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THOUSANDS of people will descend on the Three Counties Showground in Malvern next month for one of the biggest fundraising events of the year.

The Acorns Triple Run is back for a third year even bigger and better than before.

The event, taking place on Sunday, June 22, features the 13-mile Malvern Half Marathon race, a five-kilometre Spring Fun Run and a wheelchair-friendly one-kilometre Chicken Run' specially designed to cater for children and adults with special needs.

Last year's Triple Run attracted around 1,500 entrants and raised more than £35,000 for the Acorns Children's Hospice and other charities, and spokesman Sarah Grout is hoping this year's event will be an even bigger success.

"The Acorns Triple Run is a perfect opportunity not only for serious runners to improve their personal best, but especially for newcomers to running to try out a fun run," she said. "The event invites anyone of all levels of fitness to support and raise the profile of the work of such a deserving local charity. Through the event the organisers consider that every person has the opportunity not just to have a lot of fun, but to find their own personal best' and feel proud to celebrate it."

The half marathon course follows a predominantly flat route through local villages against the stunning backdrop of the Malvern Hills, while the Fun Run passes through scenic woodland adjacent to the Three Counties site. The Chicken Run takes place on the showground itself, with a specially-designed course weaving through chicanes and ramps both indoors and outside.

All three courses share a finish line so that runners of all abilities share in the experience together, and there will be a medal for everyone taking part.

This year's Half Marathon incorporates the Worcestershire County Championships, being run by Worcester Athletic Club, and anyone local to the area through birth or residence can elect to enter that particular contest when signing up.

There are also a series of brand new Team Challenges', allowing groups from local businesses, schools, sports clubs and pubs to compete for trophies against others from their respective sectors.

On the day of the event the Three Counties Showground will be a hive of activity, with participants and supporters sharing in the buzz of race day and enjoying a raft of stalls, demonstrations and displays as well as refreshments and a licensed bar.

Entry into the Triple Run costs £5 for the Spring and Chicken Run courses, and £16 for the Half Marathon (£14 if affiliated to a UK Athletics club).

For details on how to enter as an individual or as part of the team challenges call the special Triple Run hotline on 0844 9840405 (10am-4pm Monday-Friday), email triplerun@acorns.co.uk or visit www.acornstriplerun.org.uk The closing date for individual entries is Sunday, June 8 while team entries must be submitted no later than Saturday, May 24. The event will require the support of 300 volunteer helpers, and anyone interested in signing up should also get in touch.

5:21pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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