Rowan issues 5km May challenge

April 23, 2021

Cambridge

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that the smallest things can make the biggest impact and there’s no better example of that than Run for Heroes.

That’s the charity which started the famous 5km running challenge during the first lockdown. This year it’s back, and Cambridge-based arts charity Rowan is encouraging its supporters to take part.

The challenge involves completing five kilometres, then donating £5 to charity and inviting five friends to take part. It started as a plan to raise £5,000 for NHS charities at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, but went viral on social media, raising more than £7 million.

After the success of the original fundraiser, the nation is once again being encouraged to get active in the name of charity as lockdown restrictions start to ease.

As the name suggests, it’s all about getting fit and hitting that 5km target. It’s not just about running though – you could walk, roll, skip or even swim your five kilometres if you wish! All that matters is getting your body moving and raising vital funds for Rowan, who support adults with learning disabilities in Cambridgeshire.

After closing the doors to its arts centre in response to the pandemic, Rowan has now opened to students again and is running workshops in a range of creative subjects such a woodwork, ceramics and drama.

“We believe that people living with a disability should have the same choice, quality of life, opportunities and aspirations as others,” explains Des Trollip, Director of Operations at Rowan. “Through a challenge like 5k May, we can raise those vital funds to continue supporting our student artists to live creative, happy and independent lives.”

You can take part on your own or as a group, donate your £5 to Rowan, then nominate five friends or family members to complete their own 5km challenge.

With famous faces like Mo Farah, Ellie Goulding and even Prime Minister Boris Johnson backing previous Run For Heroes challenges, you may even spot a celebrity while out on your 5kMay journey.