Biggest ever turnout for Mad March Hare 3

There were lots of bunny ears in evidence and rabbit painted faces, as well as rabbit suits and batman costumes, at the third Mad March Hare on Sunday 7 March.

Taking place in gloriously sunny weather, 720 entrants ran, walked and pushed baby buggies around a 5km or 10km route from and back to Greendown School in Grange Park, through part of West Swindon and Lydiard Park. Along the way 80 volunteers helped participants find their right route.

£9,000 was raised in 2008 was raised for Breakthrough Breast Cancer (Wiltshire), and £12,000 last at last year's event. Organisers hope to see a much higher total from Sunday.

Christine Gilliard from Middleleaze said she had just been diagnosed with breast cancer but was taking part in the Mad March Hare because it was organised by Swindon volunteers. “I’ve not started treatment yet so I decided to help Breakthrough whilst I’ve got the energy. It’s lovely to see so many people you know taking part, and also knowing that nearly everybody running or walking – and organising – is from Swindon.”

After its third year – since a group of women decided to organise an event to remember Irene Hare, who died from breast cancer in 2006 – the organising committee is now wondering if the event has to be moved to a more open site with more car parking, changing facilities and toilets.

Organising committee member Mandy Martin said the group wanted to thank Swindon magazine and swindonlink.com for all the publicity and support which has been given since before the first Mad March Hare in 2008. “Thank you for your continued support and generosity – it is very much appreciated.”

Photos from the event can be viewed and purchased via www.madmarchhare.org.uk

 

If you took part organisers are keen to receive your sponsorship money as soon as possible so that the grand total can be announced.