Get training for the 5th Treetops 10k run

It's that time of year again to brush the cobwebs off your trainers and get fit for the Donna Louise Children's Hospice Trust annual Treetops 10k run.

The Treetops 10K enters its 5th year in 2009 and takes place on Sunday 10th May at Trentham Estates. This is one of our flagship events and is once again kindly sponsored by Michelin.

Not only is this year's race in celebration of the Donna Louise Children's Hospice 10th Birthday, but now everyone is invited as we introduce a 5K Family Fun Run too!

Melanie Mills, Head of Fundraising & PR. “The Treetops 10k Race is now in its 5th year and this year we have decided to put a different spin on it. The charity celebrates its 10th Birthday this year, and we are introducing a 5k Family Fun Run into the event for the very first time. For all you serious runners, the 10K course will again fall under UK Athletics Certificate of Course Accuracy with official times being issued to all runners taking part in the 10K race. But if you are not so serious about running, and want to take part for the fun of it, the 5K Family Fun Run is just the thing for you! The Fun Run is open to people of all ages and abilities and to celebrate our Birthday,

"Last year's event saw over 600 runners taking part, and this year, with the introduction of the Fun Run, we hope to see hundreds more. Whether you are taking part as a competitive runner, to improve your time, to build your fitness, running in memory of a loved one or doing it for the sheer fun of it, Treetops 10K and 5K Family Fun Run has something for everyone."

The course is set in an idyllic environment surrounded by woodlands, Italian gardens and part of the course takes you around the tranquil lake. The course terrain is fairly easy going with the majority of the course being on flat ground with one slight incline.

Entry into the Italian Gardens is free until 10am, so why not bring your family and friends along to cheer you on whilst taking advantage of the fantastic facilities in the gardens.

Treetops 10K and 5K Family Fun Run takes place on Sunday 10th May 2009. Registration starts at 9:00am for 10:00am race start, with a warm up beforehand to get your blood flowing, your muscles warmed up and get you in the spirit of the race. Entry fee is the same as last year at £12 for adults and £5 for under 16's. Adults will also receive a free T-shirt and all runners will receive a medal on completion of the race.

There will be fantastic prizes to be won including Best Fancy Dress, and competitors that bring their sponsorship money in on the day will be entered into a prize draw. The success of the event depends on how much sponsorship money you can bring in and there will be a prize for the person that raises the most in sponsorship, so get out there and bring in the cash!