Chocolate addicts on their marks for fun run – expressandstar.com

Chocolate lovers in the Black Country are in for a sweet treat, as Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice’s ‘Chocolate 5k and 10k’ returns to Sandwell Valley Country Park.

This family-friendly event will see participants race for chocolate, picking up goodies from chocolate stations as they run.

Taking place on Saturday April 18, the Hospice is introducing a 10k route alongside its usual 5k one – giving sweet-toothed runners even more chances to pick up tasty treats.

They’ll be even more goodies at the finish line, where participants will be rewarded with a gooey chocolate pot and commemorative medal – making victory sweet indeed.

This is the second time Birmingham St Mary’s has hosted its chocolate-themed run in Sandwell but it’s the first time that it’s included an extended 10k route. All funds raised from the run will go towards the Hospice, which provides vital care and support to people living with life-limiting illness across Sandwell and Birmingham.

Laura Nash, events manager at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “Whether you’re into running or you just love chocolate, the Chocolate 5k and 10k is a great family-friendly event which allows you to enjoy tasty treats whilst you burn off the calories. This year, we’re excited to introduce our first-ever 10k route in Sandwell, giving our more sweet-toothed runners extra opportunities to pick up chocolate as they notch up the distance.”

The Chocolate 5k first began in 2016 and has been recognised as one of the best fun runs in the country, picking up bronze in the fun run category at the national Running Awards.

Laura added: “Although our chocolate run is a lot of fun, every step you take will make a difference to people living with life-limiting illness across Sandwell and Birmingham. It costs £9 million to fund the Hospice’s vital services – nearly £6 million of which must be raised through generous voluntary donations. That’s why events like the Chocolate 5k and 10k are so crucial, as they enable the Hospice to continue to care for local people when they need it most.”

Registration for the Chocolate 5k and 10k opens at 9.30am, with the tasty fun run starting at 10.30am.Tickets for the 5k cost £16 for adults, £12 for children under 16-years-old, and £2 for children under five. Family tickets, which are for two adults and up to three children, cost £45. Tickets for the 10k cost £20 for adults and £15 for children under 16-years-old.

To find out more or to book your place, visit www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/chocolate-5k-10k-sandwell