AS determined runners battle their way through the 26 miles of the RB Hull Marathon, friends and family who come along to support are invited to an altogether less gruelling experience.
RB, the world’s leading consumer health and hygiene company, is setting up the RB Village in West Park, near the KC Stadium, to provide refreshment and entertainment for people waiting for runners to cross the finishing line.
The attraction will feature a host of activities aimed at ensuring children have a fun day, including Science Lab Rascal Experiments, arts & crafts, inflatables, a photo booth, a sweet stand, face painting and glitter art.
It will also have a Save the Children stand, a charity which RB has supported for many years and for whom RB runners will be raising money for on the day.
Bethany Dean, part of the RB Hull Marathon team, said:
“Running a marathon is a huge challenge and most people will complete it in anywhere from three to five hours. That means that if you’re supporting a friend or family member during the race, you’ve got a long wait to see them cross the finishing line.
“We thought we would create a place that people could come along to and have some fun with their children while they wait. We have a range of activities planned, including some that are science based because as a company, we’re extremely keen to demonstrate to young people how fun science and innovation, and careers in these fields, can be.
“If someone you know is running the marathon and you think you’ll have a long wait, why not drop in? Everyone is welcome.”
As well as creating the RB Village, 57 runners from the company will be taking part in the marathon this year, raising money for Save the Children.
The company has also been working alongside the organisers of the RB Hull Marathon in encouraging local school children and artists to design mile-markers for the course, which will reflect the places they are situated.
Runners will also get a message of encouragement as they pass RB’s £105m Centre for Scientific Excellence, currently being built at its Dansom Lane site. The state-of-the-art R&D facility (which will be known as RB’s World of Inspiring Science) will feature a huge billboard celebrating the marathon and runners to help lift spirits as they battle with the gruelling race.
Dr Bruce Charlesworth, RB Hull Site Lead, added:
“As a healthcare business we’ve been proudly involved with the marathon for a number of years now, but decided we wanted to do even more in 2017. In line with our purpose of healthier lives and happier homes, we’ve got a record number of people from the company running, and we wanted to provide a fun and engaging environment for runners and supporters alike.
“I think it is going to be a fantastic day for all.”
