Hilly Helmet Challenge raises thousands for charity

THE Hilly Helmet Challenge, which was started five years ago by Dilton Marsh resident Robin-Mark Schols to raise money for the Brain Tumour Support charity, went ahead this year on the 11th August at the Leighton Recreation Centre. 

Organisers said, “175 enthusiastic runners signed up for this year’s running of The Hilly Helmet Challenge.  The annual event is organised by Robin-Mark Schols, a keen runner himself, and based on his own experience of having to wear a helmet for almost a year after having part of his skull removed following an operation to address a brain infection. During this time, he was able to get back to running, though wearing the helmet while doing so was quite challenging, giving him the idea of trying to make it a charity fundraiser. 

“It was clearly a popular one and enjoying its’ 5th year, the fun run once again encouraged runners to take part in a helmet of their own design to raise funds for the charity Brain Tumour Support, with a prize for the best one. Robin-Mark was unable to hold the event last year due to Covid-19 restrictions but adapted the event so people could still run in their own neighbourhood and still support the charity during a very tough year for all charities. It received a great response with 160 participants signing up for the virtual running in 2020. 

“Hilly Helmet received rave reviews from those who took part and won an industry recognised award for runners’ feedback in 2019 from the website Racecheck. Runners were very pleased to see the event return on the night in 2021 and a good night was had by all, with the recreation centre and cricket club pulling out the stops to add to the enjoyment with their involvement on the night, with a bar and barbecue. 

“The route heads out of Leighton down Wellhead Lane onto Wellhead Drove and up the bridleway to the Imber Range Path before heading down Short River and along the hangings, under the beeches and back down the bridleway towards the recreation centre, a total of around 4 miles. 

“First man was Ed Knudsden who dressed as a Viking for his run, completing the course in a sprightly 26.03. First lady was Beth Francis with a time of 32:43. Robin-Mark, 59, also ran and completed in 33:06. 

“The best helmet prize was won by Corsham runner David Mackie, a five-time runner of the event, with a helmet sporting a peacock. The choice was made by relatives of David Griffiths, a local runner who lost his battle with cancer last year and who was a stalwart supporter of Hilly Helmet. 

“The event raised over £2,000 and was boosted with a further corporate donation of $2,500 US which was secured by Chippenham runner Mark Barnett. This takes the fund raising for Brain Tumour Support to close to £20,000 over the 5 years. 

“The event is planned to take place again on August 10th 2022, please watch our social media feeds on Facebook and Twitter for further details, or visit www.orangehelmetevents.org.uk”