THE COUNTDOWN to one of the zaniest fundraising races in Swindon’s charity calendar has officially begun.

An incredible 150 people hopped over to the Swindon Town Football Club on Wednesday to kick off fundraising for the Mad March Hare 2014 at a fun quiz.

More than £1,100 was collected at the event, which saw 22 teams send their brain cells into overdrive to take their group to victory.

The Mad March Hare, which is held in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer Wiltshire, launched in 2008.

It was a bumper year this year with more than 600 joggers, runners and walkers setting off on the 5km and 10km routes, which start and finish at Lydiard Park Academy, in Grange Park. Organisers are hoping to surpass last year’s £13,772 grand total and attract even more challengers next March.

“We are upping the ante next year,” said Kathy Doyle, a member of the organising team.

“We have had some additional fundraising ideas. “It’s all for such a great cause and we are trying to go from strength to strength.

“The quiz night was our first event and it was just brilliant. We had a raffle and some games. It was a great start.”

The mad dash will return on Sunday, March 23 and promises to be as popular as ever.

“There is something in it for everyone,” Kathy said. “You can walk it, jog it or run it. It’s a fun event for the family and a very unique community event.

“I’m hoping even more people join this year.”

Now in its seventh year, the fun run has collected £60,000 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer Wiltshire.

The 5km or 10km routes will take participants around a circular route in West Swindon and Lydiard Park.

Breakthrough Breast Cancer is the UK’s leading charity dedicated to stopping women dying from breast cancer.

To sign or volunteer at the event go on www.madmarchhare.org.uk, email info@madmarchhare.org.uk or call 0845 6808064.

For more information about Breakthrough Breast Cancer visit www.breakthrough.org.uk.