The Sopwith Memorial Run will be getting under starters orders on Sunday 25 September after a difficult two and a half years due to the pandemic. It’s in a different format this year but is still the same fun and friendly event in aid of a riding centre for children and adults with additional needs. 

This event is organised by Alex Edwards whose parents Tom and Anne Sopwith were instrumental in setting up the Clwyd Special Riding Centre in Flintshire, North Wales. It provides equine experiences such as carriage driving, equestrian vaulting, hippotherapy and riding to people with a physical or learning disability or mental health issues with participants benefitting greatly from these activities. 

What has changed this year? It is the 40th anniversary (ruby) of the Clwyd Special Riding Centre and instead of taking to the lanes and the hills, the event is held on an all-weather equine track or ‘Ruby Route’. This is approx. 2K in distance. 

There is a run beginning at 9am which involves running, jogging or walking loops of the track as far as you can in an hour. The second run at 10.30am is a treasure hunt where participants have 40 items to spot and record along the Ruby Route. This can all be done at an easy pace and is ideal for families (and safe for children).   

These are two ways to test yourself whilst supporting the work of the Riding Centre and receive a medal for your efforts. 

For more information and to enter, contact Alex Edwards at sopwithmemorialrun@gmail.com.

Image courtesy of Sopwith Memorial Run.