SWINDON charity SEQOL has saved the Swindon Half Marathon by agreeing to organise this year’s event.

The popular race, which has raised thousands of pounds for charities since it was revived 12 years ago, had been threatened with cancellation when the British Heart Foundation pulled out after two years in charge.

At a meeting called by Swindon Borough Council, SEQOL agreed to take over the organisation of the race, set to take place on October 11.

It will work with a host of other organisations in the town, including the Swindon Advertiser, Save The Children, Greenwich Leisure Limited, Cadence Events Limited, Heart and Total Swindon.

SEQOL, based at the North Swindon District Centre in Thamesdown Drive, is a charity that provides community health and adult social care services, including supported employment, to people in Swindon.

Chairman Michelle Howard said staff had seen the story about BHF pulling out in the Adver.

“We saw an opportunity to get involved because this is a really great community event for people to get involved in and there is a real benefit for local organisations. We want to protect that for people.”

She added: “We at SEQOL charity are keen to play a part in an event that reflects our values of helping people to live their lives to the full, and to remain as fit and well as they can.

“This event has made a big difference to local charities since it began and it is wonderful that charities and businesses across Swindon have come together with such positivity and enthusiasm to make it happen.

“We hope more people than ever will join in to show their support.”

The charity is sitting down with the organisations it is working with to discuss how to fund the event, which attracted 1,500 runners last year. Michelle said: “We have already had offers of support, financial and services in kind. Part of our role is to secure that commitment.”

Swindon Advertiser editor Gary Lawrence said: “We’ll be doing all we can to support this fantastic event. It is wonderful that SEQOL has stepped up to take on the leadership. This is far too important an event to let it lapse. The money it raises for good causes around the area is so badly needed.”

As well as the half marathon, the charity wants to keep the popular fun run and multi-terrain race. It will look at making all three more inclusive, which could mean an event for people with disabilities or finding a way to get them involved in the three events.

The charity will also be looking for feedback from runners and spectactors about all aspects of the race, including the route.

Details on registration will be finalised in the next few weeks.

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