Happy New Year to all you fabulous runners and marshals out there. We hope you are managing to run safely – alone or in pairs – maybe finding time to explore new local routes and trails. As I am sure you can appreciate 2020 was an enormously challenging year for all race organisers and 2021 does not look like it’s going to be any better in terms of mass participation events. With this in mind we have decided not to organise any events this year but to look ahead with renewed optimism and vigour to 2022 in the hope that our world will be a safer and more enjoyable place.
A goodbye from Alison…
Hannah and I first started working together many years ago when we set up Bourn To Run to raise much needed funds for our children’s primary school. We then went on to set up hoohaah in November 2011 delivering our first run at Wimpole in 2012. Since then, we have increased the number of events we put on each year as well as offering a variety of venues. A change in my personal circumstances meant that I decided to step down from hoohaah back in January 2020 intending to hang up my hi-viz jacket after our last event of the year in October 2020. Never in my wildest dreams did I think my last year of putting on events would be virtual! I had hoped to meet up with our runners this year; many of whom have become friends and trusted colleagues especially those that have offered assistance to us as marshals and helpers over the years. Your kindness and generosity of spirit has been very much appreciated. It has been a real pleasure to share in our runners’ ambitions and goals and I remember those that took on the challenge of running a 10k or half marathon for the first time every bit as much as those that won prizes. The community spirit has all contributed to the feeling of a hoohaah ‘family’ with many of you returning time and time again to take part in our runs. This spirit has extended through 2020 with many of you supporting us by taking part in our virtual runs.
Having been a runner myself for many years some of you might know I suffered from back problems a few years ago and then, last year, a bad ankle break meant I have been unable to run myself any longer. I have switched to two wheels instead which I suspect is the way of many a retired runner! Having loved being part of the running community for so many years it is not without a lot of sadness that I step down from putting on events especially since I have been unable to say goodbye to you all in person.
On a personal level, Hannah and I have been putting on runs for over 10 years and in that time, with your help, have raised over £100,000 for a variety of charities. I am enormously proud and grateful to everyone that helped make that happen. Hannah and I have worked well together over the years playing to our individual strengths and I know I am leaving hoohaah in very safe and capable hands.
Wishing you a healthy and Happy 2021.
