MORE than 500 intrepid runners and walkers braved the rain to take on the Kelly’s Cross Country Challenge held at prestigious Loseley Park for the second year running.

Kelly’s Storage Charity Events organised the event and covered all costs so every penny given went directly to Challengers, which provides play and leisure opportunities for local disabled children.

There were five-kilometre and 10-kilometre runs and walks, with the major challenge of a half marathon.

A highlight of the day was the dedicated children’s event, with 49 youngsters taking part. They were thrilled to get up on stage and receive their medals and certificates.

Moira Martin, director of Kelly]s Storage Charity Events said “Challengers are an amazing charity that provide a much-needed service in the community.

“We have forged a fantastic partnership with them over the years and are delighted to have raised over £17,000 for them through this event alone.

“We hope that entrants chose our event in preference to others because they realised that 100 per cent of the money they gave really did go to the charity with none at all going towards covering the costs.”

Healthy food was provided at HQ by Robyn’s Nest, free massages were on offer from the Charlotte Ord Academy, and warm-ups to get runners going were led by local instructor Laura Goodsall.

Kelly’s Storage provided free bag drop facilities for coats, bags, keys and even a bike. It also donated a Fitbit Charge to a free prize draw.

A spokesperson for Challengers, added: “We were so excited to see so many people at the Kelly’s Cross Country Challenge and hope that everyone had a fantastic time.

“We are so lucky to have use of such a beautiful venue and I cannot thank Kelly’s Storage Charity Events enough for the continued support they have given Challengers over the last seven years, it makes such an incredible difference to Challengers and the families that we support.

“The £17,510 that has been raised so far is an amazing figure, that could pay for almost 1,000 play hours at one of our Play, Youth or Young Adult schemes.”

To donate visit the team online at charity.kellystor

age.co.uk.