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It’s a case of “the more, the merrier” as a fundraising event in aid of mental health charities gets ready for its second staging.
The Run for Kezia is held in memory of Kezia Mason, who took her own life in March 2022, and organisers are hoping that the R4K Mark II will attract a bumper crowd of participants on Sunday 10 September.
The inaugural run attracted 650 entrants last year – with capacity for the 2023 edition to surpass that number when it takes place on Sunday 10 September, and a looming deadline for those who want the matching t-shirt.
Kezia's father Rob said the run, which raised £20,000 last year, would play a huge part in swelling the coffers of a charitable fund set up in his daughter's memory.
Started by her brother Ben in the months after her death, Kezia's Fund surpassed £100,000 earlier this year and has recently – in partnership with the Jersey Community Foundation – began distributing grants to organisations working to help combat mental health challenges.
Pictured: Kezia Mason died aged 14 in March 2022
Mr Mason said: “We've had more than 25 applications for grants from a wide variety of charities, so we have seen both the need and the great work that can be done.
“This year's event will enable more of this work in supporting and improving the mental health of Jerseys young people.”
Race director Alex Ruddy said the intention was to get as many runners as possible signed up by 25 August, the deadline for those taking part to get their R4K t-shirt.
She said: “The event is only a few days after the start of the new term, so we don't want to leave it until schools are back to get the word round, and hope to get a real buzz around the event over the coming weeks.
“It's a really inclusive event – people can run or walk, they can bring their dogs or baby buggies and there are three distances of 10k, 5k and 2k.”
Several babies took part in the 2022 event as they were pushed around the course by parents, while at the opposite end of the spectrum, Kezia's grandmother Gaynor Thomas also laced up her walking shoes.
Further details about the event and how to register are available at here.
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