It is less than six months since the nation was shocked by the murder of Metropolitan Police Sergeant Matt Ratana at Croydon Custody Centre on Friday 25 September 2020. At the time, Matt's friend, Police Sergeant colleague, and Tunbridge Wells Harrier Paul Hollis arranged the first Ratana Virtual 10K to raise vital funds to support Matt Ratana's partner, Su, expecting perhaps 250 participants.

Paul was overwhelmed with the response and the final analysis shows more than 2,500 participants raised in the region of £50,000 and equally importantly, improved awareness of the incredibly difficult and dangerous job performed by the police every single day. 

Paul could barely cope with the logistics on top of the day job but eventually, every participant received a bespoke T-shirt and medal for the nominal entry fee (fundraising was in addition). 

There has since been a clarion call to repeat the event and so the annual Ratana Virtual 10K 2021 has been launched, with a choice of technical T-shirt or racing vest by Kustom Clothing and a specially struck medal featuring the Ratana Foundation logo. 

Entry fees are £25 and the race will be live throughout April. Celebrity supporters include Olympic medallists Alistair and Jonny Brownlee (pictured), Kelly Holmes, and Sally Gunnell.

This year Paul hopes to engage more of the rugby community. New Zealander Matt Ratana was a popular rugby player and coach at East Grinstead rugby club. Paul is also on a personal mission to involve every single police force in the country.

Entry fees (£25) cover the cost of medals, shirts, and postage in this not-for-profit event. Fundraising is via JustGiving with an initial target of £10,000, which will be evenly divided between the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation and the support fund for Matt's partner – click here for details and to donate

Last year's coverage of the event in runABC can be reviewed here

Further information for the Ratana Virtual 10K 2021 is available here 

Image courtesy Paul Hollis