More than 130 people – from toddlers through to senior citizens – joined the BAPS Annual 10K Challenge in Birmingham on Sunday 24 April 2016.
The charity Challenge organised by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) brought together more than 3,000 enthusiastic participants from towns and cities across the UK for a fun and healthy way to raise money for various worthy causes and local charities.
The funds from this year’s event will go towards BAPS’s multifarious educational, community and spiritual activities serving children, youths, families and the elderly.
Previous national partners, under the auspices of BAPS and BAPS Charities, have included the British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK, Breast Cancer Care, Age UK, Barnardo’s, KIDS, The Anthony Nolan Trust, and Macmillan Cancer Support. Locally, in the past, the Challenge has helped Acorns Children Hospice, St Mary’s Hospice, and Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
The event kicked off shortly after 11am from BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Hall Green.
After the opening ceremony, walkers, joggers and runners moved along the route through the city.
Sima Shingadia, a participant, shared, “Both my 3-year-old daughter and I enjoyed the day along with other mothers and children. The fact that we raised funds for a good cause while doing something enjoyable made it even more worthwhile.”
One of the lead volunteers for the event, Rishi Parekh, added: “The 10K Challenge is an annual event where we have the opportunity to give back to the community. We’re very thankful to all those who take part and volunteer their services for making this a safe and enjoyable experience for so many.”