“It was great to see so many people smiling.” Those were the words of a breathless Dovid, aged eight, from Edgware reflecting on the latest Maccabi GB Community Fun Run.
June 12, 2017 08:48
One of those people was the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, who was beaming from ear to ear in an event that featured 2,500 participants, 4,000 spectators and 75 charities from across the community.
Children as young as four ran hand in hand with their parents, and some even alongside their grandparents, at an event that has now become a fixture in many family calendars.
“I can’t believe we have to wait another year to do it all over again,” remarked Adam Shelley, running on behalf of JLGB. “I couldn't be prouder of the most amazing JLGB team one could wish for. The unrivalled team spirit and support was simply sensational with the team raising thousands of pounds.”
Although final figures have yet to be confirmed, there was a great feeling of camaraderie at Allianz Park in north-west London on a day featuring a 1k, 5k run and 5k walk and 10k events. And for the most enthusiastic runners, there was the tri-series a combination of all three.
Rabbi Mirvis got the action under way, on a day of great energy and feel-good-factor.
Frantically side-stepping the buggies and some tiring runners, and cheered on by thousands of spectators, I managed to complete the 5k run in just over 25 minutes. I ran past young, I ran past old and even managed a sprint over the finish line. I had been grabbed by Fun Run fever. I recall Shelley, a fellow Liverpool fan, yelling: “Look for a top-four finish” during the circuit. It was that kind of day.
Former JC reporter Damian Schogger is now something of a Marathon veteran, so he had few issues racing around the 10k course.
“Having covered more than 8,000 miles since taking up running in April 2010, today was probably my proudest running day, seeing my son, Ilan, and daughter, Michal, complete the 10k and 5k respectively,” said Schogger.
Shortly after the 5k the stadium came to a standstill to welcome the Ride4Solidarity with Israel procession, with the leading motorbike carrying the Maccabiah Torch.
The group were greeted by many of the athletes who will represent Team Maccabi GB at the 20th Maccabiah Games in Israel next month.
It was wonderful to see people forge friendships around the track, seeing all sectors of the community come together as one.