Lending a paw for the Royal Parks Half Marathon

We are encouraging animal lovers across the country to help needy pets and sign up for our running places in the first ever half marathon through central London on Sunday 12 October. 

Celebrity support

The event has already proved popular with runners, with all of the public places now sold out. The Blue Cross has a limited number of running places available to those who sign up to help raise sponsorship for the charity. We are being supported by TV vet Joe Inglis, who will be running the half marathon in aid of The Blue Cross, and training for the race with his dog, Jack. 

The money raised through sponsorship will help to fund the work carried out at the three Blue Cross animal hospitals in London and the thousands of homeless animals cared for by the charity at its rehoming centres each year.

Fantastic support

Blue Cross senior events officer, Tracey Chittock says: "We're delighted to be a part of this race - the response from supporters has been fantastic so far.  We'd really like to encourage anyone thinking about taking part to sign up for a Blue Cross place as the sponsorship raised will go a long way to help the animals in our care. The money raised from running just one mile will fund life-saving vaccinations for a kitten in our care*.

Starting and finishing in Hyde Park, The Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon will be a fantastic event for runners and spectators alike, encompassing the surrounding beauty of St James's Park, Green Park and Kensington Gardens as well as iconic London landmarks, such as Buckingham Palace, Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. 

Once signed up as part of The Blue Cross team, runners will be provided with a pack crammed with top tips on training and preparation for the big day, plenty of fundraising ideas, a running vest and an invitation to an exclusive post race reception, where runners can enjoy a soothing massage and celebrate with the rest of the team.

• More on the Royal Parks half marathon

01 May 2008