10 runners ran 12.4km to the Mencap Allotment in Writtle to do some gardening

After a two week break, I was glad to be back with my regular Wednesday run. David, James G *, *Vicky, Paul and myself met at Mildmay gym, and after a quick catch up we got ready for our long run. We saw Ruskin the Rhino approaching from outside, and couldn't resist a photo op!

We started on our way to Writtle, meeting Joel and Rachel near the station, and continuing through the park to our destination.

We were greeted by the welcoming sight of Richard, Catherine and James C in the distance once we got to the allotment site. The plot was dramatically different to the last time we visited in April, with the grass much taller and thicker. With a longer run we only had a short time, so everyone worked hard to clear as much as possible.

We attracted some interest from the other allotment tenants, who lent us some extra gloves, confirmed our suspicions that an edible set of plants were potatoes, and above all were happy to see such a large group of runners working on the allotment.

After posing for a photo with the pink shed we set off back to ARU. We said farewell to Richard and Catherine in Writtle, and dropped James C, Vicky, Rachel and Joel at various points along the way.

As the remainder ran back along Victoria Road, we were surprised by Richard on a bike with cold water and treats! He spurred us on for our last few hundred metres, and James G raced him to the finish. We stretched and polished off a tub of millionaire's shortbread before all heading our separate ways.

Mencap are hosting a Celebration of Caring concert on Saturday 8th June, which is 'An uplifting evening celebrating the vital contribution of carers and volunteers. Music from pop to opera, featuring local singers and musicians'. It is being held at St John's Church, Moulsham St from 7.30pm, and tickets are £8 each. If you would like to attend you can email info@cityofchelmsfordmencap.org.uk

Good luck to James G for the half marathon at the weekend!

Thank you all for coming, and well done on the extra long run. See you next week.

Laurie