City News

BRMB announces the return of its twenty-six mile walkathon

Birmingham based radio station BRMB has announced it is bringing back its charity Walkathon after 18 years in response to listener demand.

The 26 mile walk, which will take place on Sunday 6th June, is in aid of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity who supports soldiers who have been severely injured or disabled in war.

Lookers Vauxhall has been confirmed as the headline sponsor for the event with Cadbury World sponsoring the new Junior and Family Walkathon. BRMB’s first Walkathon took place in 1983 and its course followed the initial number 11 bus route, this year it is offering three options depending on age or fitness levels.

A short Walkathon of 6 to 7 miles allows families and young people to take part. Entrants must be aged 11 or over with all 11 to 13 year olds accompanied by a parent or guardian. There is also a Half Walkathon available alongside the full 26 mile route. Entrants wishing to take part in the full Walkathon must be aged 17 or over.

The Walkathon will contain eight checkpoints starting at Kings Heath Park and finishing at Sarehole Mill and will pass Birmingham landmarks including Cadbury World which celebrates its 20th Anniversary this year.

Since the first Walkathon in 1983, the event has raised over £4 million for local charities helping to fund a new wing at Acorns Childrens Hospice, a new lab in the Burns Unit at the old Birmingham Accident Hospital and refurbishments to residential facilities for Birmingham Mencap Charity.

Andy Price, Regional Marketing Manager at BRMB said:
“We wanted to bring back the popular Walkathon after such a long absence because it is a great community event that brings everyone together to raise money for a charity close to the hearts of local people.

“The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity provides care for injured soldiers throughout their rehabilitation helping them to really live again. BRMB are proud to raise money for its cause through the Walkathon.”

For more information about the BRMB Lookers Vauxhall Walkathon including how to sign up please visit www.brmbwalkathon.co.uk.