Junior and Mini events have been introduced to the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run for the first time this year – and a nine-year-old runner from Horfield will be one of the keenest participants.
Reuben Tushingham is looking forward to the 2.5k Junior event (for runners aged nine to 15), which will take place on Saturday May 10, the day before the 10k and half marathon events, while his five-year-old sister Iona is set to run in the 1.5k Mini, for three to eight-year-olds.
They will be part of a family team of 15 children taking part in the runs in support of Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal, the charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital.
Reuben, a pupil at Ashley Down Primary School, has been preparing by joining the Horfield Common junior parkrun with his friends and playing football with his team, Ashley Down FC.
Reuben took part in the Family Run at last year’s Great Bristol Run, when he raised more than £1,000– far outstripping his initial target of £50. He and his team aim to do even better in 2025.
For Reuben, the run is not only a chance to have fun while raising funds, but is symbolic of how far he’s come since his early years.
Reuben was born with talipes (also known as club foot), which happens when the Achilles tendon is too short and causes the foot to turn in and under. Both Reuben’s feet were affected, but thanks to extensive treatment he’s now able to walk, play football, ride his bike – and run.
Parents David and Becca are full of praise for the hospital. “When Reuben was born we didn’t know what to expect, so to see him take part in this run makes us beyond delighted, ” said David.
Reuben added: “Bristol Children’s Hospital cared for me so that today I can do runs like this one! They gave me boots and a bar, operated on my feet, gave me new splints to wear and plaster casts when I needed them. They taught me stretches that I need to do as I grow. They made me feel safe and they cheered me on through my treatment. Because of their kindness and hard work, I can play football with my friends and ride my bike!”
The Junior and Mini runs are being introduced in place of the Family Run, giving more opportunities for children to take part in their own running challenge, while freeing up time on the main race day.