More than 70 runners took on RunDevon in September to raise money and awareness for the brilliant work of local charity Young Devon.
The event smashed the charity’s £15,000 fundraising target, raising nearly £19,000 to support young people at risk of homelessness, struggling with their mental health or those needing help to get into education and work.
This figure has far exceeded previous years, and shows that this event is growing year on year, in popularity and support.
The popular RunDevon festival of running celebrated the work of the local Devon-based charity, and gave runners of all abilities an event to remember! Set along the scenic Route 27 from Ilfracombe to Plymouth, participants were able to choose between a number of run challenges, from nine, 15, 25, 34 or an astounding full distance of 92 miles.
The well-organised event kept runners fed and safe, as they progressed along a scenic Devon route. Once completed, each runner was rewarded with a sustainable wooden medal, T-shirt and Young Devon water bottle.
Photography and drone footage (captured by Mike Lister Photography) recorded the event, and showcased Devon as one of the most beautiful places to run in England.
Young Devon provides support to over 3,500 young people each year, with a range of services, including skills development, wellbeing support, mentoring and accommodation.
The charity is a vital lifeline for many young people, and the funding raised by RunDevon will help provide the extra support needed, as demand for services following the pandemic continues to be at an all time high.
Young Devon provides a holistic package, which enables young people to develop pathways to independence; helping them to create safe and secure shelters, and ensuring that young people gain the skills to succeed in adulthood.
Andrew Moreman, Chief Exec of Young Devon said: “The support for this event has been overwhelming. At Young Devon we are always grateful when local people and businesses feel passionate enough to donate to the work we do with young people and make a difference to young people living within our communities. Thank you!”
Ollie Jackman, sponsor and runner, added: “RunDevon has been a fantastic event to be involved with. The running is fun and rewarding, but the real joy is seeing a growing group of people enjoying themselves and helping ramp up the volume for Young Devon.
“The community spirit of the weekend is unlike anything else. I’m really excited to see RunDevon grow again next year!”
RunDevon would not be possible without the amazing support received every year from the local business community. The generous corporate sponsors this year were Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, JensonR+, Eloquent Technologies, YGS Landscapes, DCUK, Agile Comms, Cutec, Insight6, Mountain Top Accountants, Total Quality Recruitment, Sandler South West, Two Moors Finance, FUEL Communications and Nash & Co.
If you would like to support the work of Young Devon, donate to their services or be part of RunDevon 2023, please email marketing@youngdevon.org or call 01752 691511.
Alternatively, you can find out more about the local charity at www.youngdevon.org.
