Runners from all over the country gathered in Wendover Woods on Friday, October 3, 2025, to participate in the highly anticipated Race the Light event. Despite heavy rain earlier in the day, the skies cleared just in time for the launch of this brand-new trail running event.
Hosted by local running race organiser, Runaway Racing, in partnership with the Chilterns Neuro Centre, the event aimed to raise funds to support people affected by MS, Parkinson’s, and strokes. With a capacity crowd of 400 participants, the event was fully booked and managed to raise an incredible £4,000 for the charity.
Located in the picturesque Chiltern Hills and in close proximity to the Chilterns Neuro Centre, the event brought together runners of all ages and abilities. Participants could choose from challenging courses including a 10k or 5k trail and an accessible 1.5k trail suitable for people in wheelchairs.
The headline race, the 10k course, saw fierce competition among the runners, with the following results:
Men’s Winner: Morgan Maxwell from Hillsborough and Rivelin Running Club with a time of 40:03
Women’s Winner: Jodie Digby with a time of 46:16
The 5k race also had exciting finishes:
Men’s Winner: Harry Metherell from Dacorum Athletics Club with a time of 23:01
Women’s Winner: Karina Wells from Fordy Runs Running Club with a time of 28:46
Danielle Medd, Fundraising Manager at the Chilterns Neuro Centre, expressed her gratitude for the community’s support, saying, “This event shows how a sense of community and shared purpose can make a tangible difference in the lives of others. The funds raised will help us to continue to provide life-changing treatments and services to people affected by MS, Parkinson’s, and strokes. Following the incredible success of Race the Light, we anticipate this event will become an annual feature in the charity’s fundraising calendar.”
Chris Bradley, Director of Runaway Racing, also praised the community spirit and the positive impact of the event, stating, “This year’s Race the Light was a real celebration of community spirit, with runners of all abilities taking on the tough and hilly course in support of a fantastic local cause. Events like this not only bring people together in a fun and positive way but also make a real difference by raising vital funds for the Chilterns Neuro Centre.”
A special highlight of the event was the 1.5k accessible route, designed for participants with mobility challenges, including wheelchair users. This ensured that everyone had the opportunity to take part and push their limits.
One of the participants on the accessible route, Sam Purvis, shared his experience, saying, “Race the Light was really inspiring and motivational for me. As someone who was quite sporty and active before I had brain surgery and a stroke, I found it really hard not being able to play sport. I was so pleased at being able to do something for the Chilterns Neuro Centre… and myself. I was buzzing! It proved to me and others that I could do it and brain injuries don’t have to stop you.”
The Chilterns Neuro Centre extended its gratitude to major sponsor Trekinetic, supplier of ultra-light wheelchairs designed for all terrains, and to Runaway Racing for their partnership and instrumental role in the success of the event.
Ed Spindle, Commercial Director at Trekinetic, expressed his delight in supporting the event, saying, “Trekinetic was delighted to support Runaway Racing and the Chilterns Neuro Centre at this year’s Race the Light event. Accessibility and inclusivity are at the heart of what we do, so it was fantastic to see participants of all abilities enjoying the course – including those using our Trekinetic all-terrain wheelchairs on the accessible route. It’s events like this that showcase the power of community, and we’re proud to have played our part.”
To view the full race results, visit runawayracing.com, and to learn more about the Chilterns Neuro Centre and its life-changing work, visit chilternsneurocentre.org.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.