Health and wellbeing charity The Running Bee Foundation has announced a new race and legacy fund in honour of its late ambassador, Dr Ron Hill MBE. 

The Dr Ron Hill Accrington 10K (previously Accrington 10K) is now a part of The Running Bee Foundation’s event portfolio and will take place on Sunday 14 August in the heart of the former Olympian’s birthplace. 

The race will start and finish beside two of Accrington’s historical landmarks, the beautiful grade II listed Accrington Town Hall and Market Hall. The route will pass both May Hill Close (dedicated to Ron’s wife) and Ron Hill Way, in commemoration of the international running legend who settled in Hyde and ran his own business in the town. 

Alongside the race, The Running Bee Foundation is announcing a brand new fund named ‘Dr Ron Hill MBE Legacy Fund’. The Fund will be operated by the Foundation and offer grants to support young athletes and athletic clubs in Tameside and Accrington. 

Grants will be received and reviewed by the Hill Family and The Running Bee Foundation trustees and awarded annually. The inaugural grant presentation will be awarded at a ceremony in July, 2023. 

Running Bee Chair of Trustees Jan Collins said: “Ron Hill is a running legend in the eyes of so many, his legacy deserves special recognition and The Running Bee Foundation wanted to deliver meaningful initiatives that not only remind us of Ron but helps others to follow in his stride. 

“We have worked closely with Ron’s family to arrange the activation of the legacy fund and we are excited to be opening applications for young athletes in need of support to reach and achieve their sporting goals.’’ 

“The Dr Ron Hill Accrington 10K will drive The Running Bee Foundation’s mission to encourage an active, healthier and happier lifestyle, and we hope to inspire the community to get involved.’’ 

To encourage everyone to be a part of the inaugural race, The Running Bee Foundation will be offering all 10K sign ups a free entry to its MyFirst™ Mile initiative for family and friends.  

MyFirst™ Mile is dedicated to anyone looking to start their fitness journey and take their first step towards an active, healthy, and happy lifestyle. 

To sign up to run in the Dr Ron Hill Accrington 10K, visit The Running Bee Foundation website https://www.runningbeefoundation.co.uk  

Details on how to apply for a grant from the Dr Ron Hill MBE Legacy Fund will be announced in due course via The Running Bee Foundation website.