RUNNERS are being called to line-up for a colourful tribute to Worcester student Joel Richards.
The tenth Run for Joel takes place on Sunday (June 7) through Sandwell Valley Country Park. Runners, walkers and even dogs can take part in either a 5km or 3km with an optional colour run thrown in.
Participants can cover themselves in environmentally friendly paint powder, creating a rainbow of unique colours to run in.
The event is raising cash for charity Smile for Joel, which was set up to remember University of Worcester student Joel Richards.
Joel was a cherished member of the community when, at just 19, he became the youngest victim of the Sousse massacre in 2015, in which his uncle and grandfather were also killed.
Since then, the charity set up in his memory has raised thousands of pounds to support families who are victims of terrorism and murder. His mother, Suzanne Richards, has been awarded an MBE and a Pride of Britain Award for her work with the charity.
Suzanne said: “This is the tenth Run for Joel we’ve done. It’s always a brilliant event. We love seeing families come along and do the shorter run together; there’ll be families walking it and running it, people bring their dogs along and we even see kids on bikes, it’s just wonderful.”
The day begins at 9am, with the 5km beginning at 10am and the 3km beginning at 11am.
Suzanne added: “Before we set off, the runners take a sachet of paint powder and we throw it in the air to cover ourselves in bright and vivid colours. Not everyone gets colourful; some runners don’t want to get paint on their best running shoes so they just cheer on from the side.”
BBC WM personality Daz Hale will be there, as will a local singer to add to the atmosphere.
Visit smileforjoel.com/event-details for more information.
