20 people dead during sport competition…

Nearly 5,000 take part in Surrey running events
Emily Coady-Stemp – Bbc News, South EastSee more
Sun, 16 Mar 2025, 8:35 pm GMT+1·2-min read

A group of runners sets off from a start line with an inflatable arch in the background and banners and fences along the edge of the road. The sun is shining
Runners took part in the half marathon as well as a 5km event and a junior race [RunThrough]
Nearly 5,000 people took part in running events on Sunday, including a half marathon, organisers have said.

One finisher, Andrew Patterson, thought he would not walk again after he was diagnosed in 2013 with hereditary spastic paraplegia, a disorder that causes weakness and stiffness in the leg muscles.

The former Surrey, Sussex and Ireland cricketer, who completed the 3.1 mile (5km) course, said surgery he had in 2023, along with his hard work in rehab, had given him a “new sense of purpose”.
Events like today, alongside my ongoing journey to walk again, have been critical for my mental health,” he said.
Mr Patterson added: “My message today is one of resilience – no matter the challenges you face, it’s about finding new ways forward and looking at each situation with a fresh perspective.”

As well as the half marathon and 3.1 mile (5km) race, there was a junior race.

PJ Farr, a search technician with Surrey Search and Rescue, said seven team members did the half marathon to fundraise for the charity’s work assisting emergency services finding missing people and responding to major incidents.
He said: “It was a great, well organised event and also a fantastic opportunity for the Surrey Search and Rescue team to raise valuable funds to support our charity.”

Matt Wood, co-founder of organisers RunThrough, said: “The event had an amazing atmosphere and fantastic weather to match.

“A special mention goes to Andrew Patterson, who showed us all what true perseverance looks like and we’re incredibly proud to see so many people running for such a great cause in Shooting Star Children’s Hospice. “‍uhloop