sponsorship of the printed entry forms, and Alan Lindsay of Lindsay Protective Clothing for his generous sponsorship.