Wednesday, September 16, 2009, 08:57
Rowcroft Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support, the two nominated charities for this year's half marathon, received the pay-out from race director David Hyde.The event took place in June, but David has spent the past few months sorting out all the sponsorship and donations.
David, who presented the money on behalf of Torbay Amateur Athletic Club and the Runners Guide, said: "Overall, the event raised a total of more than £10,000 for these charities and an estimated £50,000 for all charities through sponsorship raised by the runners from all over the UK and abroad who are attracted to this popular event which fills up every year."
Calvin Lovelock, Macmillan's fundraising manager and veteran of the Torbay Half Marathon, was delighted by the money.
He said: 'This is the fifth year Macmillan and Rowcroft have been chosen as the official race charities for this major community event.
"It really is a wonderful boost to the care and support we give to local people affected by cancer and life limiting conditions."
Hannah Simmons, from Rowcroft said: "The Torbay half marathon must have raised tens of thousands for our two charities over the past five years.
"Overall, it is estimated that the event probably generates around £50,000 per annum for charities."
Next year's event — the 20th in its history, being run on June 20 — could be the biggest ever, with an estimated 2,000 runners.
David added: "We have high hopes of improving the course and increasing the field for 2010."
