Kempton Park welcomed 1,000 runners for the Reunion 5k

The Reunion 5k on May 15^th was organised by London Marathon events as part of the government’s Events Research Programme to stage safe, mass participation events. There were two races held during the day at Kempton with around 1,000 participants and spectators.

Clare Hazell, Manager of the Injured Jockeys Fund’s Oaksey House was among the runners. “To participate, I had to take a lateral flow on the day before the event and a PCR test just before I left.  I will take a further PCR test on Thursday.”

Alongside the testing of logistical factors, the longer-term aim is to help running events return to inspire activity and support people’s mental and physical health.

“I was keen to see how I would get on within a race environment and to do something different to mark mental health week,” added Clare.

“Having worked within the racing industry all my life, the opportunity to take part at a racecourse obviously appealed.  It felt special running around and finishing upsides the statue of Dessie.  I was proud that racing was playing its part in helping running events.

“I have also recently read racing colleague Susannah Gill’s book ‘Running around the world’, which describes how she won the gruelling 7 marathons in 7 days race on 7 continents in 2019.  A truly inspirational and motivational read.”